What does the cryptic crossword clue "Torn between father and a love initially of mother? (8)" mean?

The definition is "mother?". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PARENT (synonym="father") + A (first_letter="and") + L (first_letter="love") = PARENTAL; definition: "of mother?" The answer is PARENTAL.

Torn between father and a love initially of mother? (8)

Guardian Cryptic #25563 | 15 Across | 2012-02-20 flower

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