Page 110 of The Way We Collide

“It’s nice to meet you, sir.” I stand straighter, wishing I’d worn my blazer over my short-sleeved navy T-shirt and jeans.

Raven is as casual as I am in an off-the-shoulder burgundy sweater, leggings, and brown Uggs. Haddy is wearing herOn Sunday, we watch footballonesie with pink baby joggers. As usual, she’s taking in the whole scene with big eyes, a pacifier, and Axel in her grip.

My muscles are tense, and I’m ready to go protective daddy-bear at the first sign of trouble.

A man about my age stands behind Raven’s dad watching us with a scowl. His dark hair is smoothed back from his face, and a gold chain peeks over the collar of his gray sweater. He’s wearing a pinky ring.

Not that I’m judging. I’m not much of a jewelry guy, but some of the fellows on the team are into it. What I don’t like is the way his brown eyes follow Raven’s every move like he has some ownership stake in her.

“Raven.” Her dad steps forward, putting both hands on her upper arms and kissing her cheek. “You look good.”

“I am, Dad.” Her voice is bright and strong. “I’m very good.”

I’d like to think I have something to do with that, but I imagine inheriting six million dollars helps.

“May I see your ring?” He takes her hand before she can answer, and his tone rises. “That’sit? You can get that for fifty dollars at an outlet store.”

My chest tightens, and,Fuck me—again!

I was so proud of myself for remembering to bring rings to our ceremony. Now I feel like a cheap, unromantic asshole.

“We decided quickly,” Raven sputters. “Anyway, it’s not about the ring. It’s about me doing what I want to do, and Haddy being healthy and happy and getting to know her dad…”

“Doing what you want to do,” her dad huffs. “Chasing down hurricanes? Doing your best to stand still in a windstorm as trees fly past your head? That’s what you want to do?”

His challenging tone sends a surge of adrenaline through my chest, but Raven lifts her chin, not the least bit shaken by his attitude.

“I haven’t exactly been doing those things, but I’m getting there.”

“When you could be here, working in a plush office space in Atlanta, making a good salary with your family around you.” He exhales a huff. “It doesn’t make any sense, Biscuit.”

My jaw clenches, but Raven beats me to the punch.

“Please don’t call me that.” Her voice is sharp, and he throws up a hand like she’s being impossible. “I see you have Larry by your side, as always.”

“I heard you were coming into town.” Lawrence Calder O'Halloran stops lurking and steps forward to join the conversation. “I take it this ishim.”

My eyes clash with his dark ones, and I nod.

“Hendrix Bradford.” I extend a hand. I’m not afraid of this guy, and I don’t like the way he’s looking at my wife. “I’m Raven’s husband.”

“Lawrence O'Halloran.” He places his hand in mine, and I give it a nice firm,back the fuck upsqueeze.

He winces, and I’m ready to go, when a sweet voice I recognize from their weekly FaceTime calls interrupts the face-off.

“Raven! Haddeeee!” Amelia calls, and Haddy starts to squeal when the younger woman races into the room.

“Mimi!” Raven grabs her sister, and they hug each other so tightly, swaying side to side. “Oh my goodness. I’ve missed you so much.”

Raven laughs, and they both wipe tears from their smiling eyes.

“Give me my baby girl!” Amelia takes our daughter from Raven, squeezing her and swaying side to side.

Haddy squeals and talks baby talk, patting her shoulders like she’s reuniting with an old friend. Amelia is a little taller than Raven and skinny, but they have the same amber eyes.

“She hasteeth!” She blinks at her sister then at me. “And… Hendrix? Is that really you?”

“Nice to meet you in person.” I smile, reaching out to shake her hand, but she skips forward and hugs me.

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