“I feel bad for hating you for so many years now,” Dean says.
“Don’t feel bad,” Dad says. “I was weak, and my baby got hurt because of it.”
“I’m glad she’s dead,” I say simply. He looks up at me and is lost in thought for a second.
“Me too, baby,” he says. “I knew something was wrong.”
“What?” I ask.
“The stroke,” he says. “I told them I was napping, but I wasn’t. I sat there and watched her suffer. I told her all the reasons I hated her and how I can’t wait to get to Hell and see how much she’s been tortured.”
“You knew she was dying and didn’t help?” I ask.
“Yeah,” he says, almost ashamed. When I burst into laughter, so does everyone else. Dad looks up at me, confused, but smiles.
“Can I tell you something?” I ask.
“Of course,” he says.
“I killed Paul,” I say, and he chuckles. “I talked to the police about the rape and kidnapping. They basically said it was my fault and wouldn’t help. I knew he’d hurt me again, so I killed him.”
“He hung himself, I thought,” Dad says.
“I knocked the chair out from under him,” I say, and he belly laughs.
“I shouldn’t be proud of you for that, Sadie… but I am,” he says.
“I’m glad you got to say your peace,” I say, and he smiles weakly.
“It was a bit rewarding to be able to watch her suffer for what she’s done to you. She caused you so much pain... I want to make up for it somehow.”
“Can you accept the dynamic I have with the guys?” I ask. “Because if you can accept all of that and know that I will not be getting her baptized. We do not and will not go to church unless she one day asks to attend somewhere... Then you and I can work through this.”
“Tomorrow will be the last time I ever attend church,” Dad says. “Do they treat you well?”
“The guys?” I ask, and he nods. “They treat me very well.”
“Then that’s all I care about, sweetie,” he says. “I sure hope you take time away from them, because that’s a lot of testosterone for one house.”
“She and that baby funnel a lot of estrogen into the house, so it levels out,” Mason says, nudging me.
“You shut up,” I laugh.
“She made me eat pickles and peanut butter,” Dean remarks.
“Dude, you were eating that with her on the trip over here,” Jake laughs.
“So what you’re telling me is the way to make up everything to her is through food?” Dad asks.
“Yes,” I say quickly, and he smiles. “I mean, don’t call me a whore or try and shove a bible down my throat, but food is a good start.”
“Well, I invited Jeff, Penny, Greg, and Cindy over for dinner since we all knew you’d be here today,” Dad says. “I have ribs, chicken, and a brisket in the smoker out back.”
“You better be serious,” I say, and he laughs.
“They are bringing some sides. I made some Caesar salad as well,” he says.
“Wait. Like with your dressing?” I ask.