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Cannon cocked a brow at me, narrowing his gaze as he scanned my features. Something clicked, and he let out a rough laugh. “Holy shit,” he said, smiling down at his wife. “He’s in love with her.”
Persephone’s mouth parted, surprise lighting her eyes.
“Is it that obvious?” I asked.
“Not at first,” Cannon answered. “But I can see it.”
“Is that why you called us here?” Persephone asked, a little excitement rising her tone.
“Yeah,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “I was hoping I could get some advice.” I eyed Cannon, who was the most recent addition to the VanDoren family. “Cannon, I know you mentioned you had some issues in the beginning with…Mr. VanDoren.”
“Issues,” Cannon said, huffing. “He hated me.”
I blew out a breath, my shoulders dropping. “He’s hated me for a decade,” I said. “And you have an NHL contract, accolades, and millions in the bank. If you didn’t have a chance, what kind do I have?”
“First off,” Cannon said. “I’ve told you this before,fuckthe money part of it. That shit shouldn’t matter.”
“I know that,” I said. “But her father doesn’t. No offense,” I said to Persephone, who waved me off.
“You’re not wrong,” she said.
“How did you get in his good graces?” I asked Cannon.
“I don’t entirely know if I am,” he said. “We’ve come to an understanding, but I think it will be a long time before I have his full trust.”
“I love her,” I said the words, and the act of doing so out loud was a freeing and terrifying thing. “And I know she’s working on healing. I know she has to focus on herself right now. I’m not trying to take that away from her. I don’t want to be one of her rushed marriages, I just want her to know she’s it for me and that I’ll support her—”
“Omigod you’re going to propose!” Persephone squealed, and half the bar looked over at us.
I laughed as Cannon smoothed his hand up and down her back. “Maybe a little louder next time, Princess,” he said. “I don’t think they heard you down atLyla’s Place.”
Persephone covered her mouth, but bounced in her seat. “I’m just excited.”
“I’m terrified,” I admitted.
“When?” Persephone asked.
“After Christmas, when she finishes her volunteer work with me and has some time to take off. I was thinking we could get away for the weekend.” Somewhere close enough she could still make her sessions with Dr. Casson but removed enough to feel like a treat.
“How romantic,” Persephone said, sighing a little.
“Should I ask permission?” I asked the main question that was haunting me right now. I knew her father would be pissed if I bucked his traditions and didn’t ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage, but I also knew he would most likely say no even if I did try to do right by his standards.
“Yes,” Cannon said at the same time Persephone said, “No.”
“Well that clears that up,” I said, leaning back in the booth.
“Wait, what?” Cannon gaped down at his wife. “You know the hell he gave me after what happened to us?”
“I most certainly do, Cannon Price,” Persephone said, using a tone that made Cannon’s eyes light up in a way that made me feel like I needed to vacate the booth right the fuck now. “But our situation was entirely different from theirs,” she continued. “My father has been a horror to Jim since we were teenagers,” she said, looking me dead in the eye. “He doesn’t deserve the respect you’re showing him.”
My mouth dropped just a bit at her directness, but it also made me smile.
“But what if he threatens to disinherit her again,” I said. “Like all those years ago. What if he uses everything in his power to pull us apart again?” I hated how pathetic it sounded, to be so afraid of an outside force holding control over my future, but how could I not? He’d done it once, he could again.
“What if Anne relapses?” Persephone asked, giving me whiplash. “What if the health of her liver plummets and she needs surgery? Will you still support her? Love her?”
“Of course, I will,” I said, heart racing at just the thought of what she suggested happening.
