Does my dad have alterior motifs?

I have never had the best relationship with my dad. He was verbally abusive.. an alcoholic.. narcissistic.. went to jail three times acting nuts around my and my brothers (drunk and abusive).. He has done things such as "set ups" (what my councilor told me)... I'm never sure when he is trying to be a good person and not. My mom and him are getting a divorce finally after 25 years. I know money is a huge issue with her and him right now.. He's been texting me a lot saying he loves me and misses me... He also has been texting my brother as well (who he was the meanest to).. I'm not sure if I am to believe him or what he's thinking. I feel bad when he texts me so I text him back but does he have alterior motifs? Please help me I'm very prone to con artists but also believing people have hidden agendas.