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I don’t know what, exactly, I was expecting to happen. However, the man stepping out of the truck was about the size of Channing. In height and build. He also looked a lot like her, only he had flaming red hair, and a beard that could rival Silas.
The look that landed on me when he caught sight of my arm around Channing’s hip wasn’t a nice one, but I’d be damned if I moved it.
“Be nice,” she said in warning.
“I’ll try,” I said again.
At my assurance, she took off at a run and barreled into her father.
He caught her easily, strong and steady, wrapping his hands around his girl and burying his bushy beard into the crook of her neck.
“I missed you, girly girl,” he said gruffly.
The man was obviously a smoker. He sounded like he smoked no less than a pack a day.
But to each their own.
“I missed you more, daddy. I’m glad you made it back for Christmas,” she exclaimed.
“I wouldn’t have missed Christmas with you for the world. You know that.”
They both got quiet after that, and I noticed a change in both of their demeanors, as if they were remembering what used to be.
They stayed wrapped in each other’s arms for long moments before Channing disengaged from her father and walked back towards me.
My arms went from across my chest to around her waist.
“You Bryce?” he asked as he eyed my hands.
I reluctantly let her go, and offered my hand to him.
“Bryce Rector. Friends call me Loki,” I confirmed.
“His name is Colton,” Channing blurted.
He glared at me ignoring his daughter’s introduction. “Well, Loki, looks like you have some catching up to do. Let’s take a walk.”
Giving Channing a small peck on the cheek, I looked back at the window where I could clearly see every single one of the men and women inside watching the show, and gestured to Channing with my head.
Sebastian met my eyes and nodded.
Walking around the side of the house, I moved in the direction of the lake.
Channing’s father stepped in beside me, and we both stayed silent until we were well away from the house.
“What do you do for a living?” He asked.
Looking at the rolling waves of the lake, I answered. “I’m a detective with the Benton Police Department.”
I hadn’t noticed he’d stopped until I was nearly at the peer.
Turning, I found him staring at me open mouthed.
“You’ve got to be shitting me,” he said loudly.
I shook my head, and then pointed down to the badge that had somehow fallen behind my cut. Then I moved the cut upwards and turned so he could see the gun at my kidney.
“I know what you’re thinking, but we’ve already had our melt downs, and we’re working on getting through it. She doesn’t necessarily have a problem with me anymore, but my best friend, who’s the K-9 officer for BPD, she still has trouble with,” I said quietly.
