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Brewer caught her between his arms before she could return behind the table. Meeting her gaze, he swore to himself at the timidness he saw in her beautiful eyes. “It’s going to be all right, sweet cheeks.” He squeezed her ass for good measure, and a smile crossed her face in response. “After today, it’ll be a cake walk.”
She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right.”
He kissed her soundly, hoping his confidence transferred to her. She needed every ounce he could spare. “You got this.”
“I know.” She playfully tugged on his beard. “Thanks, Brewer. No matter what happens today, I’m glad I walked into your bar.”
“Me too.” He hugged her tight. “More than you know.”
Delphi let go before he did. Brewer made himself scarce at the tent, but not before assuring her he wouldn’t be far. Shovelhead knew who he was, so keeping out of sight was the best course of action.
He exchanged a glance with Rubble from across the lawn. The picnic was set to last three hours. It was time to see if Shovelhead meant to keep his promise to his daughter or not.
CHAPTER34
DELPHI
The first hourand a half of the picnic flew by before Delphi had the chance to take a break. Yasmina operated the register while Jupiter and she manned the buffet assembly. Two of her waitstaff assisted with cleanup while people milled from tent to tent, trying all the delicious cuisine.
“Can someone grab more buttered rolls?” Yasmina asked, giving away the last one.
“Got it,” Delphi offered. She could use a breather, and her stomach needed one of the freshly baked rolls she could eat on the way back.
Grabbing four empty trays, Delphi walked to the truck to replenish them. She rustled through the totes, finding the rolls Yasmina requested before she stepped away.
“Delphi Windsor?”
She paused and turned toward the gruff voice. A man in his early sixties stood next to the truck. His silver hair was longer than average, faded tattoos standing out against sun-weathered skin. She didn’t have to ask to know who he was, but she found herself doing it anyways.
“Who’s asking?”
The man stepped closer, his boots clinking on the pavement. “Shovelhead. I heard you wanted to meet me.”
He didn’t offer an outstretched hand or friendly embrace, not that she expected it from a man she’d known nothing of until last summer.
Dropping the rolls, Delphi nodded and shut the door. “Yeah, I did.”
Shovelhead pulled the handkerchief off his head, exposing a receding hairline. “Well, I’m here.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’t this.” She shook her head at her idiocy. It was clear this man didn’t give a shit.
“Why do you think I’m your dad?” he asked, glancing around at the passing vehicles.
He wasn’t comfortable there.Good.She didn’t want him anywhere near comfortable. The desire to send Brewer a message gnawed at her, but she resisted. If she tipped off Macha, she’d get no answers.
“Why don’t we talk?” She motioned to a nearby bench.
Nodding, Shovelhead led them to a shaded area. They both sat down, leaving a good three feet of space between them.
“My mother was Marjory Windsor.” She watched his face for any recognition, but his features didn’t change. “She died last summer. She and my dad.” Delphi tucked her hands beneath her thighs, memories flooding to the surface. “My dad admitted he wasn’t my biological father. He mentioned a biker named Shovelhead, so unless there’s another one, I think you’re it.”
The biker unzipped his leather jacket, his face turning a light shade of red. His beady, dark eyes seemed to be latched on the tree in the distance while he digested her words. “Are you sure?”
She nodded. “There’s only one definitive way to know.”
Shovelhead turned to face her. “I can’t be your dad, Delphi. I’m not fit, for starters.”
“I’m not asking you to be one. I wanted to meet you, that’s all. I have zero expectations.” She shrugged. It was the truth. The only part she left out was Macha’s involvement in her life.
