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“Daddy,” she said, breaking free from Dante’s protective hold on her. Her mother was by the elevators now and no longer a threat, not that she ever was, really. And she hoped her SEAL realized that. Her mom was broken, too.
“Daddy.” She reached her father and wrapped her arms around him. The man who’d ruled over her house, raised five kids on next to nothing, sobbed against her shoulder. He stood a head taller than her. But now, he seemed small and lost.
Chrissie closed her eyes and blinked back her own tears. Love, marriage—it wasn’t supposed to look like this. A grown man weeping in his daughter’s arms for the son he’d lost while his marriage crumbled under the weight of his daughter’s career.
“I’m sorry, kiddo,” her dad murmured. “I’d be there if I could.”
“I know, Daddy,” she said softly.
“But hearing you sing that song for your brother—I can’t take it.” He drew back and looked down at her. “I know it’s past time to stop grieving Joe like this. I know it.” He shook his head, and a strip of short gray hair fell over his forehead. “I can’t let go.”
“Don’t,” she said. “Don’t ever let go.”
“I’m so proud of you. Keeping Joe’s memory alive like that night after night. I just can’t stand there and listen.”
“I know, Dad.” She stared up at her father’s tear-stained face. He’d been their rock for so long. Now, somehow, she’d find a way to take over for him. With the music he couldn’t bear to hear, with the money coming in from her growing career, she would glue her family back together.
Chapter Thirteen
Dante remained within arm’s reach as Chrissie embraced her father. His jaw tightened. This woman carried more on her shoulders than half the men serving alongside him overseas. She supported her family. She tackled her parents’ marriage woes—as if she had a hope of fixing the wedge driven by grief. And she kept her brother’s memory alive.
Who the hell was looking out for her? Her mother and her manager were focused on Chrissie Tate the country singer. But the woman at the epicenter? She was fending for herself.
And me. I’m here for her.
But he wasn’t permanent, and they both knew it. He wanted to stand by Chrissie while her father tried to pack away his grief and talk to her. And he wanted to be there afterward, too.
She’s not going to let me in.
Chrissie had been clear. Her career came first. Even if he could trust her while she moved from one city to the next… To hell with the “if.” He’d talked more to her, shared more than he had during his entire marriage. And yeah, that sure put his marriage in perspective. He’d never opened up to his ex about what he wanted, in bed or out. And if she’d shared her desires, her hopes and her dreams—beyond her plea to leave the job he loved—well, she’d saved it for the plumber.
Did he trust Chrissie? After a few short weeks together? It felt impossible, but still…
Did it matter if he did? She’d never asked for a future beyond their lessons and this tour. And even if she did ask for more, he wasn’t ready to put his heart on the line again. This time, he knew better. He had a job to do, and wondering about the woman waiting for him back home wouldn’t help.
“I look forward to hearing your next number one hit,” Mr. Tate said, drawing Dante back to the here and now.
“The love song?” She let out a laugh. “I don’t think you’re going to like that one very much, either, Daddy.”
The pain faded from her father’s expression, and he released her. “I heard about the video.”
She glanced over at him. “You might want to skip it.”
Please don’t choose this moment to introduce me to your father.
But Mr. Tate’s gaze had followed his daughter’s and left Dante without a choice.
“Sir,” he said, stepping forward and holding out his hand. “I’m your daughter’s bodyguard.”
“The Navy SEAL,” her father said, taking his hand and shaking it. “Thank you for watching out for her. Her mother told me about the incident in Vegas. We’ve been worried about her.”
“He’s taking good care of me,” she said. “You don’t need to worry, Dad.”
But someone did. She spent all her time focused on helping her family and safeguarding her career. Someone needed to look out for her.
“We should head back upstairs,” Dante said, stepping closer. He looked at Mr. Tate. “Do you need to visit reception before we go up?”
Her father nodded. “I should ask for another key. You go ahead, Chrissie. You should get some rest before your sound check. Though I think dinner’s probably off at this point. Your mom and I both need some time…”
