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I punch him in the arm while Dad chuckles.
“I knew you’d come to your senses, Bruce. You’re a reasonable guy—too smart and levelheaded for she we shouldn’t name.” He pauses, a question hanging on his lips he isn’t sure he should ask. Until he finally says, “Where is she, anyway? Have you heard anything?”
I grab Chris’ hand and squeeze.
He doesn’t know.
I wasn’t sure he’d want to after everything his mom did, and I wouldn’t blame him one bit for leaving it a mystery.
“She checked herself into a rehab facility somewhere near Seattle, last I heard. My attorney pushed to ensure she wouldn’t have any money released until she spends at least ninety days there.” Dad leans back in his chair, sipping his bourbon, a bittersweet smile on his face. “Thankfully, the judge was more than fair. I barely owed anything beyond the cost of treatment—and I’m happy to pay it if it helps that tortured woman.”
I can’t help but smile, resting my head on Chris’ shoulder. His tension relaxes.
Having Evie taken care of and far away from here is slowly restoring his confidence. I can’t expect miracles, but a crazy part of me hopes Dad might have a sane new woman at his side next year in time for the holidays.
Still, it’s not like their relationship was a total train wreck.
Would I have this gorgeous, obsessed man at my side if we were just a beach hookup?
If we didn’t have to fight so hard for us?
If this family didn’t know how strong it can be?
I wonder.
“You know, as crazy as she is, I think I’ll always be grateful to her for one thing,” I say softly, waiting for them to look at me like I’m the one who’s nuts. “She brought us together.”
Dad takes another long pull from his glass before answering. “You have a point. I’m just sorry it was made so painfully.”
“Gotta disagree,” Chris says sharply. “If she hadn’t held us back and trapped Bruce in that selfish damn marriage, I’d have had you sooner, Delia.”
His hold on my hand tightens.
Blushing, I shudder.
I can’t resist smiling, even as Dad frowns across the table.
Mr. Bluntness catches himself and flashes an apologetic smile.
“I know I should shut up and respect the journey or whatever, but I always knew where it ended,” he says, locking eyes with Dad. “I loved this girl from the second I saw her.”
My heart skips ten beats as he pulls me onto his lap and puts his mouth on mine.
At first, I can feel Dad’s awkward hesitation. I’m expecting to look at him again and catch the end of an eye roll.
But he’s actually smiling with his eyes, studying us, watching like he’s a little amazed. Like we’ve managed to capture something that’s eluded him his entire life.
“If you don’t mind, Bruce, I’m gonna take her for a walk and get some fresh air. It’s decent out there today and we’d better enjoy it.”
By Bay standards, it’s a tad chilly.
But I don’t protest as he pulls me into his arms and fetches my coat. Then we’re off, riding in his brand-new truck. I practically made him buy himself something nice with his new salary.
The old one would’ve been fine with a few more repairs and some body work, but why not start over with a clean slate?
New vehicle.
New life.
