Page 119 of Guarded Deputy

I wrap my arm around him and tug him to me until his face is buried in the crook of my neck.

“I wish you would’ve told me.”

“I know. I’m an asshole.”

“No, you aren’t. You’re hurt.” I smooth my hand up and down his back, comforting him how I’ve wanted to do all these days.

The last thing I expected was to hear his dad showed up in his life again. I can’t imagine what that would feel like. To see the man who left you when you were a child.

“What happened?” I ask.

“He said he wanted to explain why he left and make it up to us, prove he was a changed man.” He snorts.

“And he wasn’t?” I’m afraid to ask.

Nate sits up and stares at me. “No. We invited him to the house to talk and when I went to grab pizza and Brooke left to pick up Walker, he stole from us. He took Brooke’s small savings.”

I gasp, covering my mouth. What kind of father does that? Nate presses his lips into a thin line as his eyes take in my reaction.

“I’m so sorry.” My heart breaks for them.

“It’s not your fault. I should’ve known not to leave him alone while I went to pick up the pizza. We could’ve ordered it, but I wanted to get it quicker to be done with the meal as soon as possible.” He bows his head.

“Hey.” I lift his face to look at me. “Do not blame yourself for this, Nate. The only person at fault is your father.”

“He fucking stole from us, Lizzy. He stole from my widowed sister knowing she’s a single mom.” He shakes his head, a tear falling from his eye. “You know the worst part?”

I shake my head.

“A part of me believed him…or wanted to.” He rubs his eyes with the heels of his hands.

I grab his wrists and pull his arms down. “Cry if you need to. Scream. Let it out.”

He nods, swallowing thickly. He lies on my lap, and I brush his hair in silence while I gather my thoughts and he cries.

“It’s normal that you wanted to believe him. He’s your father, no matter how much you think you hate him. It’s like a part of us is always children when facing our parents.”

“Yeah,” he says gruffly. “I’ve had to be so strong in front of Brooke and Walker so they don’t worry more than they already do. I’m exhausted of keeping it all in, of acting out of anger.” His body goes limp. “Don’t stop brushing my hair. It feels good.” He shifts his body, curling to fit as much as possible on my sofa.

“I won’t.”

I brush his hair and run my fingers along his forehead, just sitting with him while he breaks apart in my lap. It’s so sad to watch. To see this strong man cry for his father.

“Why does he do this?” He shakes his head.

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly, bending down to hug him and drop a kiss on his neck.

Nate turns to look up at me, raising his arm to brush my face. A sad smile marks his face.

“You’re beautiful.”

I smile shyly.

“Thank you for letting me in.”

“Of course. I only wish you would’ve talked to me on Friday.”

“I know.” He swallows. “I was processing. I’ve had a lot of internal struggles since my dad left us and a big fear that I’d be just like him.” He frowns, looking away from me. “I’ve kept myself guarded for so long thinking I wouldn’t be able to offer anyone what they need nor wanting to hurt anyone the way he hurt my mom. She never fully recovered.”

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