Page 64 of Sincerely, Mr. Braden

“He thinks he is when the situation calls for it,” Seth says.

My father looks like he doesn’t want to trust him, but I can tell Seth’s grandfather’s remark got to him. It’s almost like Seth knows how close my dad was to his father before his father passed away.

“You break it, you’re buying a new one,” my father says. He scoots out from under the sink and hands Seth the wrench.

“That’s fair.” Seth maneuvers his broad upper body under the sink.

“Careful now,” my father says as Seth fits the wrench around the nut. “You gotta make sure it’s on good and tight or the stupid thing’ll slip right off.”

“Thanks for the tip,” Seth says.

I know he’s placating my father, but he sounds earnestly appreciative. He shifts the angle of the wrench, and the nut gives way.

“Well, look at that,” my father says, absently petting Barney as Seth scooches out from under the sink.

“Just needed a little leverage.” Seth hands him the wrench.

My father studies him, reluctantly impressed. “Guess you’re good for something other than arm candy.”

“I try,” Seth says with amusement as my father positions himself under the sink again.

I mouth “Thank you,” feeling like I’ve been holding my breath that whole time.

Seth stays where he is, kneeling by my father, keeping an eye on him, but he reaches over and squeezes my hand, mouthing, “You okay?”

I nod and smile, grateful that he knows how to handle my father. “I think I’ll take Barney out back and let him do his business.”

“Take your time,” Seth says, giving me an understanding smile.

“Come on, Barn.” We head out the patio doors in the living room, and I fill my lungs with the cool winter air. Only then do I realize we never even took off our coats.

As Barney sniffs around the yard, I pull out my phone to check work emails. I take a few minutes to respond to the important ones, and as I’m flagging others for later, a text from Becca rolls in. I haven’t spoken to her since Thursday afternoon. She doesn’t know Seth is here.

Becca: How are you holding up?

Me: I’m great! So much has happened. Seth was at my house when I got home last night.

Becca: WHAT? I thought he was in Australia until next week?

Becca: He gets double brownie points for showing up.

Becca: Triple if the makeup sex was good.

Becca: Tell me everything!

Me: Too much to text, but we talked, and we both want this to work.

Becca: Please tell me you had incredible makeup sex.

She sends fireworks emojis and a devil emoji.

Grinning like a fool, I send a blushing emoji and glance at Barney, who is now happily chewing on a stick beneath a tree.

Me: He’s still here. We’re at Dad’s.

A shocked emoji pops up.

Becca: Are you crazy!? You walked him into the lion’s den!