“Willow said she missed her afternoon nap today,” he says as he leans back, resting his arm behind me.
“That explains it. It has been busy around here with everyone getting ready for the wedding.”
“I wanted to talk to you about me and your mom,” he says, not beating around the bush.
“I’m fine with it, Ray. It’s pretty obvious you make her happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.”
“She is, but I want to make sure you’re comfortable with it.”
“I am.”
His gaze roams over the lake. “I’ve never had a daughter until Lily came along. That girl is the goddamn light of my life. She’s the angel that brought Dan back to my wife and me.” He pauses when he sees the confusion on my face. “She had dementia, and it was hard on him to see how much she was changing. He hadn’t been home for two years until he met Lily.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
He looks at me. “I hope you know your mom feels the same. She’s so happy you’re back in her life.”
I twirl a piece of Aspen’s soft hair around my finger, listening to him.
“I want you to know I can’t replace your father, but I’m here for you if you ever need anything.”
I finally look at him. “Are you sure? I might just take you up on that offer some day.”
He chuckles. “I’m counting on it.” His gaze goes back to the lake. “So, do I have your blessing to marry her?”
“Yes,” I answer quietly. “You know, you and your son are a lot alike. A couple of big teddy bears.”
This makes him laugh. “I guess I am, but don’t doubt my possessiveness.” He leans over and speaks quietly. “I didn’t want to live at that damn retirement home of your mother’s, but the men there have been flirting with her a little too much for my liking.”
I start to giggle. “I bet you’re anxious to get the house done at the farm.”
He runs his fingers through his beard. “If it doesn’t happen soon, I’m afraid I’ll have to knock one of those old motherfuckers out.”
I’m rolling now. Aspen wiggles in my arms, and I cover my mouth, trying to control myself. “Stop. I’m dying. But I understand. There are a few women who hang around here that I’d like to knock out too.”
He laughs. “Just a few?”
I roll my eyes. “Okay, more than a few.”
“We didn’t think you noticed.”
“Oh, I noticed. I just don’t like to give them any attention. Mama always used to tell me where your attention goes, energy flows. I’m not about to give them my energy. I’m saving that for my family.”
“Well said,” he agrees. We sit quietly for a few minutes before he turns to look at me. “We’re going to get along just fine you and me.”
“I think so too.”
Chapter Fifty
Raffe
Ibrush my fingers across her head, surprised she’s still asleep. Jenny is usually up long before me. She loves mornings. Me, not so much.
Her lids flutter but remain closed, and I wonder if she’s pretending. I trail my hand lower and lower, and she smiles.
“I knew you were faking,” I say, rolling my entire body onto hers and then disappearing under the blankets.
“Raffe,” she rasps, squeezing my head between her legs. She throws the covers back so she can watch me. “We’ve got to get ready for the wedding.”
