Lisabeth sat across from Rachel, the diner they were in busy, the noise around them loud. It had been a few days since they’d had dinner and Rachel had brought Mason over. Things were strained, but Lisabeth knew everything would work out.

It had to, because the alternative was not an option.

“Maybe I made a mistake bringing Mason over the other night,” Rachel said, her focus on her coffee cup in front of her. The croissant she’d ordered was left uneaten, and the worry and strain on her face was evident. “I should’ve eased my father into it,” she said softly. “I shouldn’t have just brought Mason over and thought he would be okay with it.”

“I don’t think any amount of easing David into it would have made things easier,” Lisabeth said truthfully. She reached out and placed her hand on top of Rachel’s, giving her support. “He’ll come around, don’t worry.” She smiled at her best friend, but Rachel looked distant. “You really care about him, huh?”

Rachel finally lifted her head and stared Lisabeth in the eyes. It was then that that sadness washed away from her face and she smiled. Yeah, she loved Mason. That was clear, even if she never said the words.

“I really do care about him, and I know he cares about me too.” She exhaled and closed her eyes briefly while shaking her head. When she opened her eyes again there was this sad look in them. “It’s gonna take a lot of time for my father to accept me being with Mason. I know he thinks he’s not the best guy to be in a relationship with, but he doesn’t know him like I do.”

Lisabeth couldn’t speak on any of that. David had known Mason for many years. Whether there was conflict there or not, Lisabeth had a feeling no one would have been good enough for Rachel.

But Lisabeth didn’t say any of that. She wasn’t here to judge. Hell, she was dating Rachel’s father. If Rachel was happy with Mason, believed that he was a good guy, and if he treated her friend like the queen she was, then who was Lisabeth to say anything?

Besides, she knew if Mason did screw up, David would hand him his ass on a platter.

So, there was always that.

“You know your dad is just looking out for you,” Lisabeth finally said and removed her hand from on top of Rachel’s. She brought her coffee mug up and took a long sip of her latte. When she set it back down she smiled. “But he’ll see how much you care about Mason. Surely he can’t stay upset forever.”

Rachel smiled but it looked forced. “You know my father better than that,” she said and laughed.

Yeah, Lisabeth did. But she was trying to make Rachel feel better. “Besides, he doesn’t have much room to talk.” Lisabeth shrugged. “Because if you would’ve said you didn’t approve of our relationship we still would’ve been together.” Lisabeth didn’t say that to be like a slap to Rachel’s face. It wasn’t about saying she didn’t care about her feelings.

That wasn’t the case at all.

“It’s just that we love each other.” Lisabeth felt her face heat and knew she was smiling from ear to ear. “I really love him and I know he feels the same way. Mason just has to prove that he cares deeply enough for you that he won’t hurt you. That’s what your father is worried about. You being hurt.”

Rachel nodded and slowly licked her lips. “I know his anger comes from love, but it’s still hard to process that he doesn’t trust my judgment.”

“He trusts your judgment. I guess he just doesn’t trust Mason’s.”

Rachel nodded slowly. “Yeah, that’s evident. I guess he likes Mason only as a business partner.”

“I’m sure he likes Mason as a friend as well, just not a friend dating his daughter,” Lisabeth said and started chuckling. “Kind of crazy that we would be in the same situation together, huh?” Rachel nodded and smiled. “Who would’ve thought I would be dating your father, and you would be dating his business partner?” At that, both women started laughing.

“Hey, maybe we should start our own soap opera?”

Lisabeth started really laughing. “Listen, I’ll work on your dad, trying to get him to understand where you’re coming from.”

“Thanks. He’s stubborn as a mule though.”

Lisabeth smirked. “Oh, don’t I know it.” She glanced down at her coffee. “You’re really okay with us being together?” She looked at Rachel again.

“I am. As long as you two are happy so am I.”

Lisabeth exhaled and smiled. “Honestly, I don’t know how I would have dealt with it if you wouldn’t have been okay with me being with your dad.”

“Maybe if I hadn’t been in the middle of a relationship with Mason it would have been harder, but I know how love can take control and not let go.”

Lisabeth knew what she meant. “And you’re okay with us living together?” She held her breath, waiting for Rachel’s response.

“In the end it’s your life. Do what makes you happy.” Rachel reached over and touched Lisabeth’s hand. “If you’re happy I’m happy for you. End of story.”

It was funny how things worked out, but in the end, they always did. They had to.