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The tiniest flicker of guilt appears in his gaze because he knows I’m right. “That was different. We were, what? Nineteen? Twenty?”
“It’s not that different at all. Plus, it’s not fair that you judge him so harshly when you don’t even know him.” I straighten my spine, hoping my voice doesn’t waver when I speak. “I’m in love with Arch Lancaster, Dad. And I want to be with him. He wants to be with me. If you would just give him a chance, you would see that he’s a pretty great guy. Don’t you trust my judgment? Don’t you believe in me? I wouldn’t choose a total jerk to be my boyfriend.”
He studies me, resting his hands on his hips. “I spoke with him, you know.”
My jaw drops open and I struggle to find words, I’m so shocked. “W-what? When?”
“A while ago.” He shrugs, like it’s no big deal.
I blink at him mutely, shocked Arch went to him and that they actually spoke. He never mentioned it to me once. Not in any of the texts we shared. “What did he say?”
“He told me some things that you should probably hear from him and not me.” My dad’s smile is a little sad. “And that he wants to protect you and take care of you. He knows what kind of girl you are, Daisy Mae. You’re a good one, and he doesn’t want to let you go. I can’t blame him.”
Tears shimmer in my eyes and I blink, causing them to fall and I let my bag drop to the floor. “Daddy.”
“I gave him my approval to see you, though it was a bit reluctant—whoa.”
I tackle-hug him before he can say another word, squeezing him tight. His familiar smell surrounds me and I pull away slightly, giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For giving Arch a chance.” I release my hold on him and take a step back, grabbing my bag once more and slinging it over my shoulder. “He really is a good guy.”
“He must be if you love him.” He shakes his head, running a hand along his jaw. “Kathy did tell me I wasn’t playing fair when it came to you two.”
More shock courses through me at Kathy coming to my defense. I’m not outwardly mean toward her, but I’m not overly warm either. She’s come over to our house a couple of times to spend time with my dad and the three of us have even gone out to dinner together, but I don’t open up to her too much. Not yet.
“What do you mean, she says you don’t play fair?” I ask.
“You’ve accused me of holding you back, and Kathy agrees with you. She told me I have to let you grow up sometime, and all I’m doing is making you resent me.”
It’s like he plucked the words from my brain.
“I just worry about you, honey. You’re my little girl and I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s all,” Dad admits, pain flashing in his eyes. “That’s why I did it.”
“I’m not a little girl anymore. You can’t keep me one forever.” I go to him, throwing myself at him once again and he automatically wraps me up in another hug. “I know what I’m doing. Mostly.”
He chuckles and I laugh too because it’s true. I sort of know what I’m doing, and what I don’t know, I’m learning. My father can’t protect me for the rest of my life. I have to go out and live and make mistakes.
“I want to be with Arch. He wants to be with me. Please don’t tell me I have to choose between you two, because I’m afraid I wouldn’t choose you.” I tilt my head back so I can look into my father’s eyes. “I need both of you in my life.”
“I won’t make you choose,” he murmurs, his thumb brushing against my chin. “I love you, sweetheart. You’re all I’ve got in this world. I just want what’s best for you. Guess I’ve been a little overprotective of you.”
“A little?” My brows shoot up and we both laugh again. “More like a lot.”
“I already lost your mom. I didn’t want to lose you too.” His eyes are brimming with tears and I give him another hug, hiding my face against his chest, fighting my own tears again. I don’t want to cry. Not tonight. It’s a happy occasion, not a sad one.
“You haven’t lost me, Daddy. I love you,” I tell him, my voice muffled. When I lift my head to meet his gaze, I see the tears are already gone. “I have to go. I’m going to get ready with Arch’s sister.”
“With Edie?” When I nod, my dad smiles. “She seems like a nice girl. One of the nicer Lancasters.”
I roll my eyes and withdraw from his embrace. “You need to get over the grudge you have against the Lancasters.”
“I will, darlin’.” He winks at me. “Eventually.”
* * *
“Oh God,we’re so late. My brother is going to kill me.” Edie grabs my hand and drags me down the damp grass path that leads to the ruins, where the party is being held. We’re still pretty far out, but I can already hear the bass of the music playing. The sound of people talking and yelling, having a good time. Excitement and nerves make my stomach churn and I’m glad I’m not wearing heels like Edie is. I don’t know how she’s running so easily across the mushy lawn.
