Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(101)

“Indeed, that was the hardest talk we’ve ever had. He would’ve never risked our friendship for any woman in the world. I mean, except for you.” He ponders a few more moments, then takes a deep breath. “Are you really sure about this?”

“Very much so,” I assert confidently.

“Well, if you feel he’s the one, then my only duty as your father is to stand by your side and, when the day comes, walk you down the aisle.” I grin radiantly at his words. “Do you want me to talk to him?”

I really have the best dad in the world. I jump into his arms, holding him tight. “That would be perfect. Thank you so much, Dad.”

He gasps, feeling squeezed a bit too tightly. “Alright, don’t be late. You have a plane to Rotterdam to catch. Did you buy a present for your mother? It’s Christmas after all.”

“I’ll buy it when I land.”

But Dad seems to have everything already arranged, as he hands me a Tiffany gift bag. “Here. Take this. She’ll like it.”

“Wow. You really think of everything.”

“Well, my assistant does.”

I hug him once more. “You’re the best dad in the world. Thank you.” And I kiss his cheek before leaving.





Roy Van Gatt





As Petra leaves my library, I sigh and smile at her kind words. I knew since that talk with Alex that their announcing an engagement was just a matter of time. After all, he wouldn’t have risked our friendship if it wasn’t serious. I would’ve preferred for them to get engaged after her graduation, but there’s no changing Petra’s mind. She’s as stubborn and determined as I am. When she has something in mind, nothing and no one can knock it loose. Strangely enough, though, it feels like everything was already written a long time ago. I smile happily nevertheless. After all, she’s getting engaged to my best friend, utmost confidant, and business partner, someone I trust entirely. I know he’ll take good care of her.

“Janine!”

“Yes, Mr. Van Gatt?”

“Kindly prepare a special dinner for two, please.”

“Sure, who is coming?”

I smile, feeling playful. “My future son-in-law.”





Alexander Van Dieren





After serving supper, Janine has been asked to leave. Roy and I are now totally alone. We’ve spent most of our time laughing and toasting while indulging in a special reserve Chateau Pétrus to celebrate the occasion. But suddenly Roy becomes quieter, his gaze thoughtful as he looks steadily down at his plate, then back up again. “She doesn’t know about your past, right?” He sighs. “I don’t want my daughter to have anything to do with your… well… previous lifestyle.”

Fuck, I didn’t see that coming. I take a sip of my wine and shake my head. “Of course not. I told you, my past is over.”

“I hope so,” he replies instantly. “Otherwise, this might have serious implications for both of us. I don’t want her to have any trouble.”

“I gave you my word, Roy. I’ll never put Petra in any such situation.”

“I know, and you always do what you promise.” He pauses. “Very well,” he mumbles while finishing his meal. The only sound is the chewing of his filet mignon. “Can you promise me something else?”

“Tell me.”

He wipes his mouth and takes a sip from his glass. “I give you my blessing for you to get engaged,” he announces. “And at this pace, I bet the big day will come sooner than I’d like, but”—he pauses icily on the but—“promise me she’ll only bear children after she graduates.”

I choke on my wine, taken aback, dazed and confused. Of all the requests Roy could have possibly made, this one is the oddest.

“Rest assured, we’ve never spoken about kids, Roy. I’m sure Petra is totally focused on her studies.”

“Good. She’s very young and deeply in love. I need her to keep her feet on the ground. She’s made for greatness—a bright, bold future in finance, Forbes Thirty under Thirty. Can you imagine—she could even be the chairperson of our company when I retire, who knows?” His face glitters with joy and pride as he languorously talks about her future achievements. But his joy suddenly shifts to a cold, censoring stare. “And motherhood is very time-consuming. Children can wait, right?”

I remain totally baffled and mute. Not only have I never spoken about kids with Petra, but I also have no idea whatsoever what her thoughts are about them. Heck, I don’t even know if she wants to have them. If she’s like her father, it for sure won’t be anytime soon. I don’t want to answer now, but I feel like I have to. After all, Petra told me she’s taking the pill. I just hope she’s doing it right, as I have no intention of ever using condoms with her. I love leaving a part of me inside her. Condoms belong to the past, to those one-night-stand, no-strings-attached relationships and girlfriends I didn’t trust. “Of course. I promise she’ll graduate before having kids.”





Chapter 25





Rotterdam, December 24, 2019

Petra Van Gatt





My iPhone beeps with a new WhatsApp message. I grin with joy—it’s Alex. I can’t help but feel something warm in my chest when I get a new text from him. I open and read it. Good evening, Ms. Van Gatt. I imagine you must be at your mother’s house having dinner by now. I have excellent news! Your father and I discussed our intention to get engaged. He’s okay with it, but wants you to graduate from Columbia before we have kids, which I think is totally fine. Right? I’m dying to see you tomorrow. I love you so much. Merry Christmas!