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That grabs my attention. “How?”
“Cassie told me after you left, but I had suspected before that. Jan never put a name to the boy Cassie was sneaking around with. She only said he came from a dishonest family. The only family she ever trashed was the one whoruinedher car.”
“We didn’t ruin—”
He puts his palm up to stop me. “Believe me, I was in the middle of fixing it.Eh, more like over my head with it, but I could tell by how the engine was blown it was my sister’s fault. After I saw your determination to fix the car, I put it all together.”
I slump back in my chair as my chest lightens. It feels good to have someone finally believe us about that damn car. I’d be more relieved, but I still have another barrier to overcome. I somehow need to convince him to let me see the girl I love. “I still should’ve been upfront. And for that, I’m sorry.”
“So you came here to apologize?” His hand curls around the glass he has yet to take a drink from.
“Yes, and to ask permission to date your daughter.”
“You’re willing to risk everything—your college admittance and your baseball career—over my daughter?”
“Sir, you once said, ‘Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.’ I get it now. I’m not saying I’m reformed. Hell, I’m not even saying I’m a total believer, but Cassie is. I respect that about her and want to help her find her way again. She means more to me than anything I could possibly do or obtain on this planet.”
He rubs a hand over his jaw. His voice resigned. “You really do love her, huh?”
“More than I thought possible.”
“She isn’t home. She went to the cemetery.” He exhales heavily. “Make yourself comfortable. She’s been gone for a few hours. I suspect she’ll be back any moment.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He snatches his water glass and exits through the patio door. I place Bellow back on the floor and stand. Learning Cassie went to visit the cemetery surprises and elates me. Visiting her mom was overdue. Perhaps she’s finally coming to terms with her loss. It’s the first step in restoring her faith.
I step toward the couch, prepared to settle in for however long it takes, when the front door swings open. My gaze sweeps up to meet Cassie’s. Her usually sculpted hair is disheveled as if she ran her fingers through it too many times. Her eyes are red rimmed as if being at the cemetery was too much. As unkempt as she looks, she’s never been more beautiful. Bellow lets out a bark but doesn’t leave my side.
“Hi,” I say tentatively. If I was expecting a warm smile and welcoming reception, I didn’t get it. She just stands there, frozen.
“You’re here,” she finally manages to say.
“I am.”
“Why?”
“For you.”
Confusion frames those beautiful blue eyes before they glance nervously around the room. This causes me to smile. My girl, the ever-loving rule follower.
“Your dad’s in the backyard.”
“Dad let you stay inside. By yourself?”
“We talked.” I shrug and take a step toward her.
“About the team?”
“No. About you.” Her mouth opens, but she’s too perplexed to speak. I think I shocked her into submission. “I’m so sorry, Cassie. I should’ve never left without saying goodbye. I thought it would be better that way.”
“I’m sorry too.”
I step closer. Bellow wags his too-long tail. “You’re my world. My life. Baseball, college, they mean nothing if the cost is losing you. I love you so goddamn much it hurts.”
She lets out a whimper. “I love you too.”
And then she springs in my arms. Her scent hits my nostrils, and I feel like I’m home for the first time in my life. Family doesn’t always mean your biological relatives. Family means who you hold close to your heart.
