“We’ve talked a lot about gun safety,” Dakota said to his daughter.
“I know and I understand,” Sammy replied. “I don’t know how to get into that room.”
Again, Dakota and Providence exchanged glances. Stryker was confident that conversation with their daughter was far from over.
“I have news,” Trudy said, after everyone had finished eating. “I invited Dad over today. He’ll be by for coffee.”
Another bomb had been dropped in the middle of what should have been a chill family get together.
Stryker’s blood pressure kicked up. “Not good.”
“Trudy, that was very inclusive of you, dear,” Aunt Heather began. “Since not everyone wants to see him, getting buy-in beforehand might have been a good idea, don’t you think?”
“I didn’t think it was a big deal,” Trudy replied.
“It is to me, sis.” Stryker stacked the dishes and carried them into the kitchen. A few seconds later, his aunt moseyed in.
“You okay?” Heather asked.
“Hell, no,” Stryker replied. “He’s not part of this family, and I will not welcome him back.”
“Please don’t leave.”
“I’m not leaving.” He put his arm around her. “I don’t scare that easily.”
“You don’t scare at all,” she said with a smile. “You have nerves of steel.”
They cleaned up in silence while conversations floated in from the porch. With the dishwasher loaded, Stryker started scrubbing the pans. At some point, Dakota wandered in. “Stryker, you wanna go for a walk?”
“Yeah.”
This was always the best part of Sunday Funday. He and Dakota would grab Graham and take off for the neighborhood playground.
“Let me change Graham’s diaper, first.” Dakota went looking for his son.
“So, how are you and Emerson getting along?” Heather asked while drying a pan.
“Where’s that coming from?” Stryker asked.
“Well, for one, I saw how you two interacted at the fundraiser. Please don’t take me for an idiot, Stryker.” With a smile, she patted his back.
“I made her dinner last night.”
“Very nice. She’s lovely and very smart. She mentioned working with someone who was helping her overcome her phobia. I’m guessing that was you.”
“How do you know so much?”
“You couldn’t keep your eyes off her. She left the room upset and you went after her. But, no worries, your secret is safe with me.”
Dakota walked in with Graham.
“Nana, I had poopie diaper,” Graham said. “Can you play with us?”
Heather lifted the small child and kissed his cheek. “This is your special boys-only time. You three have fun.” She set her grandson down. “We’ll play when you get back.”
They walked outside to find Stryker’s dad making his way up the driveway with a bouquet in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. Stryker’s chest tightened. Seeing his father sickened him.
“Hey, Stryker,” Tyler said. “Good to see you again. You’re not leaving, are you?”
