Page 170 of Lavender Lake
“Timing’s a bitch. And babies work on their own time. Ask me how I know.”
I cleared my throat. “So, Cas talked to you?”
“He did.”
“About what?”
“Many things,” Dad said with a smile. “Important things.”
“Things like weddings and such?”
“Hmm. Yeah. There was talk of a wedding.”
“I’m not getting married because I’m having a baby. That’s antiquated,” I said.
Dad shrugged.
“What, no fight?”
“I think I’ll let Cas field this one,” Dad said. “He’s stubborn and determined.”
“What happened to you?” I demanded. “You were such a beast when it came to Hadley and Declan.”
“Declan worked for me and Hadley had come home heartbroken. It was different. You’re different.”
“You mean I’m not worth the effort of finding your shotgun and threatening Cas to marry me?” I snapped.
“Who has to threaten?” Dad asked. “As for the shotgun, Muddy hid it again. Not from me this time—from Declan. Declan’s pissed as hell. And I’m not supposed to get upset or stressed.”
“Then I’d better leave,” I muttered, dropping his hand and attempting to get off the bed.
“You’re a black sheep, Salem. Always have been, always will be. I learned my lesson. I won’t put you in a box or try to make you anything other than what you are. I love youexactlyas you are. And so does Cas. Which is why I gave him my blessing. Not that it would matter anyway. Because you’ll do exactly what you want to do, when you want to do it. So, as it turns out, the person who needs to say yes isyou.”
“Oh, Dad.” I launched myself at him and embraced him a bit too hard.
He kissed the top of my head. “I just want you to be happy. Are you happy?”
I pulled back to look at him and nodded.
“Then that’s all a father can ask for. Now go see Cas. And try not to give him too much shit.”
“Then I wouldn’t be me, would I?” I asked with a laugh.
I climbed off the bed and headed for the door.
“Same goes for you, you know,” I said with my hand on the knob.
“What’s that?” he asked.
“I want you to be happy.”
“I am.”
“With Jane?”
“Yes.”
“Good. She’s young. She’ll keep you young. Can’t have you getting too old to take your grandkids on trail rides.”
