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“Should I sneak back into my room?”
“Stay. I’ll let you know when Dad leaves. He’ll be gone most of the morning.”
A slow, easy grin crosses his face. “Don’t forget about me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I have plans when I come back that consist solely of Dalton.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
CASSIE
I stepfrom the bathroom and head to the kitchen. I know Dad will be tied up with church duties this morning, and I want to get back to Dalton. Perhaps it’s ill-formed to think about the naughty things I want to do to Dalton while Dad leaves to officiate Mr. Barley’s funeral, but I’ve been a rebel lately. I may as well keep the streak going.
Bellow greets me when I step into the kitchen. The house is quiet—no sign of Dad.
“You need to go out, boy?” Bellow trots to the slider and wags his tail. I freeze as the creak from my bedroom door sounds down the hall. My gaze darts toward Dad’s bedroom, but the door remains closed. I don’t release my breath until I hear the bathroom door open and close. One crisis averted. Relaxing, I head to the patio door. “Here you go, Bellow.” I step into the morning air and startle when the clink of glass sounds to my right.
Dad.
The grim expression he wears stirs my stomach. I have no idea what he’s thinking. Regret? I somehow doubt it. Dalton seems to think so, but I haven’t witnessed my dad regretting much of anything. He’s more of a fire and brimstone type of leader. That must be nice to go through life without regret, equally so for having every demand followed. It’s a certain privilege I would never know.
Only because you allow it.
Man, my inner critique can be so mean.
I turn away without saying a word and wrap my arms around my midriff. I wait for Bellow to do his business as last night’s tension hangs between us.
It’s suffocating.
After what seems like a lifetime, Dad sighs. It’s just long enough and holds the right amount of guilt to draw my attention. Dad scrubs a hand over his tired face, and that’s when I see it. The remorse Dalton was talking about.
“I owe you an apology for last night.”
I stay quiet, not sure what part he’s apologizing for.
“I should’ve never laid a hand on you and for that, I won’t forgive myself.”
I quirk an eyebrow, waiting for the rest. He sighs again.
“And I’m sorry for the stunt Bobby pulled. I thought I was doing you a favor.”
“By forcing my hand in marriage?”
“I thought you loved him. I thought I was helping.”
Maybe I should cut Dad some slack. I never voiced my intentions. From the outside, it appeared that I liked Bobby. Otherwise, the entire congregation wouldn’t have been so happy and congratulatory.
“I haven’t been the best at keeping up on your needs. I’ve been stricter than normal lately. Your mom would keep me in check. Without her around, I . . .”
“It’s okay, Dad.”
“No, it’s not.”
“You’re right. It’s not, but I should’ve told you I didn’t love Bobby. I was never going to marry him. I did try telling him, but he wouldn’t listen. But I should’ve been more open with you.”
He pushes to his feet. “I have to leave for Mr. Barley’s funeral. If you need anything, call. I’ll be gone most of the morning.”
“I’ll be fine. Give my condolences to the Barley family.”
