After a long morning of misunderstood intentions, Phil Jerikoff felt more lively. A lengthy nap made him feel like a new man. Without his knowledge the drug he was slipped by his business partner Doyle Chamberlain took it's toll over him. Off and on all day he lapsed into dizziness and balance issues. Each time, luckily he had his daughter near by to take care of him.
Still, feeling better healthily didn't conceal the sickness he felt over his interactions with Candace. For all intents and purposes he might as well have had intercourse with her. Collapsing on top of her in a compromising unconsciousness was only the tip of the iceberg. His manhood had literally entered her . Worst still she admitted it was okay and even tried to get him to take her. Her words alone made him cringe. He even jerked off at her insistence. He felt like a complete moron.
Attributed to his drinking, perhaps partially involved, he pondered if he needed to partake in an AA meeting. It had been years. Truth be known even if he hadn't been drunk, the drug would have still been used on him.
It was his lost time that bothered him. How did he end up in his room to begin with? Let alone get naked and pass out. What had happened while he was out cold? His daughter obviously took care of him. Even managing to get Doyle to sign his building documents. He worried about the party going on without him. What had occurred? His daughter certainly wasn't the woman he raised. Her husband had changed her beyond recognition. How else does he explain her actions. They tickled each other while naked for Christ's sake. His thoughts were beyond a Father's judgment. Somehow he needed to get that across to Candace. He knew he couldn't change her. Deciding to leave well enough alone.
He strolls through his home and ends up in the living room. Adorning the walls were numerous family photos.
"Ah, Maggie. I hope you weren't looking in on us this weekend. I'm truly ashamed of myself. Our daughter is a little too grown up these days. I don't even know how to be her Father anymore. I can't scold her. I can't send her to her room. If only you were here to help me."
Behind him he hears shuffling on the carpet. Half turned he feels arms surround his waist.
"I'm very happy to have you as my Father. Mom may not be here but I know she's watching over both of us. We just need to learn to help each other more. Anytime you need me don't be afraid to call. Same goes for me. I've missed you Daddy."
"Same here Kitten. You smell nice by the way."
"I took a lengthy hot bath. No more chlorine scent. Just peaches." she crinkles her nose smiling.
"Another less than nothing dress I see. Not mention that plaid material it's made of looks like a picnic blanket." He admires her before adding, "How's about I take you shopping for a new wardrobe? I hear turtle necks and bell bottom pants are making a comeback."
"I know. I won't apologize. I like skimpy. I like to think of the pattern as a match for the Scotch Tape logo. And, as much as I appreciate the offer I must say no. Damian would have a fit if I wore more than I am right now. And, before you say it, No I won't lie to him. Not even neglect to mention it."
He scowls at her, "I hope the hell you don't let him in on our unexpected encounter."
With fidgeting lips she adds, "Oh, when you were mounting your daughter without realizing it? No, Daddy I won't tell him that much at least. Unless he asks of course. I'll do my best not to leave any hints."
"Yeah! That's encouraging." He rolls his eyes, "So, what do you want to do tonight? There's still daylight left."
"Let's buy flowers and go see Mom. We shouldn't wait two more weeks. Just in case I get overwhelmed by Damian coming home and my job."
"We can do that. Let me put my shoes on. We can stop by the florist and buy her some orchids."
"Mom's favorite."
She watches him head toward his room and decides to step outside the front door. It was still sunny and warm. A faint breeze batted at her thin dress. It felt delicious in all the right places.
Drifting off in her own thoughts, she herself feels the slightest hint of shame for riding her own Father while he was unconscious. At Doyle's sick whim. She hated lying to her Father but there really were no other options. What little they had done was tearing him up as it is. He must never find out the entire truth. Even if it meant letting Doyle win. She would figure things out later.
Joining her on the front step Phil tapped his garage door remote to raise and the two stepped along the sidewalk to enter the two car garage. Inside was Phil's SUV, a White Grand Cherokee.
Climbing in they backed out and sped off to the Florist. She waited in the SUV until Phil bought flowers and returned. Handing the bouquet of orchids through the passenger door window she couldn't resist sniffing their fragrance.
As Phil climbed in to the driver's seat he stared at her holding the flowers. Trying his best to avoid her hemline that rode up into forbidden places he shook his head, "You're a spitting image of your Mother."
She smirks, "We barely look alike. Our hair, tan, even my eyes are a different shade."
"It's not just that. Your features. Expressions. Posture even. Very similar. Looking at you makes me think of Maggie even more. "
"There's nothing wrong with that Dad. Mom was beautiful. Inside and out. I'm not sure Mom had my legs though. Stop comparing already." She laughs as he's caught looking at them.
"I have no idea why I even did that. Sorry."
She knows. Their interactions had caused Phil to examine her more vividly than the old Candace. Even if he found it abnormal, she understood it.
"I'm not offended you know that. Now put your focus on driving us to the cemetery. Mom is waiting for us."
Phil trembled at the words. Suddenly, it was if Maggie had snapped her fingers and scolded him for his immature observations. Starting the Cherokee he hit the gas and made their way out on to the outskirts of town.
Reaching a large metal archway that lead into a massive cemetery, he wound around the narrow road into it. Toward the back half of the graveyard he pulled over and turned off the SUV. Both of them stepped out and came together before a lengthy stroll through dozens of headstones.
Before finding Maggie's grave they stopped to weep. A much needed hug helped them both. With deepening sighs they finished their journey until they at last rediscovered Maggie Jerikoff's tombstone. Candace knelt down and carefully used at ground vase to insert the arrangement of orchids. Silence befell both of them as they sealed their eyes and gave way to inner prayer and troubled thoughts.
For the next ten minutes both Father and Daughter tried to explain themselves to Maggie in their own tormented methods. There was so much to ask forgiveness for. Even more to explain in ways that seemed unforgiveable to their own souls.
Final revelations led Candace to rise and stand in front of her Father. He forced his tears to reside and melded forward to outstretch his arms. Folding them around his daughter's chest he pulled her back into him tightly. She too battled back tears and became a second skin within his embrace. Neither of them were in any hurry to separate. Comfort felt intoxicating.
As a cool breeze crept over them Candi began shivering. Phil noticed and used his palms to massage her shoulders and upper arms. The friction helped. As he did Candi happened to feel her Father's unmistakable erection pressing against her lower spine. Her eyes bulged while staring down at her Mother's stone. This frightened her slightly.
How was it possible that her Father could be aroused by her at a time like this?
Phil himself hadn't even recognized his temptations. It was almost natural in his mind to take care of his daughter. He knew he had years to make up for. His arousal was unexpected.
Still, Candi made no moves to break away and question his erection. She nestled back into his arms and lifted her own palms up to rub his forearms. Goosebumps erupted all along her bare flesh. His attention had unexpectedly turned her on.
Phil's focus on her caught himself by surprise. He could feel her chest crush under his folded arms, she having no bra on. Her nipples were daggers against his arms constriction.
Finally, Candi patted his Father's arm, "Daddy? Are you okay?"
Phil paused to overt his eyes from Maggie's headstone, "I'm fine. Just lost in thoughts some. Missing your Mom a little more than I expected. Like I told you earlier you remind me of her at times."
"Missing Mom is expected. But missing Mom and getting aroused is another. Not that I'm complaining. It's just a little strange here in front of Mom."
"Aroused?" Then, it dawns on him. Sure enough he was fully erect and had it pressed hard against his daughter. He immediately releases her and steps back. Face red he holds up his palms toward her.
