He actually looked surprised by this news, as if he’d missed a few of her birthdays.
A second passed, and then he grunted.
“Gavin.” Evelyn sounded disappointed. “You can do better.”
He sighed, then shook Noah’s hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“If you say so.”
The man cracked a smile and turned to Delaney, who’d watched the scene with wide eyes. “I like him. He doesn’t scare easily.”
“None of us does,” Callan called from the other side of the room. Apparently, they’d all heard the whole thing. “Only the strong survive the Wright family.”
Asher, standing a few feet away, chuckled. “You think he’s scary, wait till you meet the cousins.”
Oh boy. Noah wasn’t looking forward to that. But he’d endure it.
Anything for Delaney.
The worn check was soft at the edges from being handled so many times over the past months. Delaney had carried it everywhere—a reminder of all she needed to prove.
She’d asked Dad if they could talk, and now they stood in the chilly sunroom at the back of the house. The rest of the family had migrated into the family room, their voices a distant hum of laughter—Charlotte’s giggles among them—and conversation.
She held out the check to her father. “I want to return this to you.”
He glanced at the check but didn’t reach for it. “Why didn’t you cash it?”
“I didn’t need to.” Delaney straightened her shoulders, feeling stronger. “I know you didn’t think I could do it, but I made it on my own.”
His eyes widened, then narrowed. “I never said that. I never doubted you.” He sounded not defensive but hurt.
“When you gave it to me, you told me to come home when I ran out of money.”
“I didn’t mean…” He blew out a sigh and shook his head. “I really am terrible at this.”
His words surprised a laugh out of her. “What?”
“Fatherhood. If that’s what you thought I meant when I gave you that…” He took the check but didn’t pocket it. Instead, he stared at her for a long moment. “I never doubted you’d make it, Laney. That’s not why I gave you this.”
“Then why?”
“Because… You’re my daughter. I wanted to make sure you were okay. I wanted you to be safe.” His voice cracked. “That’s all I’ve ever wanted. To protect you. When I heard what happened…” He shoved the check into his pocket and took her hands. “You saved that child’s life. You put yourself in danger to do it.”
“Oh, well…” She’d told her sisters and Mom. Apparently, someone told Dad. “It’s nothing you wouldn’t have done.”
He pulled her close. “That’s true. You’re like me in that way, protective. But you’re like your mother in all the other ways. You’re kind and caring and more…present than I’ve ever been.” He took her shoulders and met her eyes. “I’m so proud of you. And I never doubted you. I’m sorry I’m so terrible at saying it. I’m trying harder, I really am.”
She stepped into his arms again, not sure what to say. Because hewasbad at it, but right now, he was making up a lot of ground.
After a few moments, he backed away, gave her a soft smile, then frowned at something out of her line of vision.
“I guess I’ll get back to the party.” He squeezed her hand, kissed her on the cheek, and left.
On his way, he nodded to Noah, who was waiting in the formal living room, sipping some of Mom’s famous hot chocolate.
When Dad was gone, Noah set his mug down and stepped closer, brows lowering. He swiped his finger below her eye, catching a tear. “Do I need to beat him up for you?”
She wasn’t sure if the sound she made was a laugh or a cry. Maybe a combination of both.
