Divine Will

Chapter Twenty Eight - Overdue Apologies

"Hello, Victor." I shook his outstretched hand.

"I'm sorry that I came here unannounced, but I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh, ok." I told him dumbfounded. What would he possibly want to talk to me about? I looked at my mom and she gave me a small nod. I turned to my kids and said. "Babies, go to your room and get ready to sleep. I'll follow you in a bit." They nodded and kissed me before running to their rooms.

"Please sit." I told Victor politely as he was still standing. He took a seat while I took the one opposite of him.

My mom however stood up and excused herself. "I need to go home. I'll talk to you later, sweetheart." I stared at her for a moment and she just gave me a small smile before walking out.

Once I heard the door click shut, I turned my attention towards Victor.

"Your home is nice." He said as he looked around.

"Thank you." I replied. My home wasn't big in any means, nor was it luxurious, but it was a home nonetheless; a home that I paid for and I was proud of that.

"You're probably wondering why I am here right now." He started and I nodded. "I want to apologize to you, Rosie." I stared at him; trying to comprehend what he had just said. "I know that I should have apologized to you a very long time ago, but I guess a lot of things were in my way; my pride, Marie." He explained.

"What's done is done, Victor." I told him. "I have already moved on."

"No. What Marie and I did was wrong and I'm really sorry. I really hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us."

This man that I used to call my father in law, this man that is known to be a proud man that never apologized to anyone is sitting here in my modest home and apologizing to me. I had to give him credit for that.

"Like I said, what's done is done, Victor. It's in the past and if forgiveness is what you're looking for then you're forgiven."

"Thank you." He gave me a sincere smile. "You've always been someone who had my respect." I nodded firmly. "That's not all." He said. I gave him a questioning look. "I want to give you back everything that's rightfully yours."

I shook my head no. "I can't accept anything." I told him. I was prideful and didn't need anything from anyone.

"No, this is yours." He said as he brought out a check book from his pocket and started scribbling on it then he ripped off the paper and placed it on the coffee table. "Please, if not for you then for the kids. This is theirs as much as it is yours."

"What do you want in return?" I asked him; my voice going cold.

Victor sighed before replying. "I don't want you to think of this as a bribe." He started.

"Just tell me what you want in return." I repeated; my voice going even colder and harder.

"I want to see the kids. I want to be a part of their lives." He said. "I've missed so much; five years to be exact and I want to make up for that if you will let me." I looked at Victor; my face softening.

"That's it?" I asked him and he nodded.

"That's all I want, Rosie. They're always on my mind, but I never had the courage to ask for your forgiveness, but when I saw them at the park the other day I felt like that was the push I needed."

I looked at Victor and nodded. "Okay." I gave him a small smile. "The kids need their grandparents after all." Victor's features however became solemn. "Marie doesn't know you're here." I stated and Victor nodded.