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“Kane said you would love to see the house?” Mom’s heels clicked against the marble floors as she led us into the foyer. “Honey, why don’t you let Dad know you’re here, and I’ll show Brie around.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. “You’re the best,” I whispered in her ear.
Mom smiled, then she placed her palm on Brie’s arm. “Why don’t we start on the second floor?”
“Thank you. I noticed the balcony, and it’s stunning.” Brie chatted with Mom as they made their way up the stairs.
I shoved my hands into my pockets, watching them act like they’d known each other for years. Flickers of my possible future flashed through my mind.
“Someone’s got it bad.” Dad chuckled as he strolled out of the living room.
“Hey, thanks for making time for us. We needed a break from studying.” I hugged Dad.
“Brie Langston, huh? She’s from a really good family. And from what I hear, she’s settling in well with new friends.”
My brows knitted together. “Why would you keep an eye on her? That’s kind of weird, isn’t it?”
Dad patted my shoulder, and we walked toward the back of the house. “Your mother had me check on her a few times. Seems as though she’s pretty invested in Brie, especially after the break-in.”
“Mom loves the strays.” Hell, she would probably disown me if she knew I was behind the break-in.
“Lucky for you, huh?” Dad’s laugh echoed through the foyer. “Is it serious, son?”
I hadn’t ever been embarrassed around my dad, but he’d caught me off guard.
“Yeah.” I gave him a sheepish grin. “It’s why I wanted to bring her over, but there are some things you should know.”
Dad halted at his office. “Then let’s have a seat, and you can fill me in.”
I strolled in, remembering all the conversations about football, girls, grades, and my future we’d had in this room.
Dad shut the door, then walked around his oak executive desk, settling into his leather chair while I sank into the one in front of him. His laptop was closed, a stack of papers sitting on top of it.
“Are you reviewing a team?” I nodded to the pile.
“I am. You boys have some stiff competition over the next few weeks. It’s time to bring your A game. But we’re not going to talk about ball when you have a young lady here.”
“I think she would join that conversation, actually. She seems to understand the game pretty well.” I placed one ankle on the opposite knee and rubbed my jaw. I’d prepared for this chat in in my head a million times, but I had no idea how it would play out.
“You and Mom have given me so much. I want you to know I appreciate and love both of you.”
Dad shifted in his chair. “You’re our son. We would move heaven and earth for you. But, Kane, you’ve also worked your ass off to rebuild your life. We’re both proud of you.”
“Thanks. I honestly thought I’d left the cult in my rearview mirror, then …”
Dad’s gaze narrowed, but he remained silent.
I sucked in a breath. “Brie’s real name is Lyndsay Jennings. She was the girl that I helped escape the cult.”
He blinked excessively, staring at me in shock.
“She has amnesia, so she doesn’t remember those years. Her parents found her on the side of the road, unconscious.”
“Holy shit.” Dad leaned back, the chair squeaking beneath his weight. He rubbed his face with his large hand. “You’re positive it’s her?”
“A thousand percent. She’s older but still looks the same.”
Dad inhaled, his eyes wide as he took a moment. “Son, are you all right? That’s a lot for you to handle.”
