AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"It's part of the Pineapple Pizza War," Deacon tells her, strolling in. He glances at me, and I shift in place, folding my own arms across my chest.
"You see," I start, "some people think it's good, and some people—the wiser people—think it's not so great. You and I are on one side, and your dad is on the other. And, well, you and I are right."
Deacon snorts, shooting me a sideways glance. "She's going to join my side eventually, don't you worry. I'll wear her down."
"No way," I counter. "Sasha is way too smart to be brainwashed by your barbaric notions."
Deacon chuckles and shakes his head, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Sasha, why don't you go say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa? They're in Grandpa's office. Harper and I have to talk for a few minutes, then we'll head out."
"Okay!" she beams, leaping from her seat and taking off down the hall, her little ringlets bouncing along the way.
Once she's out of earshot, Deacon turns his attention to me, taking on a more serious air. He leans back against the edge ofmy desk, fixing me with a long stare. "She really enjoys your company, you know."
"She's a great kid," I tell him. "And her stories always keep me entertained. You've raised a smart and kind child."
He looks lost in thought for a moment before he continues. "Well, I appreciate you making time for her. She's come out of her shell a lot since you've been around, and you're able to bond with her like most people just can't. She's missing a lot of those female influences, and, well... thank you."
"You're very welcome. It really is no issue at all. I like being around her, and, to be honest, Sasha has been wonderful for my spirits."
His expression shifts to one of surprise. "Really?" he asks.
I nod. "Today is the anniversary of my parents' accident, so I was dreading the thought of being alone. But Sasha is a reminder to cherish life and to... well, to feel joy. Watching her find little things to make her happy today was a real blessing for me."
The crease of concern, which had popped up on his forehead, deepens. "Oh, I'm sorry," he says, and his sincerity brings a pang of pain. In his face I can see not only true empathy but understanding. "I had no idea it was today. I would've let you take the day off if I had known."
The emotional tide slams me head on, and I have to fight the quiver in my chin. I pull in a deep breath through my nose and shake my head, waving off his comment. "Please. Don't feel sorry for me. The worst thing I could've done was spend the day wallowing in my house. Besides, it's not like the day will stop coming every year. Might as well keep busy."
His eyes never leave me, and he looks so deeply at me that I'm sure he can read my thoughts. Even though my words are confident, a pit inside my chest grows bigger every time I consider the memories of the past that came to mind today. "That's admirable, Harper," Deacon murmurs, voice soft.
My strength falters. I feel vulnerable, like I'm suddenly wrapped in tissue paper, flimsy and exposed. Without any effort at all, Deacon seems to have penetrated the defenses I've meticulously crafted, and I avert my gaze. Suddenly, his arms are around me, hugging me close.
"You know," he says, "your parents were special to a lot of people. If you want, sometime, you could tell me what you remember of them. Talking some life into their memories might help."
I lose my ability to breathe and can't do much more than hug him back. I feel my whole body relax in his arms, like he's a warm blanket on a cold winter's day. Talking might be nice, but I can't lie that this feels nicer.
"Thank you, Deacon. That means a lot.”
When we part, his warm gaze locks onto mine and we're caught in each other’s orbit’s for several beats. The expression on his face is genuine, and I'm struck again by how handsome this man has become. I clear my throat and glance away, wringing my fingers together.
"What are you doing after work?" he asks, startling me with the earnestness in his tone.
I raise a brow. "Why?"
"I'm taking Sasha out to dinner, and I thought it might be nice if you would join us."
"Oh, I don't want to impose," I start to refuse.
But he shakes his head. "Trust me, it wouldn't be an imposition. Plus, it's my way of thanking you for all the help you've given me with Sasha. And my way of apologizing for being such a jerk the other day."
"Are you coming with us, Harper?" Sasha pops up in the doorway, the grin on her face infectious.
"Well..." I bite my lower lip as I slowly move closer to the door.
"Please? Please, Harper?" she begs, pouting and blinking up at me.
"How can I resist that? Yes, I'll join you. But I have to make a stop somewhere first." I turn to Deacon. "Just shoot me a text letting me know where to meet you."
He nods. "Definitely. All right, darling, come on."
