Page 81 of Lovestrung

“And you’re okay with his past?”

I looked back at Dad and shook my head. “I doubt anyone would be okay with something like that, Dad, but if Ethan is strong enough to live with it, then so am I.”

“Poor bloke,” Hugo muttered. I hadn’t even noticed he was in the room until now, leaning against a book shelf. “What a bloody way to grow up, knowing your father is responsible for your mother’s death.” The sigh that fell from his lips was heavy.

“I know,” I answered. “It’s a scar that’ll never fade, but he won’t have to carry it on his own anymore.”

“Pen, are you really sure you want to get romantically involved with him?” Dad’s voice made me snap my head back his way, ready to go to battle if I had to.

He raised his hands. “Now, don’t get your hackles up, just hear me out.” He cleared his throat and resumed pacing. “Ethan is like a son to me and your mom, you know that. We couldn’t be prouder of him, of the man he’s become, but, yes, he has scars and he’s not an easy man to love, so…”

“Oh, Dad, of course he is,” I interrupted him. “Loving him is as easy as breathing for me. It always has been. Do you really want me to deny my heart?”

“I only want what’s best for you,” he grumbled.

I smiled at Mama when she took my hand, offering her support in silence. “Then trust me when I tell you that Ethan is that man for me.”

“Aah, young love,” Gramps’ voice drew all our gazes to him. “Come now, Henry, let the young people be. Trust that they know themselves – have faith in your daughter.”

“Thank you, Gramps.” Love bloomed in my heart at his support.

Dad sighed. “Fine, fine. I trust you, sweetheart. But you can’t ask me to stop worrying about you.” He came closer and engulfed me in his big arms and I hugged him back. “You’re our baby girl. We’ll always worry.”

“Speak for yourself, Henry,” Mama chuckled. “Pen is strong. And she’s an adult now,” she added. “She can handle herself.”

“Hush, woman,” Dad rumbled.

I giggled at their banter. “I’m fine, Dad,” I whispered into his chest. “Please trust me.”

“I promise I’ll try,” he answered and pulled away. The worry hadn’t completely cleared from his eyes, but at least it had subsided. “That’s all I can do for now.”

“Fine. Enough talking about my love life for one day,” I grinned up at him. “Why don’t I take you and Mama out for lunch?”

“That would be lovely.” My mom grabbed her purse from the couch and slung it over her shoulder. “But you’re not paying.”

“Mama, please,” I started, but she held her hand up.

“No, Penelope, and that’s final.”

Whenever Mama gave me The Look – the one every mother had practiced to perfection, the one that brooked no arguments – I realized I had to give in.

“All right. Lead the way, then.”

Dad put his hand on my shoulder and led me away, but I managed to turn my head and mouth Thank you to Gramps for standing up for me. He winked at me, the familiar smirk back in place.

Clever old man, I mused. Nothing went past his eagle eyes, not even Ethan and me.

I nibbled on my lower lip. The secret was out – I should probably text Ethan and warn him – but maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. Now that I knew I had the support of my family, I felt more settled and at ease than I had all week.

I only hoped that Ethan would feel the same when I told him.

IV

Ethan

The old saying said,

“The truth shall set you free.”