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But he could never fully love his work without someone to share it with. Because work wasn’t the most important thing in his life. If he was lucky enough, it would be Carson.
Taking a deep breath he smiled. He looked out into the crowd. “I have to go.”
Carson had seen something in him, something he never believed was there. But he believed it now.
He walked up to Penn and kissed her cheek. “The party’s all yours.”
He jumped down off the makeshift stage and scanned the room. There in the corner was Carson Kelly…the father.
He stalked over to him, his eyes never wavering from his target. Carson must have been a little uncomfortable because he looked to both sides as if letting those around him know something was about to go and he needed witnesses.
“Where is Carson?” The mere mention of her name caused a growl to emanate from his throat.
The old man hesitated.
Neil backed off. What father in their right mind would tell the whereabouts of their daughter to an overbearing, possibly angry-looking man?
“She was here…” he stuttered, “but she’s gone.”
So she was here. And did her best to avoid him. That explained her mindset. He was going to have to work overtime to get her to forgive him. To love him.
He straightened and looked up to the roof of the barn and smiled.
God, he loved her.
He looked down at the aging man. ““You have a beautiful, talented, creative, ball-busting daughter.” He laughed. “And with all due respect Sir, you have no idea what she’s capable of.”
“You don’t get to tell me about my daughter.” Carson pulled at the collar of his dress shirt. For the first time since he’d met the man he looked unraveled.
Neil shrugged. “Fine….but that weasel you have working for you is going down. Carson may never want to speak to me again, but I swear on my mother, that I will do everything I can to bring down that sleeze and—”
“Mr. Harrison,” Carson said as he eased his shoulders. “You’re right.”
Neil straightened. He wasn’t expecting agreement. He was expecting…well he was expecting him not to say anything. He thought it would be pretty awesome to walk up to this man, put him in his place then just walk away.
Carson sighed. “It seems I am getting my fill of nasty words today, Mr. Harrison.”
He looked at the old man in confusion.
“My daughter just told me where I could shove my company.”
Neil smiled.
“And you’re absolutely right. My daughter is smart and talented. I didn’t know how to parent a teenaged daughter and unfortunately, I chose the wrong handbook.”
She still turned out pretty damn good in his eyes.
“What about Martin?”
A shimmer of anger flashed across Carson’s eyes. “I know what he did. He’s been taken care of.”
Carson held out his hand and Neil gripped it. An unspoken respect passed between them.
“She’s at home I suspect,” Carson said. “If you were looking to go and tell her you love her.” The man smiled and leaned in, lowering his voice. “I think she’d like to her that.”
Neil looked back at his family and their happy faces. Sterling was crying. Jack and Cole were grinning from ear to ear. Finn stood just behind him, giving him a nod of support.
Neil stalked out of the barn past the stares of his guests. He’d made a scene. A spectacle. And it had all been worth it.
