Page 96 of A Wrench in the Plan
Sagging, I turned around to see him standing at the base of the stairs. The glare he shot up at me held so much weight to it.
My whole life, I’d been the good one. The oldest sister looking out for everyone. The one that was too afraid to cause trouble because I didn’t want to stress my parents out. Not that they ever made me or my sisters feel anything less than loved and wanted. That was just the role I’d… placed upon myself without even realizing it, I guessed.
All the yelling had called the attention of the rest of the house, and now, my three other sisters were standing in their doorways, watching this go down.
I silently thanked Louise for trying to get the heat off of me, while wishing the rest of them would stand up behind me.
“I love you, Dad, but you’ve got to stop and be logical. You know these men. You’ve known Wrench his whole life. They love the club, love me. What more could you want for me?”
He let out a long breath as he looked down.
I stood there feeling awkward as I gave him time to process everything.
When he finally looked back up at me, I saw something there that I couldn’t interpret.
“They treat you right?” he asked.
“Of course,” I told him softly. “I couldn’t ask for more.”
“You love them? You…” He shook his head, seeming at a loss for words. “Ah, hell. I don’t understand. I thought Evan… I mean.” This was the first time I’d ever seen my dad flustered.
I didn’t know what to do with it other than try and put it to a stop.
“I’m not asking you to understand our relationship. I’m just asking you to trust me. To look at what you know about Wrench and Evan. You know they’re good men.” He nodded. “Then know that they are good mento me.”
It took him a minute and a few deep breaths before he replied with, “Alright.”
I was so stunned that I had to look behind me to make sure that I’d heard him right. If my sisters’ shocked faces told anything, it was that I had.
“Alright?” I asked, turning back to my dad.
“Yeah,” he said with a defeated breath. “I love you, Cat. Love all my girls. It’s hard seeing you grown and not needing me anymore. I know you’re right and that this time was bound to come, but it doesn’t mean I’m ready for it.”
I walked back down the stairs and stood in front of him.
This man, he’d always seemed so big and strong to me. Always been the protector. He loved us fiercely and would do anything to make us happy. He’d forever be that man to me. It didn’t matter if I was almost twenty-two or forty. But I didn’t think he realized that.
“I’ll always need you, Dad. No one could replace you.”
“Good,” he grunted. “You never forget that.”
“I won’t,” I said with a small laugh as I let him wrap me up in a hug.
Mom was there, and as soon as he let me go, she hugged me too.
“I’m happy for you,” she whispered in my ear.
“I’m happy too,” I said loud enough for both of them to hear.
“If they ever fuck up, you tell me,” Dad said, eerie edge to his tone.
“There won’t be a need,” I shot back.
My eyes were open now. I had a feeling my dad and the club could hide a body or two if need be.
But I knew in my heart there would never be the need when it came to Chry and Evan.
“Still, you can let them know that if they do you wrong, I’m not beyond—”
