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“Sophia, leave him alone. He’s a grown man.”
I smile gratefully at my dad, despite knowing my mom will take no notice of him.
“I’m his mother. If I don’t question him, who will?”
“No one needs to question him. What he does is up to him,” my dad argues.
“Look,” I say, interrupting them. “Hallie’s been through hell. We came here because I couldn’t trust anywhere else to be safe.”
“But you like her?” my mom pushes.
Groaning, I drag my hand through my hair. “Yes, Mom. I like her. I shouldn’t, but I do. It’s a shitty situation.”
“Do you think you’re a little too involved now to be protecting her, son? Could you ask Logan for someone else to take over?” my dad asks.
“No. I don’t trust anyone else. She’s with me. There’s no one else available anyway.”
“There’s always someone else.”
“Not happening.”
My dad holds his hands up in defense. “Your call, Sawyer.”
My mom is strangely quiet, and she’s smiling when I look at her. “You really like her, don’t you?”
“Geez, Mom. I said I do. What are you all doing here anyway?” I ask, attempting to steer the conversation away from Hallie and me if only for a few minutes.
“Last family weekend away before the wedding. Liam is heading up later. We did invite you, but you never responded,” my mom says, and I feel like an asshole. I’ve been so caught up with work, even before meeting Hallie. I haven’t spent as much time with everyone as I should.
“God, I’m sorry. It’s been so crazy lately.”
“We understand, Sawyer, and you’re here now,” she says with a smile.
“I’m not sure how long we’re staying, but yeah, I’m here for now. I’m gonna go check on Hallie. I’ll leave you to your unpacking.” A huge grin has reappeared on her face as I mention Hallie, and I roll my eyes as I leave the kitchen, groaning inwardly.
I think my mom’s definitely going to enjoy having us at the cabin.
ChapterTwenty-One
Hallie
As I reach the guest bedroom, Brooke is waiting for me, her arms full of bathing suits.
“I figured you’d need something for the hot tub. I grabbed a few suits from my closet for you to try,” she says, holding them out to me.
“Thank you.” I take them from her, heat rushing to my cheeks. “Actually, I already borrowed a black two-piece from your closet. I hope that’s okay?”
“Hallie, it’s fine. I think these might look better, though.” She gestures to the suits in my hand. “The black one’s a little boring.” She screws up her nose, and I smile.
“I can’t believe how nice you’re being. I’m not sure I’d be as understanding if someone rummaged through my closet without me knowing.”
She shrugs. “My stuff here is things I only wear at the cabin. It saves me packing loads when I come. I don’t mind.”
I smile gratefully and drop the suits onto my bed. “How long are you here for?”
“Just the weekend. A bit of family time before the wedding. I don’t know if Sawyer mentioned I’m getting married in a couple of weeks.”
“Yeah, he did. Congratulations.”
