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She opened her mouth, shut it, then opened it again. All she could muster was a nod.
“Well, get to it. I’m sure I’ve heard it all between your boyfriend and your sister. But I’ll listen.”
Her face flushed and she scooted to the edge of the cushion. “He’s not my boyfriend—not anymore.”
Zeke arched one brow.
Constance swallowed hard and glanced away, hating the discerning look her father was capable of throwing in her direction. “I heard the argument you had with Brielle.”
“I figured you would.”
She brought her gaze back to meet his. “She’s right, you know.”
“About what part?” He let out a strangled chuckle. “The part where I’m too controlling. Or how about the part where one day my family will fall apart because I was too scared to give you the freedom you all deserved?”
“You’re not too controlling.” The comment escaped her lips before she knew what had happened.
He gave her a pointed look. “The fact that you’re here right now having this discussion with me makes me think otherwise.”
She squirmed in her seat. “Okay, maybe you’re controlling, but I get it. You had to raise all seven of us by yourself. It’s easier to put us all in a pen than to let us roam free.”
“Like cattle,” he muttered.
Constance bit back a smile. “It’s what you know best.” He shot her a sharp look and she snickered, then after a little while she sobered as she continued. “Brielle was right that we need to find our own way. You’ve raised us right. We’re hard workers and we have a strong family bond. But now we need to grow and stretch our wings.” She bit down on her lower lip to prevent herself from saying she was ready for that stage of her life. It was hard to tell if Zeke had finally accepted everything he’d been told today.
“Do you love him?”
Her voice caught in her throat and she nodded.
He took in a deep breath, then let it out as he got to his feet. “If you’re really in love with that boy, then I’m not going to stop you.”
She gasped and jumped up from her seat. “Really?”
Zeke reached out and cupped her cheek with his palm. His hand dropped and he nodded. “If that’s what will make you happy. Who am I to stand in the way? Pratt is a decent man—not good enough for you—but he’s alright.”
Constance threw her arms around her father’s neck and gave him a hug. “Thank you, Daddy.”
“I suppose we’re overdue for a family meeting.”
She pulled back and her brows creased.
“Your sisters are going to want to know they’re free to fall in love whenever they please.” He gave her a stern look. “But I’m not putting away my hunting rifle. Those men have to prove themselves like Pratt did tonight.”
Constance let out a laugh.
27
James
The following morning, James sat in a booth at Sal’s Diner with a coffee in his hands. He hadn’t slept at all after his interaction with Constance’s father. Zeke knew how to really scare a man.
What man needed to make a rule that his daughters couldn’t date when he had a hunting rifle at the ready?
James raked a hand through his hair and let out a groan. His head pounded and his eyesight was blurry. He’d told Zeke the truth last night and now he needed to make good on his promises. He had to come up with something to get Constance to give him a chance. There was only one problematic thing he could foresee.
If he’d really riled up Zeke, he wouldn’t put it past the guy to double down on his rules. The way James saw it, he could try the usual route of flowers and gifts. He’d be seeing Constance on Monday for work. She wasn’t going to be able to avoid him forever.
He lifted the mug to his lips as the bell over the diner door rang and more customers entered. The man’s sandy-colored hair was familiar. Wade. Wade Keagan. The woman who entered with him had to be his sister, the resemblance uncanny. They took a seat at the bar and the waitress wasted no time in serving them.
