Gunner paused thoughtfully, a frown tugging his brows. “I don’t really know them well enough to answer that question. When’s Craig planning to tell them about the affair?”
“He gets his one-year chip November second.”
“Only a couple weeks to go then.”
“But we hung out with Gavin tonight and committed to eating with the Robinsons tomorrow. I’m afraid they’ll feel betrayed. Like I lied to them. I am lying to them.” She covered her face. “I’m an awful person.”
He pulled her hands from her face. “No, you’re not. But if you’re that worried, you could always tell them.”
She felt so torn. “But Craig has so much riding on this. He’s been working hard to get and stay sober. He desperately wants a relationship withallhis kids, and he’s determined to get that chip before he tells them. I’m afraid if I told them what their dad did all those years ago, it would only drive a bigger wedge between them. Possibly an irreparable wedge. I can’t do that to Craig. And the consequences of that might also come between him and me.”
“I wish Craig would just tell them now. Can’t he see it’s putting you in a bad spot?”
“I haven’t really expressed my concerns after that first mention of it. Our relationship is new and fragile. I don’t want to rock the boat.”
“That’s your call. You’re in a tight spot, Charlie. But if I can see that, surely your brothers will too.”
“I hope you’re right.”
“They’re good guys. Once they find out you’re their sister... I don’t know how they could resist wanting to know you better.” A smile played at the corner of his mouth. “I sure couldn’t.”
Her heart released a happy sigh. “I’m glad you couldn’t.”
Awareness crackled between them. He leaned forward and brushed her lips with his, holding her gaze through the brief but stirring kiss.
She longed for more but appreciated that he was being careful. Maybe not right now in the moment, but in the long term. Moving too fast would be a mistake. Things could go wrong, and then she’d get hurt all over again. And this time, she was afraid, would be even worse than last time.
Thirty-Six
The last person Charlotte had expected to see tonight was Gavin.
The evening had started on such a high note. She always enjoyed her chats with Craig. They’d begun meeting weekly on Tuesdays at the pizza place where she and Gunner had shot pool the one time. Craig loved their deep-dish Carnivore’s Delight, but it had taken him weeks to admit it. He’d always catered to her preference—deep-dish pepperoni.
When she’d discovered this, she insisted they get two pizzas and take the leftovers home. Craig was a selfless man and a good listener. She’d spent many hours filling him in on her life prior to their meeting. His questions seemed endless.
She told him about Gunner, who would’ve come with her tonight except he had a late meeting with Avery and Lisa to finalize details regarding the fund they were starting for the underinsured. With Trail Days coming up this weekend, the meeting was imperative.
Craig listened intently as she told him how Gunner hadbrought Midnight around. She was proud of him and wanted her father to like him too. The men needed to get to know one another better.
Craig reminisced about her mother fondly. But in general he avoided talking about his life as an alcoholic.
Midway through their meal he leaned in to the table. “I wasn’t a good person back then. I let down all the people who mattered to me—your mom included. I’m not proud of it. But I hope I can do better going forward.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. I’m proud of you for trying so hard.”
Like so many veterans he didn’t like talking about the war either. But she’d gathered from the little he’d said that he’d begun drinking because of the PTSD he suffered once he was back in the States. He desperately needed therapy and, like so many people, self-medicated instead. She was glad to hear he was getting help now.
He loved talking about Gavin and Cooper. Was hungry to know how they were doing, what their lives were like. Guilt pricked as she fed him information—nothing too personal. Nothing the average neighbor wouldn’t already know. It was impossible to miss the way Craig’s eyes lit up with pride at every detail she spooned out. And impossible to deny him the pleasure of learning these little tidbits.
Once they’d finished their meals and the conversation died down, Craig walked her out to her truck. The moon had risen and the stars twinkled above on an inky canvas.
They wrapped up their conversation as they came to a stop by her vehicle, situated under a bright safety lamp that lit half the parking lot.
Her father’s aging features softened an instant before he leaned in for an awkward hug. This gesture was fairly new as she’d hugged him for the first time just last week. She could tell he wasn’t used to displays of affection. He leaned into the hug from the waist and didn’t seem to know what to do with his hands.
Her heart softened toward him as she gave him a squeeze. He was obviously in foreign territory, but he was doing his best. She was growing to care about him.
They said goodbye and parted ways. Charlotte remained, watching him walk across the parking lot. His stride and the way he carried himself were already familiar. He walked like a man beaten down by life. She hoped to change that. He’d made a lot of mistakes, but he had many positive qualities and a lot of love to give.
