I cried and begged Jenna not to leave me, that I would try counseling with her if that's what she wanted, but she told me coldly that there's absolutely no chance of us having a reconciliation.
Even worse, my 15-year-old daughter Shelley was actually happy about it. She's been cold to me like her mom, and her eyes danced in greedy anticipation.
I was heartbroken, but I finally just accepted it. However, I did ask them to stay until our annual 4th of July party was over. They reluctantly agreed.
It was a great party. Family, friends, music; I grilled steaks and burgers, and Jenna even made her popular potato salad. We had beer for the adults and sodas for the kids. I asked Shelley if she'd like her first beer; that I thought she was old enough to try it. She was shocked, but she took one willingly. I winked at her, but she just looked at me suspiciously, as did Jenna.
Oh, and the fireworks...can't forget those. I spared no expense and they were fantastic.
And amazingly, I was the life of the party. Everyone loved my jokes and antics. I told them all some of my previously untold and embarrassing stories, like the time I farted super loud while losing my virginity with one of my high school teachers. Her husband was outside and heard my fart. He ran in, saw us, and screamed at us. I ran all the way home naked. They moved not long after that. Everyone laughed their asses off while I told that story. I also twerked to an Ariana Grande song (in spite of everything, Shelley still insisted on picking most of the party music). People were laughing so hard, some of them almost choked. Jenna and Shelley blushed, shook their heads, and covered their faces, but I saw their grins breaking through.
My friend Tim said, "Goddamn, Bill! I don't know what's gotten into you, but you oughta do it more! You're funny as shit tonight!"
I modestly said, "I know it."
Jenna and Shelley stayed close together throughout the evening. At one point, I saw them exchange a look that could have meant, Are we doing the wrong thing? Well, if it was, it was too late for that.
It was nearing the end of the party, and it was time for the big finale. I didn't wanna make a big production of it, I was just gonna do it. While everyone was eating cake and ice cream, I put a lit fireworks mortar on my head and said loudly to Jenna and Shelley, "Happy 4th and forever to my two special girls!"
Last thing I heard was people screaming "No!" I think Shelley even screamed "Daddy!", something she hadn't called me in years.