He looks to his daughter as she clings to my side squeezing me tighter.
“I know that. You put your life out on the line today and that shows the kind of man you are. I was wrong about you. I was wrong about a lot of things.” He looks over my shoulder, no doubt at King. Those two served in the war together. They saved each other, and I was the one who severed their relationship.
“You were just trying to protect your daughter, sir. I can appreciate that. And I apologize for going behind your back and violating your trust. I fell in love, and I wasn’t thinking straight.I broke code and betrayed everyone. I hope you can forgive my brothers because they all warned me away from her. I’m the one who refused to listen. I’m the one to blame.”
Zoey looks up, and I hug her tighter.
“You didn’t do anything wrong. You made me so happy.”
God, she’s so pretty. So sweet and innocent. I’ve missed her so much. I’ve barely been getting through my days. I don’t want to walk away from her, but it’s time for me to go. Her dad probably wants to be alone with her now. He had the scare of a lifetime.
“We all make mistakes, son.”
I look up, and Pritchard’s watching his little girl.
“Today, I learned from mine. I’d like to start over, Bones. If you’re going to be in my daughter’s life, I’d like the chance to get to know you. I’d like to clear the slate.”
He’s giving me permission? Is he saying I can be with her?
“Dad, really?”
“Yes, Zoey. It’s about time I start trusting that my daughter has a good instinct about people. I could see it in your eyes this morning. You knew those men were bad, and I still sent you off alone with them. I can see it in your eyes now, too. The love and the trust you have for this man. You wouldn’t give your heart to anyone who didn’t deserve it. And I’m not going to stand in your way again. I’m going to trust that you know what’s best.”
“Thank you, Dad.” Zoey pulls away and rushes to him. I feel the squeeze of King’s hand on my shoulder. I got my girl. And I also managed to fix the damage I caused.
“Thank you all for coming for me.” Zoey turns toward my brothers. “You risked your lives for me. That makes us both in your debt.”
“Nah, doll.” King steps to my side. “You’re family, and we take care of family. Now, we’ll be on our way. But if you ever run into trouble again, you know who to call.”
That means I have to go too. I’m sure Pritchard wants to be alone with her.
“Bones, would you stay for drink? I think we both could use one.”
He has no fucking idea. My life flashed before my eyes today. I could use a tall one.
26
Zoey
“Zoey, your date’s here!”
I check myself in the mirror again, making sure I look perfect. I went with a plaid skirt and a white bodysuit, hoping to drive Bones crazy. He loves it when I dress like a sexy schoolgirl. And I’m hoping he’ll want to rip it off me the moment we’re alone.
I’ve missed him so much. After we all had dinner together, my dad and Bones spent the night talking and getting to know each other. I didn’t get a minute alone with him. And out of respect for my dad, he didn’t sneak into my room last night. He wants to do right by me now. But I’m hoping that as soon as we’re out of my dad’s sight, his restraints will come off.
“Wow, you look pretty, princess.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
I look toward Bones, and his jaw is nearly hitting the floor. He swallows hard, shaking his head.
“You certainly do. Are you ready, angel?”
His voice is extra gruff. I sink my teeth into my lower lip, keeping my giggle at bay. He looks like he’s having a hard time walking. That massive trunk between his legs looks to be interfering with his swagger.
“I’ll have her home by midnight,” he tells my dad.
“You two have a good time.”
