Chapter 69

David is regrettably packing a suitcase for an inescapable business trip. He doesn't want to be away from home at this time; but doesn't have a choice. The company won't allow his absence from this; at least not without facing harsh ramifications…which would more than likely be him being terminated from the company. And David can't afford to be fired under the current circumstances. This was a two year acquisition in the making; chiefly overseen by David. The Board of Directors, though sympathetic to his family's situation, simply refuses to send anybody else but him to close the deal. David has no choice but to go; and feels terrible about it. Nadine watches from the doorway for a moment, smiling as she recalls his last business trip's oversight before entering. She always speaks softly now; and raspy at times. "Did you remember to pack your blue tie?" He turns around and smiles. "Yeah; I remembered this time. Thanks." "No prob." He resumes packing, while telling her, "I wish I didn't have to go on this business trip…it's just…well…I've been taking a lot of time off recently, and my boss said…" "Dad…its fine. Really…I totally understand." "Yeah, well; it'll only be a week and a half…two tops. I'll be back before you know it. Then maybe, if you're feeling up to it, we can all go out somewhere…wherever you'd like to go. How's that sound?" "Great." "Okay…then think about it and let me know where you want to go when I get back. Deal?" "Deal." "Good." As he continues packing, Nadine watches; with tears beginning to form in her eyes. She starts to reflect upon everything David had done for her over the years; all the sacrifices he's made and how he's always been there for her no matter what. She thinks about what a wonderful father he's been to her, and how loved she's always felt by him. And though most of her girlfriends had become a little distant with their fathers, especially after reaching their adolescent years, she has always felt a close connection with him. Nadine feels truly blessed to have had him for her father. As she begins to wipe her eyes dry, Nadine softly calls out to him, "Daddy?" It's been years since the last time David heard Nadine refer to him as ‘Daddy'. He instantly becomes somewhat overwhelmed by this; taking a brief moment to recompose himself before slowly turning to look at her. "Yes…Nadine?" "I just…" She has to briefly pause before she's able to continue. "I just wanted to say…thank you." "You're welcome. But really, it's no problem taking you wherever…" "No…not that." "Then…thank you for what?" Nadine takes a moment tenderly looking at him before devoutly professing, "Thank you…for everything." Deeply touched from this, David finds himself speechless. At first, they stand there lovingly staring into the other's eyes; then slowly walk towards each other, opening their arms while preparing to embrace. He hasn't held Nadine for the past few months; ever since her body started atrophying from the ravages of the leukemia. David's been earnestly afraid that he might somehow hurt Nadine while in such an obviously fragile state; and doesn't want to cause her anymore physical pain than she's already suffering from. He's a little leery; but not enough to prevent him from putting his arms around her now. His immediate reaction is similar to that of the first time he held Corrine. Up until then, David had never held an infant before. And even though he was eager to hold her, he was also worried that he might inadvertently hurt such a delicate, little one. So, he made sure to make a conscious effort to handle her as gently as humanly possible; which he now finds himself wanting to do with Nadine. But the very moment he takes hold of her…just like those other two very moments he held his daughters in his arms for the first time…all his fears instantly subside; and all he feels is an inundation of swelling love for his precious ‘baby girl'.