Page 64 of A Texas Hero

“I’m sorry, did you come all this way to check up on me? Do you think I’m taking liberties with my bodyguard because he’s attractive?”

Her nerves pulsed at how close he’d come to the truth. Funny how well he knew her for having spent so little time around her growing up. Her mother must have shared more than Zoey had ever imagined.

Daddy’s ever-present grin momentarily cracked. “No. I trust you to always do the right thing.”

“Good.”

“And you trust me, right?”

“Of course, you’re my father. I know you want what’s best for me.”

This wasn’t the time to remind him that he didn’t always know what she wanted or needed. That was beside the point.

“I always have.” He cleared his throat. “And I’m sure you also want what’s best for me.”

“Well, of course. Why? Is something wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong at all.” He straightened and tugged on the collar of his shirt. “Something’s very good.”

“Are you getting elected to the Hall of Fame?”

“Inducted. And I’m already in the Hall of Fame.”

He scowled, and Zoey feared she’d insulted him. “Oh, right. I forgot.”

“Here’s the thing. There’s no point in skirting around the issue so I’m going to come right out and say it. I’m getting married.”

All the oxygen was sucked out of the room, and Zoey couldn’t catch her breath as she stared at him. She had to have heard wrong. It had only been four years since her mother died. What was the damn rush? Who was this woman he was going to marry? She hoped not his last girlfriend because she was far too young. But it didn’t matter, because no one would ever be as good as Mami. No woman would ever love her father the way Mami had. No one could.

“Are you okay?” her father said, and suddenly he was next to her, holding her hand.

That’s when she realized she was gasping, trying to find words.

“You…you…you’re getting married? When?”

There were too many other questions, like why? And to whom? But she was afraid to ask to whom, because she feared it was the woman he’d been seeing on and off, the one Zoey didn’t like.

“We’re not eloping but as soon as we can make it happen.” He patted her knee, as if that made it all okay. “I had to tell you, because I’ve waited too long.”

“Waited too long?” Zoey stood. “You haven’t waited too long! Mami died four years ago. That’s no time at all.”

“It feels like forever to me,” her father said. “I’m alone, Zoey.”

“You and your bodyguards, you mean.”

Somewhere in the far reaches of her mind, Zoey became aware her voice was gradually increasing in volume.

“My bodyguards are my friends, but they have their own wives and families. I miss having a partner, someone who’ll stand beside me and support me.”

“So, that’s it? You’re going to forget all about Mami?”

Unfortunately, she’d not so much said this as screamed it.

Why would he come here on the day after Sweetheart Day to further slash her illusions about forever love? Yes, she got it: Her mother was gone and would never be back. Some things had to change. No more stupid Sweetheart Day, for one. But this was just too much. Her father remarrying put a stamp on it: Her mother was gone forever.

All three bodyguards were suddenly in the living room with them, foreheads creased, jaws tight. With her scream, she’d activated alarm mode in bodyguard language.

“Everything okay, Patch?” Alec said.