CASSIE
Dad’s expression is thunderous as he storms toward the front door. I pull it open before he can reach it and step out onto the porch, with Paul right behind me. Paul puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes, and his support gives me the confidence I need to face my dad.
"If you came here to intimidate me, it’s not going to work."
His gaze shifts from me to Paul, and the hand that’s resting on my shoulder. His frown deepens.
"Okay, Cassie," Dad says. "You’ve got our attention. Your mom is going to cancel her work trip next week, and we’ll spend some time with you. You can come home now."
He still thinks this is just about me wanting attention. Maybe that’s how it started, but it’s more than that now. I’ve learned who I can be. Paul has taught me that. He taught me that being myself is okay, and the things I want from life are okay. I’ll never be that person living under my parents’ roof.
I stick my chin out and fold my arms across my chest. "No.”
Dad falters, and confusion passes over his face. “What do you mean no?"
"I mean, I’m not coming home. I choose to stay here.” I turn to Paul, hoping that this is okay. “If you’ll have me."
Paul’s eyes light up. "Of course. You don’t need to ask."
He cups my chin with his hand and presses a gentle kiss to my lips.
My dad splutters. "I said you don’t have to pretend anymore, Cassie. You’ve got our attention."
I turn back to my father. "I’m not pretending, Dad. I love Paul."
I hold Paul’s hand and stand tall. I want Dad to see the truth of it. I want him to seemefor who I am. I’m not just his daughter he can parade around at their functions. I’m a person in my own right. I have hopes and dreams and feelings. I have a heart, and my heart loves Paul.
Paul takes a step forward. "I love your daughter. I’ll treat her right, like she deserves. I’ll take care of her and protect her, and it’s not just me. Cassie now has an entire family to look out for her at the club."
My dad’s brows shoot up. "The club?"
"Yes," Paul says. "The one with the award-winning brewery. And the restaurant that tourists flock to dine at.Thatclub."
Dad harrumphs and looks away. He knows a good business when he sees it. I’m sure he’s dug into the MC’s business ventures, and there’s no denying the club has good business sense.
"Is that really what you want?" Dad gestures to the tiny cabin and the simple plant holders full of herbs. “I’m sure you’re a nice guy, Paul, but you can’t give Cassie what she needs. This place… it’s not good enough for my Cassie."
Anger flares inside me. "You don’t know what I need, Dad. You think a big house and fine clothes is all that I need? But I’m happier here with a cozy armchair and a bookcase full of books. I don’t need much, but what I do need is love. Paul loves me. He sees me for who Iam. That’s what I need."
Paul steps forward and squeezes my hand. "I can give Cassie exactly what she needs. Love, support and my unwavering loyalty."
He looks at me as he says it, and my chest warms. A grin breaks out on my face, and no matter what my father says, I’ve found my new home.
"This place is too small," Dad mutters, stuck on the practicalities. "What is it, one bedroom?"
"But it’s got two bookcases," I say.
Paul grins at me. "I know a bunch of guys who are pretty handy with woodwork. We’ll expand the cabin as our family grows."
Dad’s eyes almost bug out of his head. And that makes me giggle.
"You want kids?"
Paul smiles sheepishly. "Of course, if that’s what you want."
My chest explodes with happiness. I have a vision of our kids running around the cabin while I write in the evenings. I squeeze Paul’s hand.
My dad’s eyes dart toward our hands, and something changes in him. He rakes a hand through his hair, and he lets out a long sigh. He doesn’t like it, but he knows when he’s beat.
