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“I’ve found that standing next to Sarah is enough when it comes to her ex, Gary.”
I knew they’d had some issues with Addy’s father being absent when they first started dating. But Knox’s presence seemed to spur his interest. He’s since moved to Maryland to be closer to Addy and to exercise his visitation.
“I would have thought she’d want to take care of it herself.” My mind was warring with itself. Satisfy my urge to protect her, or stand back and let her handle it?
“You’re just there for moral support.”
I washed my hands in the sink and then grabbed my keys. “Thanks for the advice, brother.”
Knox chuckled as I walked away. “Anytime.”
I drove as fast as I could to meet her. I wasn’t sure which place they’d be at, but knowing her father, it was most likely the greasy spoon. He wouldn’t take her to a fancy restaurant. He’d want quick and easy, in and out.
It physically hurt to stay out of this situation and focus on my work, when my mind was with Holly. But Knox’s words had knocked something loose inside of me. I could be by Holly’s side, show my support, and warn her father all without saying a word. At the same time, Holly was the one in charge of the situation. It was a win-win. I only wished I’d thought of it earlier.
When I parked and headed toward the diner, the door opened, and Holly appeared. Her father was close behind.
Holly’s eyes widened. “Talon, what are you doing here?”
“I heard your father was in town.” I grabbed her hand and tugged her into my side, my gaze on the man who shared Holly’s eyes but not much else.
“We went to lunch,” Holly said. “Dad, you remember Talon Monroe.”
“How could I forget?” her father asked.
Talon held his hand out. “Sir. It’s good to see you again.”
“I heard you two were back together.”
“That’s right.”
“I told Holly I don’t believe in second chances.”
“Isn’t that your specialty?” I hadn’t meant to get into it with her father. The plan was to be a silent show of support, but he’d thrown the gauntlet first.
Her father shifted on his feet.
“With all due respect, sir, I’m not going anywhere, and I’m not going to sit back while you move in and out of your daughter’s life. She’s too important to me.”
Holly’s hands gripped my arm tighter. “Talon, what are you doing?”
She was probably worried that her father would run from the challenge in my voice. But I suspected the opposite.
Her father crossed his arms over his chest. “What are you saying?”
“You need to be a steady force in her life. No more of these visits every few years. You’re in or you’re out. What’s it going to be?”
Holly’s focus shifted from me to her father. Her body was tense. I couldn’t tell if I was alienating her or not. This felt too important to let it go.
“I love Holly.”
I tipped my head to the side because he had a funny way of showing it.
“I want to have a more meaningful relationship,” he said slowly, as if testing out the words.
“Are you sure you can handle that?” Holly asked him gently.
Her father cleared his throat. “I’d like to give it a try.”
