Hers turns playful. “You able to go kick some butt on the pool corridor, Henry?”

What the hell is occurring?

My dad clears his throat, trying just a little awkward earlier than he meets my eyes once more. “I’m simply choosing up Clara. We’re on a staff. We play pool collectively each different week. Tonight’s our evening.”

My coronary heart stutters then returns to its regular tempo. He’s right here for her. His good friend. However the best way his eyes sparked makes me marvel if there’s extra.

“I suppose you weren’t anticipating to see me?” I ask to make sure.

He shakes his head. “No, however do you wish to introduce me to your entire pals?”

I make fast introductions, then say, “Gavin is a tremendous defenseman who protects his teammates to the ends of the earth. Rhys is a middle, and he’s going to play for the Foxes for a very long time to come back—I simply comprehend it. Hollis is a winger who busts his butt in each sport to maintain his mother and sisters. Additionally, they saved my cat.”

“My grandcat?” my dad asks, voice pitching up, eyes widening.

“This I want to listen to,” Clara calls for.

“Dad, keep in mind how a lot you hated Steven?” I ask.

My dad hooks his thumbs into the pockets of his denims. “Positive do.”

Rhys chuckles beneath his breath. “All of us do.”

“He was by no means ok for Briar,” Gavin says in a growl.

My dad locks eyes with Gavin. “Rattling straight.”

With satisfaction bursting just like the solar inside me, I inform my father the story of the evening they rescued Frances Furbottom. After I’m performed, my dad’s impervious expression is rather less impervious as he nods to the three males. “I respect you looking for my daughter. And my grandcat.”

“We’re completely happy to,” Hollis says, talking for the group.

Dad hooks his thumb towards his automobile. “We must always go. But it surely was good seeing you, kiddo. And good assembly you.”

We hug goodbye and for a second, I’m tempted to inform my dad that we’re greater than pals for now, that I look after them, that they’re exhibiting me what actual affection is.

And for a second, too, I believe he’d be okay with it.

We are saying goodbye and he leaves, hopping into the entrance seat, however earlier than Clara will get in, she trots again to me and squeezes me in a hug, then whispers, “I like them.”

My coronary heart catches in my throat. “Me too.”

She lets go and leaves.

By the point I attain the cottage with the fellows, I don’t simply wish to give up. I have to.

53

A WINDSOR KNOT

Briar

This time I need the theater.

The lights are low within the bed room. Attractive music performs from my telephone, a playlist I created simply at this time.

I name it When the Temper Strikes.

Sultry vocals from whiskey-voiced girls singing about longing weave round me as my males and I end getting dressed, and I placed on a present they bought me.

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