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“For now, we keep her safe and cross that bridge when we get there.”

He nods.

“Let’s get inside. I’ll take her to the pond and try not to kill my annoying fucking brother,” I state.

We step back inside. She and Dad have made significant progress on the puzzle.

“Dad, can you guys take a break?” I say to them.

“Sure, son. I have a few errands to run. I can take David with me,” he says. “You can show Jola the pond.”

I nod. I know Dad is trying his best to keep David and me at arm’s length.

“Come on, Sprinkles.” I nod toward her. She gets up and comes to me.

“I wanted to show her the pond, Darcy,” David says behind me.

“You are doing errands with Dad,” I reply, knowing how much he dislikes going on errands with Dad.

“Fuck you, Darcy,” he sneers at me.

“Language, boys,” Dad chides.

I take her hand and lead us out. Ice will follow at a safe distance behind us.

“Why does your brother call you Darcy?” she asks the moment we step outside.

“It’s my middle name, and he knows I don’t like it,” I answer and turn to face her with a wink.

“I like the formidable Mr. Darcy,” she singsongs with a grin. She’s happy. “Especially this Mr. Darcy.” She grins. “Me like very much,” she blows a kiss with a wink and I laugh.

“It’s a walk to the pond,” I inform her.

“Should I put on shoes?” She looks down at her flip flops, wiggling her pink painted toes.

“I think you should. I don’t want you to get hurt.”

“Okay, is my dress okay?” she asks. I look at her short summer flowy dress and her breezy wild curls. My mind goes dirty.

“Yes, your dress is fine, but get your shoes on.”

“Okay, I’ll quickly change to shoes.” She races inside and Ice follows her immediately. I notice the garage door open with my Dad and David.

“Where is she?” David asks right away.

“Not your fucking business,” I retort. He’s clearly on a mission to bait me, only he doesn’t realize it will ruin him if I rise to the bait.

“Boys!” Dad yells.

He probably sees it; David is trying to go after my girl. I turn to my dad.

“Warn him,” I say in a quiet deadly tone before heading inside.

David looks shocked. I get inside right as she comes down the stairs in her gym shoes.

“I’m ready,” she says excitedly. “Is Ice coming?”

I nod.