Page 101 of Jay Bird

“So you’re a Pittsburgh fan.”

Willow made a face even though he couldn’t see it. “Not exactly.”

“Your father allowed that?”

“We teased each other.”

Jay Bird chuckled. “Who do you root for?”

“I’m kind of a mutt.”

“A sports mutt?”

“Yes. Different teams depending on the sport.”

“That seems disloyal.”

Willow lifted her head enough to glare at him. “You’ve known me for a month, and you’re already judging my athletic affiliations?”

“Some things tell you a lot about a person.”

She dropped her head back onto his chest. “My dad used to say the same thing.”

This time, the memory brought no pain, only warmth.

“I wish Lily could’ve known him.”

Jay Bird’s fingers paused briefly against her hair.

“He would’ve spoiled her rotten?”

“Unbelievably.” Willow laughed softly. “He would’ve had her in a Steelers jersey before she could walk.”

“That’s borderline child abuse.”

She smacked his chest. “Hey.”

Jay Bird laughed and caught her hand, keeping it against his chest.

“He would’ve loved her. And she would’ve loved him.”

For a moment, she pictured her dad holding Lily, teaching her how to throw a ball, and sneaking her snacks Willow had specifically told her she couldn’t have.

The image hurt, but for once Willow allowed herself to have it.

Jay Bird’s thumb brushed gently across the back of her hand.

“What did he do?”

“He was Navy.”

That caught his attention.

“Really?”

“Yeah. He served when he was younger, then eventually transitioned into a civilian position with the Department of Defense. Still Navy side.”

“What’d he do?”