Page 30 of Begin Again

“Sir, can we speak frankly?”

Owen ignored his rapidly beating heart and faced the man who’d been the first to capture Chloe’s heart. Jonathan Lake was an intimidating man, from his steely gaze, muscled frame, and powerful energy that beat in waves around his figure. Owen had always been a bit scared of him, agreeing with his view that Owen would never be good enough for Chloe. But now, it was time to set the past straight and tell his truths.

If he wanted a fresh start with Chloe, he needed to begin with her father.

“Frankly is the only way I speak,” Jonathan said, leaning against the rail of the porch. “Why don’t you tell me what’s on your mind?”

“Chloe. I’m not sure what she’s told you about us yet, but I specifically came back for her. To make things right. To get a second chance. I have no intention of hurting her.”

Jonathan lifted a brow. “You already did. Enough that I had to watch my daughter in pain for a very long time. It took her a while to put the pieces back together. So let me tell you my intentions, Owen Salt. You are going to leave her alone so she can get on with her life.”

He got a front row seat to how a competitor felt in direct opposition to the governor. The man was razor sharp, focused and intent on tearing Owen apart. This time, though, he knew who he was and what he wanted. Owen kept his position, meeting the man’s eyes in a direct, calm gaze.

“That’s not going to happen, sir. I’m here to stay. I’m not sure if Chloe will ever allow me a second chance, but I’m not giving up. I’m not the same man who left four years ago, but I’ve never stopped loving her. Not one damn day.”

Jonathan began to pace, his hands reflexively squeezing into fists. Owen recognized the same exact habit Chloe always demonstrated. He wished he had a stress ball to throw the man. “If you loved her, why’d you leave? I could have gotten you a damn job right here in New York—you never had to go to California. You left because you wanted to, and it’s time you admit it.”

The memory of his fateful decision still had the power to rip him apart. Remembering her face when he refused to respond after her begging him to stay. The splinter of raw vulnerability and pain when she realized he was breaking up with her. “No. I left because I had to. I’m not sure if you can understand the position I was in. Chloe always had a clear direction of what she wanted to accomplish. I was lost. Do you have any idea how difficult it was knowing I could’ve been in some cushy job with your help or my grandfather’s by just asking, and choosing to go out on my own instead? The only identity I had as a man was loving your daughter. Is that what you’d really want for her?”

Jonathan practically growled at him. “No. That’s exactly why I never thought you were good for her!”

“You can’t help who you love. I fell for Chloe the second I laid eyes on her. Do you think that was easy? Being a nineteen-year-old kid and knowing your fate was right there, but you had to figure shit out first in order to be worthy of it? Have you ever experienced anything like that?”

“Yes—with Chloe’s mother. But I stayed and made it work. We figured it out together.”

Owen shook his head with frustration. “I couldn’t. When I lost my grandfather, I spun out. I didn’t want to be reliant on anyone but myself. And my gut sensed I’d end up losing Chloe anyway, maybe hurting her more and taking her down with me. I can’t change the past, I can only tell you I grew up. I know who I am, and that I’m worthy of your daughter. And with or without your permission, I’m going to try and convince her to give me another chance.”

Jonathan blew out a breath and halted mid-stride, facing him. “I liked Drew.”

Owen refused to flinch under the insult. “He’s not right for her. He’s more smitten with the idea of Chloe rather than her core. In fact, I think he’s more into having you as his future father-in-law.”

Jonathan let out a short laugh. “He did text me a lot.”

Owen grinned. “He sent her a lot of roses.”

The man wrinkled his nose. “She hates those.”

“I know,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be what she needed before, but I am now. I’m just asking for you to give me a chance, too.”

Jonathan rubbed his head and swore under his breath. “Fine. I’ll back off and let you both work it out. If you hurt her again, I won’t let you get away this time. I’ll find you.”

The threat by any other man would have sounded empty and like a wanna-be mobster.

From Jonathon’s mouth, Owen knew it was fact.

“I won’t. I can only hope to gain your respect along the way. Thanks for listening.” Owen turned toward the door, but the man’s voice stopped him cold.

“I respect you made some hard choices and owned up to them,” he said grudgingly. “Most men I know are full of empty excuses. Your grandfather would be proud of that, Owen.”

Emotion constricted his chest. “Thanks.”

He went back inside. Chloe sent him an anxious glance, and he smiled, giving her a nod.

The relief and happiness flickering on her face gave him hope. She wanted him to be on good terms with her father. It meant she saw a future for them. It might be misty now, but Owen intended to make it clearer with every day that passed.

The sun sank over the horizon and the mountains shimmered in a haze of muted pinks and oranges. The horses’ hooves thundered over the pasture, caught in the rush of an old-fashioned race. Owen leaned forward to urge Flower on, but Chloe had always been a better rider. She guided Chloe’s Pride to the lead, her black hair blowing in the wind, her laugh rising in the air and caressing his ears.

She passed the marker first and gave a wild whoop, and he grinned as he eased back on the reins, watching her perfect mount on the white horse, who twitched her tail with pride at the win.