“Faith…” Daddy trails off, his gaze drifting to the window as a couple nears the front door.
He perks up, hopeful.
They walk right past.
He sighs.
“Do you really want to do this?”
I nod. “Yes, Daddy. I do.”
He studies me for a beat. Then smiles gently. “Well… if you believe it’s the right thing, then do it. Never let anyone say your daddy didn’t love you enough to let you go.”
I rush forward and wrap my arms around him in a tight hug.
“There’s one more thing,” I say softly. My pulse kicks up.
I’m about to tell him Keith and I are… done. That he shouldn’t count on me marrying into a property deal.
But before I can speak?—
“Oh, look who’s here!” Daddy calls out over my shoulder. “It’s Mr. and Mrs. Stinson!”
Goosebumps prickle down my spine.
I turn and plaster on a smile.
“Well, hello, young lady,” Mrs. Stinson greets me, kissing my cheek. “How are you? And how have Keith’s updates from DC been? Sounds like he’s doing quite well. I’m sure he’s told you different things than he’s told us.”
I clench my jaw, willing my face not to crack.
Keith hasn’t told me adamn thing. Ten days. Not a peep. I called. Texted. Nothing.
And clearly, he didn’t even have the balls to tell his parents we’re “on a break.”
I guess I’ll just play along. Not my circus.
“He’s fine,” I say quietly. “Loving DC. Busy, though.”
“Good. We’re justsoexcited for the wedding next summer. I won’t even tell you what the down payment was on the venue.” She laughs like it’s charming. I flinch.
Normally the bride’s family pays for the wedding, but of course the Stinsons insisted. They always insist.
“Well, let’s sit. We’ll eat!”
As we settle into the booth, I feel something tight coil in my chest. The guilt is sharp and cold.
This conversation is a lie.
The ring on my finger is a lie.
I’m sitting here like I’m still the future Mrs. Keith Stinson.
But I’m not.
And I’m starting to think I never will be.
That same evening, I bring my application over to Holloway’s Hideout.
