“Just spit it out,” he said with a growl.
“I offered to buy Savannah a prom dress,” Debbie blurted then hunched her shoulders as though bracing for impact.
Austin’s gut clenched as adrenaline filled his system. “A prom dress? Savvy’s not going to prom.” She wasn’t old enough for things like that. He balled his fists as his stomach twisted into knots. No way is some boy taking my daughter to prom.
Austin caught himself.
She is old enough.
She’s almost seventeen. She’ll be graduating next year.
“According to her friend, Rainey, there’s this guy who wants to ask her out, but she’s afraid you’ll go ballistic.”
Austin took a deep breath and asked, “Why is she afraid I’ll freak out?”
Because you just did, idiot.
“Well, she says you’re overprotective and—”
“I’m her father, I’m supposed to protect her.”
“I know, and you’re doing a fabulous job, but you have to let her grow up, too.” Debbie put her hand on his shoulder, sending warm tingles zinging down his arm. “She’s also concerned about being able to afford a dress.”
Austin’s jaw clenched. He hated that Savvy was so aware of their financial situation. And Debbie too.
He stepped away from her, for his sanity’s sake. “So, I’m just supposed to agree to let her go out with some kid I know nothing about?”
“Of course not. There’s plenty of time for you to get to know him before prom. Invite him over for dinner or something. Savvy really likes him.”
“But they always have parties after these dances…” Austin’s breath came a little faster. “I don’t want her doing who knows what—” He shuddered as he remembered what transpired between him and Cheyenne after their senior prom.
“If it’s okay with you, I’ll offer to let Cheyenne’s group of friends come here after the dance. You can help me chaperone while they swim and watch a movie, if you want.”
He didn’t know what was worse; teenagers running around half dressed or cuddling in a dark room downstairs. At least Debbie asked his permission this time before promising his daughter something. If he helped chaperone, then he could make sure nothing inappropriate happened.
A horn honked again.
He rubbed his tired eyes. “I’ll think about it.” He opened the door. “All of it.”
Less than ten minutes later, Austin parked his truck in their driveway. He reached for Savannah’s arm before she could climb out. “Hang on, Savvy.” He looked over his shoulder at Dallas and Cody. “You boys go get ready for bed. I’ll be there in a few minutes, after I talk to Savvy.”
Savannah had been tense the whole ride home, almost cowering in her seat as if she feared him.
The thought saddened him. He never got abusive with his kids, even when he was upset with them, so why didn’t Savvy feel like she couldn’t talk to him about going to prom? Why did she need Debbie to act as a buffer?
“So, I hear some guy wants to ask you to prom.”
Savvy turned toward him. “Caleb isn’t just some guy, Dad. He’s super smart and really nice.”
Austin grinned. “Then why haven’t I heard about him before now? I always thought you’d tell me when you got a boyfriend.”
Even in the dim glow from the porch light, Austin could see a blush cover Savvy’s cheeks.
“He’s not my boyfriend.”
“Yet.” Austin couldn’t resist teasing her. “But you want him to be, don’t you?”
Savvy shrugged. “Maybe, but I’m not ready for a serious relationship.”
