I swear to God one day, I'm going to punch Jack in the dick.

After a very awkward moment of hellos exchanged between me and my father, I focused my attention on Joyce until Gracie came back with about six different wines, and setting a dump bucket in the middle. These were wedding recommended wines, apparently, but we were free to look over a menu of other choices and ask for those too.

And man, did I need a fucking drink. Cabernet Sauvignon was the first thing Jack poured out for all of us, while it was quiet since I was busy staring at my dad, who was seated next to Jack and no one else knew how to start conversation. The minute my glass was filled, I picked it up. Like I said, I needed a drink, badly.

“So, uhh, mom.” Jack spoke up first, “How has everything been?”
“Oh just fine, though now a lot quieter since the last birdie left the nest.” She answered, and I stiffened. I left when I was still barely eighteen.
“Yeah, I promise to grab my stuff sometime soon.” Jack said, before sipping at his glass. He looked at me, making a small motion toward my dad. I finished off half my glass, unsure of what to say and trying to ignore how much my chest hurt.
“How have things been at the new place?” Joyce asked, clearly trying to get the motion of conversation started. Dad and I still have yet to say anything, it's been years since we were in each other's presence for this long.
“Pretty awesome actually, you should see the place, Ember picked out most of the furniture, right babe?” Jack said, and I almost kicked him under the table.
“Uh, yeah...” I said when Joyce looked at me. Well, at least now I could focus more on her face. “Jack and I like around the same colors anyway.”
“I hope I get to see it some time.” She smiled, and I couldn't fight the smile I gave back to her.
“You're invited anytime...” I slowly trailed over to my father. “Both of you.”
“You're actually going to allow me in your house?” My dad deadpanned, and it was like the air was sucked out of the room.
“Well, considering I never go in yours, how else am I supposed to see Joyce?” I said back, and my dad narrowed his eyes.
“You always knew how to hold a grudge.”
“Yeah, and you never did anything to stop it.”
“You wouldn't have listened anyway.”
“I would have listened to an apology.”
“I didn't feel as though I need to give one out.”
“Well, how do you feel now considering I'm fucking marrying the guy you were so against me being with?”

My dad didn't say anything back, and I could tell how uncomfortable Jack and Joyce were, but there was no stopping the storm that just blew in. My heart was still pounding, my hands even felt sweaty, but I wasn't sure if it was because I was so incredibly pissed right now, or because of my nerves. My dad didn't say anything, and we were locked in a star down. Jack coughed nervously, before dumping the rest of his glass in the bucket, and Joyce did the same. Realizing I wasn't going to get anymore out of my dad for now, I finished my wine and looked to Jack.

“What's next to try?” He scrambled to grab the bottle and read it.
“Looks like, Pinot Noir. Earthy, great with any food but fish and veg-”
“Just pour it.” I snapped, and Jack did as he was told.

Soon we were down to the last two wines, and I was definitely feeling the buzz, considering I wasn't even bothering with cake. Jack poured out the Sauvignon Blanc, and even though I wasn't a huge fan of white wine, I was willing to chug down anything right now. Jack and Joyce had tried talking about things that would get either my dad or I talking again, but it didn't work. I could tell Jack was feeling bad about all this, but it wasn't really his fault. It was my father's, all he has had to do all these years is apologize. He never bothered too, he just got all the news about what I was doing with my life from Joyce. He didn't even know everything though, just the basics, I bet.

I was taking a sip when I nearly choked on the wine I was 'tasting' thanks to what my dad said next.

“You're right.”
“What?” I managed to ask after avoiding a coughing fit.
“I said you're right.” My dad said, looking like he just gave up trying to hold the world up. “All those years ago, I refused to believe this,” I he gestured to me and Jack. “Would go anywhere. I was wrong, and I should have admitted it a long time ago. It was just really hard, it's not like you get your stubborn personality from no one.”

I stared at him, shocked and a little relieved. Well, that was ridiculously hard to get him to say.

“When you walked out that door with those cruel words, it took everything in my not to jump up and stop you. However, I still wouldn't have approved of...this. Now, and even a few years before, I realize my mistake. I should have known better to think that something like step-siblings, especially teenagers, wouldn't ever be attracted to one another. I see the way Jack talks about you whenever he was home and Joyce would ask him about tour. There was pure love and affection on his face whenever your name was even mentioned. Even if it was coming from his own mouth. I want you,” He looked at Jack. “Both of you to know how sorry I am about how I acted when you first told us, and that I fully support this wedding. I want to be there, if I can be, so I can show you that I mean it. And even if you don't want me there, Ember, then at least let me help by paying for the bar tab you guys will be using.”

I smiled a little at my dad, glad he finally admitted he was wrong. Maybe we could fix our relationship, actually, we most likely could now that we're not acting like enemies anymore.
“You have to be in it, dad.” I spoke, and my dad seemed surprised. “And as for the bar tab, I don't think you know what you're asking to pay for.”
“Oh, I think I do.” He chuckled before standing up. “Joyce and I will leave the cake testing to you two, since you need to eat something. You're slurring, honey.”
“Bye, dad.” I said, rolling my eyes.
“Bye kids...” He waved, then spoke softly, looking at me. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”