Page 2 of Sugar Walls (Sweet Treats 5)

But Sienna brings out the best in my dad. Jack is happy, and his aura is a lot lighter. He smiles a lot more, and I’ve seen them interact. Sienna is playful and sassy, which helps my father relax. He gets a gleam to his eye, and he often swats Sienna’s bottom for fun and then laughs even harder when she lets out a little whoop.

I suppose Sienna’s dad Tyler is okay with the unconventional set-up too. It’s strange because what dad wants his daughter to date two men who are decades older than her? But it seems that as long as Sienna is happy, then Tyler is fine with it. Of course, it might be because Tyler is also dating Layla, Jock’s daughter. Tit for tat, as they say.

So you see, we’re all interconnected. Again, it’s a small community and everyone seems to know one another. It’s been a blessing because after my mom passed away, the truckers were there for us. People delivered casseroles to our door, and Sienna and Layla were both very kind to me. I don’t think Sienna was even dating my dad at that time yet, but she’s always been a thoughtful girl, and I appreciate her efforts. She’s like a big sister of sorts. Layla too. Layla and Tyler have been together for years now, and they seem like a great couple although Tyler’s also decades older than his girlfriend.

Then again, age is just a number. So what if Tyler, Jock and Jack are two decades older than the women they adore? All that matters is that my dad is happier than he’s been in a long time, and I have Sienna to thank for that. Jack doesn’t sleep in a tent outside anymore. Instead, he goes to work and comes home, before heading to his girlfriend’s place. I want my dad to have a good life, and Sienna has had a big part to do with that.

Now that my father’s home from his latest jaunt on the road, he sits at the small table in our trailer. It’s made of manufactured wood, and it’s actually quite cunning. It retracts into the wall when not in use, thereby saving space, but it’s still really stable too. Our trailer is cute, and I’ve named the double-wide Begonia.

“So Sugar, how is school?” my dad asks as I put a plate of hot food in front of him. “Are you doing well?”

I nod.

“Of course Daddy. I’ve always been a good student. Even after Violet got sick, I did my best to maintain my grades, and I think I’m going to graduate with honors in the spring.”

Jack nods and looks serious.

“I’m proud of you, Sugar. These have been a tough couple of years, but you pulled through. Honors, too! Imagine that. I’ve never won an academic prize in my life. Your mom would be proud, Sugar.”

I nod happily.

“I know, Daddy. I miss Mom too and I wish she were here to see me graduate. Even if I don’t end up finishing with honors, still, she’d be so happy. I know Mom almost didn’t finish high school because she was pregnant with me, so this would mean a lot to her.”

My dad sits back and laughs for a moment, relaxing. The tension goes out of his big shoulders, and his hands idly clasp the utensils.

“I’ll never forget the sight of Violet waddling across the stage with a big belly to collect her diploma. A lot of people would have been ashamed to be so visibly pregnant, but not Violet,” he says. “Plus, I was so proud for people to know that Violet and I were expecting a baby. There was just something right about it all. We were in love, we were about to get married, and we were going to have a child soon. Sometimes, the stars really do align.”

I nod happily while taking a bite of my salad.

“They do,” I say. “And by the way, Daddy, how are things with you? Is work treating you right?”

My dad nods, although a small blush creeps across his cheeks.

“I’m sorry for going out on the road so much, Nats—” he begins.

“No it’s fine!” I protest. “Working hard has helped you get back on track after Mommy passed away.”

He nods.

“Yeah, but that was a few years ago. And I know after your mom died, I was gone a lot.”

“Yes, but you’ve been around more recently,” I say staunchly. “Especially ever since you met Sienna.”

My dad grins.

“Yeah, I have to admit that Sienna keeps me around a lot. She keeps your uncle and I on our toes, that’s for sure.”

I giggle.

“Do people ask you about that? I mean, it’s not everyday that a girl dates two men simultaneously, much less two men who are brothers.”

My dad looks rueful.

“Yeah, it’s a little extraordinary, so Jock and I don’t really tell people. Of course, our friends and everyone who matters knows about our trio, but otherwise, there’s no reason to belt it out to the world. The additional scrutiny is unwanted, so we just keep things private.”

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