“Really?”
“Mm-hmm. I just met with a family a few days ago. The daughter has cerebral palsy, and they’re hoping this will help with some of the pain she’s experiencing.”
“I had no idea.”
“I wouldn’t have been so committed to my business if it didn’t involve helping some people.”
A smile crossed his face as he said, “Now, that’s the daughter I’ve always known and loved.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way.”
“Like a few weeks back?” He leaned back in the swing. “Was that one of your mistakes?”
“It was, and I paid dearly for it.”
“Did you learn something from it?”
“I did. I think we all did.”
“Speaking of we ... How did you get involved with Viper and the Sinners?”
“I have you to thank for that.” I grimaced. “It started that weekend I came home, and Menace was here.”
“Oh, damn. I should’ve known. Don’t tell me anymore. You keep your business dealings to yourself, and I’ll do the same.”
“Fair enough.” I leaned over and placed my hand on his arm as I asked, “So, are we good?”
“Yes, sweetheart. We’re good.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that. I was so worried I was going to lose you.”
“Not a chance.”
“There’s one more thing I should tell you.”
“If you’re going to tell me that you’re seeing Country, I already know.”
“What?” I gasped. “How?”
“Knew it the second I saw the way he was looking at you. It was the same way I looked at your mother.”
“Oh, Dad. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.”
“I hope he knows I’ll have his ass if he ever hurts you.”
“I don’t think you’ll have to worry about that. He’s really good to me.”
“You love him?”
“Oh, yes. More than I thought possible.”
“Then, that’s all that matters. I just want you to be happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.”
I reached over and gave him a big hug as I whispered, “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart.”
I ended up spending most of the afternoon with Dad. He fixed us some lunch, and we even spent a little time out on the pier fishing. I filled him in on how things were going at school and my plans to go to graduate school. By the time I left, I was feeling better than I thought possible. I hated that I’d waited so long to come and talk to him. I’d wasted so much time worrying over what could possibly go wrong that I hadn’t thought about a happy ending. For the first time in years, I finally understood why my father had made the decisions he had, and it helped ease those doubts that had always lingered in the back of my mind. I had my daddy back, and I couldn’t be happier.
When I arrived back to the Manor, I went straight to the office to find Grayson. I was eager to tell him how things had gone with Dad, and I also wanted to see how he and Braylon had made out with putting together all the new furniture. I’d hoped they would’ve been done already, but sadly, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I walked in to find Grayson on the floor next to Bray, and there were little piles of wood and screws scattered throughout the room. The second I stepped inside, Grayson held up his hand and ordered, “Hold it right there!”
“What?”
“We’ve got this under control.”
“You sure about that?” I snickered as I said, “’Cause from where I’m standing, it looks like these bookshelves have gotten the best of you.”
“It’s a workspace, babe.”
“A workspace, huh? Well, it looks a bit like a disaster zone to me.”
“Are you doubting our abilities here?” Grayson asked, sounding offended.
“I’m just stating the obvious.”
“Can’t believe you’re actually doubting my skills.” Grayson gave me a playful scowl. “You should know better than anyone that I’m good with my hands.”
“I can’t disagree with you there.”
“That’s right. I was born for this shit. I just need a little time to get organized.”
“Mm-hmm. If you say so, punkin.”
“Don’t you punkin me, woman! I’ll have your ass for that.”
I winked at him. “I certainly hope so.”
“Oh, good grief. You two are killin’ me!” Braylon whined, then turned to look at me with a scolding expression. “Don’t you have some work to do?”
“As a matter of fact, I do.” I tiptoed over to Grayson, then leaned down and kissed him. “Thanks for doing all this for me.”
“Just doing what I can to make my woman happy.”
“Well, I appreciate it.” I stood, and as I walked out of the room, I said to them, “I’ll let you boys get back to work. Just give me a shout if you need a hand.”
“Not gonna happen. We got this covered.” I’d barely stepped into the hall when I heard Grayson shout, “You’re still gonna pay for the punkin’ shit later tonight.”