“You know the expression, love you to death? Well, she loved me back to life. I’m grateful to her for that. But it’s not just gratitude. I am madly, head-over-heels in love with Jordyn. I love that she has a sports encyclopedia brain, I love that she speaks her mind, I love that she’s a bundle of energy and that she’s tough, smart, funny, beautiful, and ambitious. I love that she’s kind and thoughtful. I even love her mess.
“It might scare you to invest your trust in me, but I’m not afraid to guarantee it. Jordyn’s heart is safe with me.”
I end there. Jordyn is the first to react. She lunges forward and jumps in my arms. I stumble and catch her beneath her ass to prevent us from toppling to the floor. Her lips crash over mine. Groping and kissing their daughter wasn’t in the plan, but together Jordyn and I are fireworks and dynamite.
“Ahem.” Her father’s cough cools things off.
“Sorry, Dad,” she laughs, not seeming sorry at all. “But that was the sweetest, sexiest, and most romantic thing ever.” She scatters kisses all over my face.
“I’m trying to get their approval here,” I remind her.
“Of course they approve.” She slides her legs off me and plants her feet on the floor. “Who wouldn’t approve of a man that loves me enough to put it all out there?” She says it to me, but it sounds like a challenge to her father and brother.
“I thought it was very romantic too,” her mom says, all teary, and puts her arms around us. “Any mother would be pleased to know her daughter is loved this much.”
“Thank you.” I hug her back and catch Pops’ wide grin.
Jared is the next to approach. “That took guts, man.” He extends his hand. “If you can find all that appealing about Archie, then more power to you.”
“Heyy.” Jordyn pokes him in the ribs, and he pulls her in for a hug. “You’re annoying, but I love ya. Hope you and Stiles will be every bit as happy as Mara and me.”
“Aw, thanks, big bro.” She hugs him tight.
“Let’s grab a beer sometime and get to know each other,” he says to me.
“That’d be great.”
Mara is next to offer hugs and support. Apparently, my speech was a hit with the women, because she’s teary too.
Jordyn’s father is the last to respond. “Could we talk alone?” he asks.
“Dad!” Jordyn protests and loops a protective arm through mine.
“It’s okay, Jordyn.” I kiss her cheek and extricate myself from her grip to follow him into the study.
“Have a seat.” He gestures toward the guest chairs.
I take one, and rather than going around his desk, he settles in the other club chair. “You’re right. I haven’t trusted you. I heard the story from my wife and daughter. I read the articles myself, and you seemed like a bad bet.”
I nod as his words land like a punch.
“I don’t respect men who cheat at anything. As a competitor, I always tried to play fairly and with integrity. As a man, husband, and father, I try to live my life the same way. Meeting your grandfather, I can tell that he’s a man of honor and that he would have instilled that value in you too. But you took a wrong turn, made a big mistake, and you and Lilah paid a heavy price.”
“Her more than me.” I place my hands on my knees and lower my gaze. “I’ll always live with that.”
“I know,” he says with what sounds like understanding. “You’re not a perfect man, Stiles. Neither am I. But what I respect about you is your accountability and determination to be better and do better. That goes a long way in my books.”
Encouraged, I look back up and release the breath I’d been holding.
“Jordyn is my pride and joy. My little girl who would use her mother’s pantyhose to catch frogs in the woods and our spoons to dig up worms in the backyard.”
We share a smile as he reflects, and I picture it.
“Simone tried to put her in ballet, but Jordie only wanted to be out on the field running and kicking and competing hard. My baby girl doesn’t do anything halfway, including falling in love. That’s new for me as a dad. I haven’t seen Jordyn be so open and vulnerable before, and I get it now. She’s completely unguarded with you because she knows she’s safe. I can see you’re a good man, Stiles, and that you love my daughter. Guess that means I should lower my guard a little too.”
“Appreciate it, sir.” I work not to jump up and throw my fist in the air. “I won’t let you or Jordyn down.”
“I got a good feeling you won’t.” We stand, and he shakes my hand and squeezes my shoulder.
