“Marlie’s funny, snarky, and kind. I’m going to marry her one day.”
Irv blinked. “I’m sorry. What?”
“I figured I’d lay it all out for you. When Sinclairs fall, we fall hard. I knew it the moment I saw her. But we’re new, so I kind of need to let her get to know me first. We’re taking it slow. I don’t need her for anything but to be the stellar person she already is. I can provide for her. I’ve got a great career. Even if it ended today, I’m pretty set for life.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’m not a liar or a cheat. My parents have been married for thirty—maybe thirty-two? I don’t know. A lot of years. They don’t tolerate bullshit, and they raised me to respect women and be loyal. I don’t have a harem of women. I’m too busy for all that. But not for Marlie. I also have family in Hope’s Turn, so eventually I’ll be living here full-time.
“And is Marlie aware of your plans to marry her?”
“Hell no. That would scare her away. After that douche Ben and the other guys not worthy of her time, she’s a little shy of relationships. But I’ll change that.”
Irv studied him with awe. “Pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“Not at all. I’m confident I can give Marlie what she needs.”
“Which is?”
“A man who will cherish her, put her first, and always have her back because I’ll love her unconditionally.”
“This after knowing her for a week.”
Damon sighed. “I know. I sound psycho. But I just wanted you to know my intentions are honorable. I’d appreciate it if you let this play out though. No one can tell Marlie what to do. Certainly not me.”
“Or me.” Irv shook his head. “You do realize if she says no, she means no.”
“Hey, I might sound ridiculous, but I’d never go where I’m not wanted. Besides, she really likes me. We have a lot in common. And I think any woman as strong and tough as Marlie deserves a great guy like myself. But at the end of the day, it’s her choice. Not mine or anyone else’s.” To include her parents.
“You know, I think you mean that.”
“I do. I’d never hurt her, not intentionally. But hell, I’m human. I make mistakes. Not many of them though.”
Irv laughed. “As long as you respect my daughter’s wishes. You seem to know what you want. I just hope you realize there’s no rush on relationships. Giving it time is an option, you know.”
“Sure, I get that. I sound crazy, but I’m not. My biggest issue with Marlie is how to get her to realize she deserves love. And that you can’t shut yourself away just to avoid getting hurt again.”
“Wise words.” Irv raised his brows. “But proof is in the doing.”
“Exactly. I have nothing but time to show Marlie I’m the guy for her.”
“Good luck with that.” Irv clapped him on the back.
He hadn’t completely sold the older man on himself, but hell, he’d been in tighter spots before. And it was Marlie’s opinion that really mattered.
“I’m the goalie, Irv. Everyone knows we’re the ones you count on when you want a real win.”
CHAPTER 29
Marlie had no idea what Damon had said to her father, but her dad had watched Damon with amusement and a hint of caution for the rest of the night. Even through coffee afterward.
Damon had said little but that he loved her family, even her clingy brothers, who demanded stories of his time on the ice with legendary players she couldn’t care less about. Oddly, her mother had asked some hockey questions that proved she’d done some research of her own into Damon.
Not sure if that was good or bad, Marlie soon forgot everything since Damon took her home and screwed her brains out. Then they played with the kittens before indulging in another holiday scary movie.
Friday evening, as she coached her girls into another victory, she appreciated her mother and father watching the game, though she missed Damon. He had intended to come but instead had to cancel due to a dinner with his parents and some emergencies they couldn’t handle without him.
Not exactly what he’d said, but calling his mother overly dramatic and his father an asshat didn’t seem in the holiday spirit.
