“I’m not happy about this, Kendra.” His voice was stern.
I stood as well at that. “I do care about your daughter, sir.” I walked over to him, then I wished I hadn’t. I was a bit taller, and I wasn’t going for intimidation. “This is my responsibility, too.”
“You’re damn right it is. I expect to hear a plan that demonstrates how Kendra can actually afford her own place and a baby while she works and goes to school. To me it sounds more like another screw-up that will land her right back here. For good.”
His word choice pissed me off, but his point was one I’d been going over in my own head all night—when I wasn’t thinking about Elaine. “I make good money, sir. I’m in a position to help Kenny with whatever—”
“We’re still working out the details, Dad.”
While I was going for diplomacy, Kenny’s sharp tone sounded ready to fight. I was pretty sure that was not the best approach, and I wished we’d planned this out before driving here. Thankfully her mother intervened.
“Byron, it sounds like they’re working on a plan. We can give them a little time.” Then she turned to her daughter. “When are you due, honey? You’re barely showing!”
“May.”
The room fell silent for what felt like a long time. I searched for something to say, but I felt like we’d said all we could to this point.
Her father walked to the small liquor cabinet and took out two tumblers. He poured a finger of scotch into each and handed me one. “I suppose congratulations are in order.”
I nodded and took the drink. “Thanks. And trust me, sir. I’m going to make this right.”
He turned to his daughter. “Kendra, you can stay here for now. Patrick is welcome to visit you any time, of course. But I expect you to give me a real solution. Soon.”
Her brow relaxed, and she stood. “I will, Dad. I promise.”
* * *
Later that night after a dinner of pork chops, lettuce wedges, mac and cheese—again with Kenny eating half of mine—I drove her down to the pier. She directed me and after a few turns, we were walking down the long wooden structure that extended over the water.
“Well, that went about how I expected,” she sighed.
I reached over and took her hand. “You need to work on your delivery when asking for favors.”
“Ugh! You’re right. I know you’re right.” She shook her head. “He drives me crazy. I’m sitting there telling him my plan, and he acts like I’ve gone total charity case.”
“Speaking of that, you said you didn’t know what to do. It sounds like you have a few pretty good idea in the works.”
We were at the end of the pier, and she sat. Then she tugged on my arm, making me sit beside her, our feet dangling over the edge. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot. I guess when I saw my dad’s face, it all just clicked together.”
“You’ve got a job, you’re going to GCU… That’s all great.”
She exhaled a little laugh. “I just wish I could afford my own place now.”
“I can pay for deposits or whatever. Tell me where and when, and I’ll send you the money.”
“No, Mom’s right. It doesn’t seem like the right thing yet. I’ll need help with the baby—”
“I want to help you.”
Her fingers traveled to the band she’d made around my arm, and I watched as she traced the lines with the tips of her fingers. “This is some of my be
st work.”
“Removal of Long-Story Stacy,” I said, remembering. We were quiet a few moments, then I took her hand and turned it over, opening it to show the tear hidden in her palm. “Did you ever want a family with him?”
Her fingers curled closed over mine, and after a few quiet moments, she shook her head. “We didn’t have a chance to think about it. We were so young, and he was gone so fast.”
My lips pressed together, and I smoothed her palm out against mine. “Some things stop you in your tracks.”