Broken(25)

Jocelyn grinned. Who would have thought her big burly daddy would know anything about fashion. “I’ve already taken care of it before I left. I don’t plan on working on anything other than Lavern’s dress and maybe doodle some ideas here or there, but that’s the extent of it. This is my vacation.” She nudged him. “You sound like you know a little bit about the industry. Don’t tell me you’re a secret fashion guru.” She grinned.

“Put your robe on and come with me. I have something to show you.”

Jocelyn didn’t know what her father was up to, but she did as she was told and followed her father out of the room and down the hall to his private study. A slight smile tugged the corners of her lips as she took in her surroundings. She couldn’t remember how many times she’d come in this very room and sat on the couch in the corner while her father did paperwork. In the winter, there’d be a warm fire crackling and in the summertime, the window would be open to allow a breeze in. No matter how busy her father had been, he’d never denied her admittance.

He pulled a large leather album from one of the book shelves. “Have a seat, Jocelyn,” he instructed before joining her on the couch. “First off, I want to say how proud I am of all you’ve accomplished over the years. I’ve been following your career from the beginning.” Jack then opened what she had thought was a photo album.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw what was inside. There were various newspaper clippings. “Newcomer Takes Designer of the Year Award”, “Triumphant Showing at Fashion Week for Jos Song”, and “The Stars Come out To Support the Opening of The House of Song”.

“Dad,” she whispered in awe, flipping through the pages as she discovered more articles spanning her career. “I didn’t realize you’d kept track of me.”

Her father smiled. “Well, this little town of ours isn’t that backwards. We do get the occasional newspaper. And we have cable to boot. Lavern and I even watched the Oscars this year just to see who was wearing you. Did I say that right?”

“You said it perfectly.” Tears returned with a vengeance, stinging the backs of her eyes. Shame twisted inside her belly. She’d done her father a disservice. Her intentions had been noble, but they’d hurt someone she loved more than life itself. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I was selfish for what I did, and I never meant to hurt you. But please know, it was never because I was ashamed of or mad at you. I love you so much.”

“I know, baby.” He engulfed her within his big strong embrace, gently stroking her head as she sobbed into his shoulder. “It’s okay. Daddy’s here.” Rocking her gently back and forth in a comforting motion, he whispered soothing words in her ear until her cries subsided. She was a little girl all over again, being comforted after scraping her knees. He’d helped her get through her physical boo boos but would he be able to help her through this huge emotional one?

“Is there something you wanted to tell me?” He stroked her hair.

She moistened her lips. “I’m not sure if I can. The only people who know are Kyla and my therapist.”

His brows furrowed together. “Therapist? What kind of therapist. Are you sick, baby?”

Jocelyn shook her head. She heard the alarm in his voice and knew she’d have to tell him. It was the least she owed him. “Something bad happened, Daddy. That’s why I never came back.”

“Something here?”

“No. Not at the ranch.”

“Then where? Tell me. Please.”

Jocelyn shuddered as her chest tightened. Even after seven years, reliving that night was still raw. She opened her mouth and then closed it again. When she’d finally gathered her composure, she raised her head to meet his gaze. “I don’t know where to begin.”