Page 43 of Katherine's Last Hope
She bristled at his hard tone. Her choices might be suspect to those on the outside, hell the things that had happened between her and Cody the last couple of days made her own head spin, but she wouldn’t let anyone make her feel badly.
“I’m figuring out how to get on with my life,” she said. “I’m not sure why that’s so hard for everyone to understand.”
“By letting your kid see you in bed with another man?” Mike threw his hand toward the door where Cody had disappeared with Ollie.
“First of all, we fell asleep on the couch watching a movie last night. Second, what I choose to do is none of your damn business. And if this is how you plan to act around Cody, you can leave.” She shoved her burger to the side and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m not a child and I refuse to be treated as one. I’m also a damn good mother and won’t stand for you questioning my parenting.”
Mike’s face fell, and he rubbed the back of his neck. “Damn it all, that’s not what I meant. It’s just…this is all so out of the blue. I didn’t know you and Cody were even friends and now this? And on top of everything else? How do you know it’s not just a rush of emotion steering this ride? Shouldn’t you slow down and wait until things go back to normal before making any big decisions? I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
Her heart softened. “I don’t want that either, and neither does Cody. You’re right. This thing between us is out of the blue, but it feels right. Feels easy and natural and I don’t want to question it. I want to live it.”
“And Ollie?”
She shrugged, wishing she had all the answers. “So far they get along. Ollie loves it here—Bailey might have more to do with that. But Cody’s great with him. Theo would want us to be happy.” Tears filled her eyes at the mention of her deceased husband.
The side of Mike’s mouth shifted up. “I know that, honey. We all do.”
“Then what’s your beef with Cody? Because you, Owen, and Tommy have kinda been assholes. It’s not fair. Cody’s been great, taken all of your shit, and is still standing on that deck entertaining my son. If this progresses the way I hope, I don’t want to be afraid to bring him around. At this rate, I think Pappy’s the only one who’s given him a fair shake.”
Mike snorted. “I’ve really shit the bed if that old man is making me look like the bad guy.”
Katherine grinned. “Something to think about.”
“I’m sorry. I’m just worried about you and took it out on Cody because, well, I’m not really sure why. He’s a good guy. A good deputy. I’ll do better.”
She reached across the table and grabbed his hand. “Thanks, Dad. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe it won’t include Cody. But I want it to include happiness and joy and laughter. I didn’t realize how much I missed that. Cody’s brought that back in my life, in Ollie’s life. I hope that continues.”
Releasing her hold, she picked up her burger and took a bite. Melted cheese and tangy ketchup combined in her mouth, making her want another.
“After we finish, I’ll take off,” Mike said. “See if Owen needs a hand.”
“I think you should stay.”
“Really?”
She nodded. “Get to know him better. See him with Ollie. Plus I think he’s getting antsy not diving into this investigation. Maybe the two of you can work together. As long as you promise to be nice.”
“Not too nice.” He shot her a wink. “You’re still my little girl, even if you don’t like it. I’ve got to make sure he’s worthy.”
She rolled her eyes. “It took you years to think Theo was worthy.”
“He proved himself, and if Cody’s the right man for you, he will too. Eventually.”
Chuckling, she took another bite. Cody had no idea what he’d signed up for. Facing off against her father would either set them on the right path or send Cody running for the hills.
15
As much as Cody wanted to know what Katherine and her dad were discussing, he gave all his attention to Ollie. The two of them didn’t need him hanging around while they hashed out whatever it was that needed hashed. It was better to keep Ollie entertained, something he found more enjoyable by the second.
Ollie traced his finger along the outline of the superhero on his cast. “Do you have any stickers?”
“I don’t think so.”
“That’s too bad. The signatures are cool, but I want more fun stuff on my cast. I bet Jimmy has some.”
“Maybe we can order some.” He plucked his phone from his pocket and brought up a website that offered next day delivery. “Search for whatever you want.”
Ollie’s eyes grew wide. “Really? Anything I want?”
