“Do you have his markers?” I ask Harper.
“That’s unnecessary,” Reece’s father interjects. “If she wants to be a single mother, she should learn to take care of him on her own.”
He has thick, gray caterpillar eyebrows that wiggle when he talks. I picture my fist slamming into one when I punch him. Creepy and prickly.
Harper’s cheeks flush. “I do! I always have.”
He leans in, crowding Maryanne. “Then he needs a father’s discipline. He’s already behind other children his age.”
I lose my temper. I hold Danny tighter and press his head to my chest to block out the noise. “He’s four,” I snap. “He’s hungry and tired. Leave them alone.” I echo the Viking, though I’d much rather tell his father to fuck off.
Face contorted in fury, Mr. Abercrombie tosses his napkin on his plate and rises.
Reece bolts from his chair. “Dad?—”
Ethan’s hand slams onto the table, the sharp crack of his palm rattling silverware and glasses. “Sit down,” he snarls.
Everyone freezes. Even Danny stops crying, his pupils wide as I bounce him gently. Reece drops to his seat. Aurora gawks at our boyfriend, stunned.
Ethan’s stormy eyes fixate on Reece’s father, his expression thunderous. “We’re here to celebrate Sadie and Cal’s wedding. Ifyou can’t show basic human decency, then perhaps you should leave.”
Maryanne’s hand flies to her throat. The waiter pauses with our meals, tray on his shoulder.
The pastor’s face turns crimson. “Excuse me? Who do you think?—”
“I don’t think. I know,” Ethan cuts him off, tone deadly. “I know a man doesn’t berate his children. Reece is family. He protects those I love; there’s no greater honor. I won’t tolerate you belittling him, and I definitely won’t tolerate whatever you thought you were doing when you stood from that chair.” His steely gaze is unwavering.
Something swells in my chest at him standing up for me—and Reece, but mostly me—and I can’t help the smug smile that tugs at my lips. He loves me, and it’s so damn hot.
“Dad. Sit,” Reece says, quiet but firm, “or leave.”
“Daddy, please,” Sadie begs.
With a scowl, he sinks into his chair, nostrils flaring with each heavy breath.
Ethan faces forward and straightens his suit. “Sadie. Cal,” he gives a polite nod, “my apologies. Everyone, let’s eat.” He gestures to the waiter. “I’m starving.” Those intense eyes find mine. “Come here.” He juts his chin.
Is it wrong that I hope I’m in trouble?
Chapter 42
Aurora
Isteady myself against the wall of the hotel suite as Ethan slips off my heels.
He massages the arch of one foot before removing the other shoe. “Sore?”
“A little.” I sigh as his thumbs work their magic on my aching feet. “Thank you for tonight. For…you know. All you do for us.”
Reece went straight to the bathroom when we entered the room. I don’t want him to overhear and think we’re gossiping about him. Jackson is hunting down snacks and candy for a movie night.
“Of course.” Ethan remains focused on his task, his touch firm yet gentle.
I reach down and run my fingers through his thick hair. “I didn’t know how to handle it.” My voice breaks. I feel terrible for not saying something, for not being more assertive, but Reece’s dad scares the shit out of me. I’m certain he despises me. I’m definitely not who he wants for his son.
Ethan glances up, his gray eyes dark underneath his lowered brows. “You shouldn’t have to.” His hands slide up and rub my calves. “That’s our job. You take care of Reece.”
Throughout dinner, Reece remained quiet, even when his sisters surprised him with an early birthday cake and his mother called him a Christmas miracle for sharing Jesus’ day. He stayed that way even after his parents left, giving only Sadie an awkward hug.
