I watched as Alexander shifted my body into his as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders and rested his boot-covered feet on the coffee table.
I further watched as he pressed a kiss on the top of my head, his lips lingered there for a moment, and then with his free hand, he tagged the blanket that was draped on the other end of the couch and settled it around me.
Dad hit a key, and it stopped.
I looked up at him, not realizing a tear had trailed down my cheek until he used his thumb to brush it away.
“If you ever tell anyone I said this, I’ll deny it,” he said.
I nodded.
“Never thought I would find a man good enough for you, but there he is.”
***
It was five days later, and we were at the clubhouse for the monthly hog roast the club put on.
I was swaying to an oldCreedence Clearwater Revivalsong—the band my dad named me after because it was his favorite—in front of the table that was laden with food, when I felt it… that all too familiar presence I knew belonged to him.
I smiled and then looked up at him, “Having a good time?”
He lifted his chin.
“Don’t lie to me, Alexander. Please.”
He searched my hazel eyes with his own and said, “Too many people here.”
“What would help?” I asked.
He snorted, “To not be here.”
I stared up into his mossy-colored eyes and had a thought, “Have you eaten yet?”
He shook his head.
I grinned, “Okay, fix your plate and follow me.”
He lifted his brow but nonetheless did as I said.
Once our plates were full, I led him into the clubhouse and to a room that Cotton had created for the ol’ ladies.
It was quiet in here.
He sighed, “Better.”
I grinned.
We gathered around the coffee table and started eating our food.
“Can I ask you something?” I asked.
He nodded.
“Did you suspect your dad was hurting your sister?” I asked.
He looked at me and seemed to take a beat, then he shared, “Not until that day.”
I smiled sadly, “I’m so sorry.”
