Before I can ask, he says, “I was wondering if you’ve seen my jaw, because I dropped it when I saw you.”
The pick-up line is so lame that I burst out laughing.
He holds his hand out to me again. “I’m Rhett Daniels.”
Finally catching on to what he’s doing, I place my hand in his.
“Evie Cole.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Evie.”
“Likewise,” I whisper.
“Can I take you for coffee?” he asks, a playful grin lighting up his dark eyes.
“I’d like that.”
We walk to the nearest Starbucks, and I grab us a table while Rhett places our order.
When we’re both settled with a steaming beverage in our hands, I ask, “What’s your biggest fear?”
“There’s the Evie I remember. Not scared to ask the deep questions,” he teases, but then his eyes get serious. “My biggest fear is not living up to the man my goddaughter thinks I am.”
“Willow has tried to keep me up to date with everything that’s been happening. I know most of the guys have children now, but which one is your goddaughter?”
“Danny.” Just saying her name makes a love I’ve never seen before shine from Rhett’s eyes. “She’s Carter and Della’s oldest.”
“I hope I’ll get to meet her one day,” I say, meaning every word.
Rhett chuckles, and for a moment he looks a little embarrassed as he says, “She can’t wait to meet you. A few months back we were watching Frozen, and she asked me when I’ll find my Elsa.” Rhett pauses, then asks, “Have you watched Frozen?”
I laugh, “Yeah, but if you tell anyone, I’ll deny it.”
He chuckles, then continues, “I told Danny that I’ve already met my Anna, but she was having an adventure.”
It takes a minute for me to grasp what Rhett just said.
“I’m your Anna?”
“Yeah, pretty much from the first moment I laid eyes on you.”
It’s going to take me a while to get used to this side of Rhett. I remember him being guarded and having him be so open with me is a little mind-blowing.
“What’s your biggest fear?” Rhett asks.
Now that Dad is in my life, it's no longer being alone.
“I’m scared,” I pause, hating to even say the words out loud. “I’m scared, my dad will leave for work, and he won’t come back.”
Rhett reaches across the table and squeezes my hand.
“Evie, your dad’s pretty scary. I’m sure death would shit himself if he has to try and take your dad from you.” Rhett’s words make me smile. “I know I would fight with everything I have to stay with you and I’m not half as badass as he is.”
I chuckle, “He is pretty badass.”
“Tell me more about him. What does he do for a living? How did you find him?”
“Dad’s a Navy SEAL.”