“I think Ren’s got that covered.” He jerks his chin to where Ren, in his wifebeater, is chatting up Dana.
“I don’t date children.” Dana sniffs. “Also, you’re missing half of your teeth. I couldn’t take you anywhere.”
“That’s part of my charm.”
“Dana, I found Ellie a boyfriend! I can do the same for you too!” One of Ellie’s mom’s sisters calls from the crush of Ellie’s family.
“You didn’t find him! I was the one who told her to get with him,” Granny Murray hollers.
“Mom!” Ellie’s sisters are horrified. “You can’t just find her a boyfriend! You don’t know anyone her caliber.”
“We are so sorry,” they simper to Dana. “She’s so crass.”
“She doesn’t understand your greatness.”
“Of course I do.” Trina swats her daughters with a tea towel then envelops a stunned Dana in a big hug. “I just think she’s doing a great job. You should have someone special to share Christmas with.”
“Don’t let the boys get you down, sister!” Granny Murray thumps her fist on her chest.
“Please excuse our family,” Ellie’s sister begs Dana. “How about some wine?”
Later in the evening,once the noise of the party has mellowed into background laughter and the scent of gingerbread hangs thick in the air, I slip into the kitchen to grab a drink and take a breath. Try to make the ringing in my ears subside. Ellie’s family is worse than a full stadium.
That’s when Nate steps into the doorway and blocks my exit. He’s wiry, built like a goalie—tall. I’m broader than he is, though.
Not that it matters.
I’ve done the meet-the-father thing before. I know what he’s gearing up for.
This is probably the first time that I actually cared, though.
“Fletcher,” he says, folding his arms.
“Sir.” I nod, putting the rum-laced cider down. My mouth’s suddenly dry.
He eyes me, assessing. “I’m not gonna pretend I like this,” he says. “My daughter dating one of her players.”
“Fair,” I mutter.
“But,” he continues, sighing heavily like this is physically painful for him, “you make her happy. And you play like hell for her.”
“I’d do anything for her,” I say quietly.
Nate squints at me then slowly nods. “Just don’t move in with her yet.”
“Also fair,” I say, trying not to smile.
“And if you hurt her—”
“I won’t,” I interrupt.
He holds my gaze. “You better not. She’s my little girl.”
“Dad!” Ellie rushes in, face flushed.
“I’m not threatening,” Nate mutters. “I’m just stating facts about consequences.”
Ellie sighs. “Be nice.”
