Page 78 of Summer Kisses

"Everything's going great for you. Your program's a success, and you're engaged to a Kingston."

"Right," was all I could manage to say because it wasn't the truth. But I couldn't bring myself to tell her that. "We might need to look for additional funding though. Brady's dad is worried that it looks like he's doing me a favor because Brady's my fiancé."

Sandy's brow creased. "The Kingstons are going to pull funding?"

"I don't think we can count on it going forward." I hated admitting that out loud.

"Oh. I thought they were happy to support the program."

"Yeah, I was too." My heart felt like it had been stomped on.

"Well, I think it's a great program. I hope we can find another solution."

"Me too." It felt like everything was falling apart. I wanted to remain hopeful that things would work out, but I wasn't sure about anything anymore.

Chapter Twenty

BRADY

I'd spent the last two nights dealing with the fallout when Oakley realized Dalton was serious about getting his own place. As soon as Hazel walked out of my parents' house, Dalton called, asking if he could come over and talk about the situation. As much as I wanted to go after Hazel, I felt like I had to be there for Dalton.

I ended up staying over with him at Coop's. I couldn't help but feel like I was avoiding the situation with Hazel, and I had a feeling it wasn't going to work out well for me.

Hazel was irritated that Dalton showed up at our house the one time. I didn't think she'd be pleased about me dropping everything to support him. But it had the added benefit of giving me time to think about what happened.

I'd gotten the family-friendly designation from the streaming platform that I'd wanted. But it hadn't made me feel good. It meant the end of our little arrangement. And I wasn't sure we were in a good place for me to ask for more.

Hazel was really upset about my dad's reaction to the Kingtons' financial backing of her after-school program. I wasn't happy with him either. I didn't appreciate that he'd brought it up over the guise of dinner.

After Hazel left, I didn't even have time to address it with my dad because then we were focused on Dalton's problems. I didn't mind helping Dalton, but maybe, for once, my issues should come before his. Were my parents so used to his drama that they didn't think I needed them too?

Today, we were going with Cooper to see a house that might be the one for Dalton. He was conflicted about buying a place because Oakley had thrown a fit about it, making all kinds of threats. She said she wouldn't let him see the baby if he lived somewhere else, yet at the same time, she kept kicking him out.

She wanted the leverage to play that game with him, and I was pleased to see that Dalton was staying firm on his decision. He was scared about the ramifications, but he had us supporting him and an attorney to guide him. He was making the right moves. I just hoped he held strong.

When we pulled up to the house, I said, "You're doing the right thing. You need to create a stable environment for this baby. And I think in time, the courts will see that it's best for you and Oakley to share time with the baby." I didn't want to say it out loud, but I almost thought Dalton was the more reliable and emotionally mature adult in the situation. But it was early, and there was still time for things to change. Hopefully, Oakley would grow up a bit once the baby was here.

We got out of my truck, joining Cooper on the porch. Cooper was the one who vetted houses for us. He was an expert at evaluating them.

Cooper leveled us with his gaze. "I did some research on this place. The owners were only here for six years. Doesn't look like they did many upgrades."

"I'm not afraid of a little work. It will help me fill the time when I can't see the baby."

I was impressed that Dalton was so eager to spend time with this baby.

Ivy pulled up in her SUV, and we waited for her to get out. She wore a pencil skirt, silk shirt, and heels. She played the part of a realtor well. I think she'd mentioned once or twice she had to be more professional to get respect from some of her clients.

She approached us with a smile and paperwork with the details of the house. Cooper took it but didn't look at it. He'd probably already memorized the details. He was smart, not that he'd ever admit that.

I wondered if he'd lived in the shadow of Shep all his life. So much so that none of us could tell him apart from his twin.

"Are you ready to see this place?" Ivy asked Dalton, and at his nod, she unlocked the lockbox. "I think you're going to like this one. It has everything you asked for."

"Looks like it needs some work," Cooper said tersely.

Ivy flashed him a smile as she pushed open the door and waited for us to precede her inside. "I would think you boys wouldn't be afraid of a little hard work."

"Of course not," Cooper said, a muscle in his jaw ticking.

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