Page 3 of Sugar Walls (Sweet Treats 5)

I nod.

“Of course. But it seems like the people that we know took it pretty well,” I say. “Isn’t that a little strange? It’s like it didn’t ruffle any feathers. Not even Tyler had anything to say.”

My dad looks a little rueful.

“Well, it helps that Tyler’s dating Layla, your cousin. If he’s going to date Jock’s daughter, then why can’t Jock date his?”

I nod.

“Good point. But even so, everyone else seemed to take your relationship in a stride.”

My dad nods slowly, as if he’s making a weighty decision.

“I know, Nats. It feels like no one blinked an eye, and there’s a reason for that.”

My fork hovers in mid-air, and I stare at him.

“Really? What is it?”

My dad smiles hesitantly.

“Well, first things first: Sienna is expecting a baby.”

My fork clatters to my plate as my eyes bug out.

“Get out!”

My dad shakes his head.

“Nope, it’s real. Sugar, you’re going to have a sibling soon. I’m sorry I didn’t give you one closer to your age, but later is better than never.”

I jump up and scurry around the table to throw my arms around Jack.

“No, this is amazing! Oh my god, I’ve wanted a sibling for so long, and finally, my dreams are coming true!” I squeal. “Oh my god, how far along is Sienna? Is she showing yet?”

My dad looks rueful, if pleased at my excitement.

“She’s probably only two months as of yet, and no, she’s not showing.”

“Oh my god!” I squeal. “So are you and Jock going to get married to her? Who’s the biological father by the way?”

My dad shakes his head again.

“We don’t know, and we’ve decided it doesn’t matter. The two of us love Sienna, and we’re in a committed relationship. All that stuff about DNA is pretty unimportant so long as the right feelings are there.”

I nod.

“Yeah, of course. Besides, you guys are brothers, so the baby is going to be at least your niece or nephew, if not your son or daughter. But holy smokes! This is great news!”

My dad nods.

“It is, and I feel very fortunate to become a father again. But back to your question, Sugar. You asked why people have been so accepting of our three-way relationship, and it’s not that simple. Well, it is, but it’s for a reason you’ll never guess.”

I plop back into my chair with a smile.

“Now that you’re having a baby together, I doubt it matters.”

My dad nods, but he looks serious again.

“No, it matters, Sugar. You see, a lot of us long haul truckers belong to a group together. I’ve actually been a member for a long time. Ever since your mom passed away, in fact.”

I squint at him.

“Okay, but it’s like a professional association, right? You get together over drinks to discuss developments in the industry.”

My dad shakes his head.

“No, not exactly, Sugar. You see, the group is called Dads and Daughters, and it was formed to meet truckers’ needs. You know how we go out on the road a lot, for weeks at a time, sometimes?”

I nod.

“Yes, but you’re used to it.”

He nods.

“I am, but it doesn’t make things any easier. I drive for sixteen hours a day, and then pull into a rest stop to grab dinner and a shower. It can get lonely on the road, and a man has urges, if you know what I mean.”

I look at him closely.

“But you just watch TV, right? You don’t really do anything about it?”

It’s awkward having this intimate conversation with my dad, but we’ve gotten through some rough patches together. I’d rather talk with him about crazy subjects than not talk with him. After all, without Jack, I wouldn’t have anyone in the world.

My dad looks uncomfortable for a moment.

“Well, sort of. I do do something about it, in fact, and that’s where the club comes in. It’s called Dads and Daughters for a reason. You see, when a long haul trucker goes out on the road, he might put a summons out when he pulls into a rest stop. Then, a daughter in the vicinity might respond.”

I stare at him.

“A summons? What’s that?”

Jack looks uncomfortable again.

“It lets the Dads and Daughters chapter in that particular city know that I’m at so-and-so location. They’ll ask around, and they’ll usually send a daughter out to greet me.”

“Okay,” I say slowly. “But that’s pretty G-rated. It’s like having your own personal hostess.”

Jack nods.

“Yes, but it’s more than being a hostess. You see, the daughter is usually prepared to satisfy a man’s needs, if you understand what I mean. She might spend the night with me in my cab. Then, we’re both sated and go our separate ways the next morning when I leave.”

I stare at him.

“Are you serious? So the daughters are bed buddies with the dads?”

Jack swallows noisily, and I swear some food gets stuck in his throat. But he manages to get it down and turns to look at me again with serious blue eyes.

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