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Sophie giggled.

My dad pushed Uncle Matt off of him, which made Uncle Mason join in. He grabbed my dad’s other arm. “She’s a senior in high school,” Uncle Mason said. “We were up to so much worse at her age.”

What the hell did that mean?!

“She’s my baby,” my dad said again.

“Dad,” I said. “I’m not a baby anymore. I love Axel. I accepted his proposal because it’s what I want. Why can’t you just be happy for us?”

“Yeah, chill man,” Uncle Rob said. “She’s not pregnant after all. At least not yet. Wrap it up, Axel.”

Please stop talking.

“These are good kids, bro. All of ‘em. It’s not like they’re doing hard drugs and have a secret lair or anything.” He winked at me.

Uncle Rob!

“What is this about a secret lair?” my dad asked.

“He said they don’t have that,” Mr. Tanner said and shoved Uncle Rob off the side of the couch. “Weren’t you listening, young man?”

My dad just shook his head. “Scarlett, you will always be my baby. And I’ll always be protective of you. I...”

“I’ll protect her now,” Axel said. “I promise.”

I smiled at him.

My dad sighed. But then his eyes narrowed on the side of my neck. “Is that a hickey?”

I clapped my hand over the spot he was glaring at.

Axel cleared his throat. “Sorry. She hadn’t accepted my proposal and...”

“You wanted everyone to know she was off-limits,” my mom said. She stared at my dad. “Who does that sound like to you?”

My dad didn’t say a word. But his frown eased a bit.

My mom leaned down and hugged me. “What happened to coming to me first?” she whispered.

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She squeezed me tight. “I’m so happy for you.” She let go of me and hugged Axel. And then she kind of stood in front of him like she was shielding him from my dad. “James.”

My dad’s Adam’s apple rose and then fell as he stared at her.

“James,” my mom said again.

My dad sighed. “Okay.”

My mom nodded and stepped to the side.

My dad stared at me. “Maybe you can be engaged for a while? Your mother was 22 when she married me. Maybe...” He shrugged.

I turned to Axel. “Right now I’m most concerned about getting into the same college. Not about planning a wedding. I’m just happy being engaged.”

Axel smiled. “Me too.” He grabbed my hand.

My dad stared at our intertwined fingers. “Good.” He cleared his throat. “And I know I already apologized last night, but I am sorry, Axel. For all of it. And for my reaction to this news. But if you hurt my daughter I will kill you. And you’re not allowed in her bedroom. Do I make myself clear?”