Whispered Promises Read Online Free PDF Page B

didn’t want to be left all alone. Please try and understand, son, she was all I had. I couldn’t let you take her away. I know I was wrong, and I’ve asked you here for your forgiveness and to set matters straight. I know you could have taken advantage of Caitlin four years ago, but you didn’t. You did the honorable thing and married her. But at the time, I couldn’t accept the difference in your ages. I thought she was too young for marriage, especially to you. I didn’t want to see her get hurt.”
    A number of questions flooded Dex’s mind. He still didn’t understand why Halston Parker had stopped their divorce. He watched the older man try to raise his hand up to him. Dex knew the attempt was draining on him, so he took the frail hand in his.
    â€œRegardless of whether the divorce is valid or not, it was Caitlin’s decision to end our marriage, Mr. Parker, not yours. You didn’t do anything to me personally so there’s no reason for you to ask my forgiveness,” Dex replied harshly.
    Halston Parker shook his head weakly. “I made her choose between the two of us, and I never should have done that. I used her one weakness, her love for me, to turn her away from you. Don’t you understand? I pressured her.”
    â€œBut the decision was still hers, not yours,” Dex stated sharply. A part of him hardened at the man’s words. What was Caitlin’s father driving at? Why was he attempting to find excuses for the decision his daughter had made? As far as Dex was concerned, there was no acceptable excuse.
    Halston Parker removed his hand from Dex’s and offered it to Caitlin. She tenderly took his outstretched hand. She had been standing quietly by Dex’s side as tears streamed down her face. “Will you forgive me for being so selfish and for thinking more of my happiness than of yours, Caitlin?”
    Caitlin’s breath caught her in throat, making speech difficult. “Dex’s right, Daddy. It was my decision, so don’t ask either of us to forgive you. I love you very much.”
    â€œAnd I love you, baby-girl. I don’t want to leave you alone,” he said, his voice taut and thick with emotions and worried concern.
    â€œI won’t be alone, Dad. I have Jordan.”
    A lone tear fell from the older man’s eye as he slowly nodded. “You’ve been the joy of my life. Every man should have a daughter such as you to love. No man should be cheated out of that.” He turned his attention back to Dex. “Promise me you’ll take care of Caitlin. Please take care of my baby for me. Promise me.”
    Dex had not been prepared for this request and his gaze quickly flew to Caitlin. She refused to meet his eyes, and he couldn’t help but see the way she was clenching her teeth to keep from crying out. Her body began trembling as silent tears continued to stream down her face. This was an enormous ordeal for her. How would she feel if he were to make a promise like that to her father? And who on earth was Jordan? Was he a new man in her life? If so, why was her father asking him to come back into her life when it appeared she was involved with someone else? Was Halston Parker trying to manipulate his daughter’s life even now with one foot in the grave?
    Dex gazed down into the older man’s face. Glassy eyes watched him, waiting for his answer. He didn’t have to be a doctor to know the man’s condition was going downhill and fast. He was fighting just to keep his eyes open. The man lay facing imminent death, and more than anything he needed the assurance that his daughter would be taken care of.
    Without any further thought, Dex answered. “I promise to take care of Caitlin and to do what I can for her, Mr. Parker.”
    Halston Parker released a long, ragged breath, accepting Dex’s promise. He closed his eyes and moments later his breathing became deep and even. Wordlessly, Dex