Page 60 of Claiming Becca

“Your mom said if she made a big deal about staying with you when you came home from the hospital, she was certain you’d ask Becca to stay instead.” He pauses, chuckling again. I push away from the truck, gaping at him. “That part worked. Then she said you two needed a little push to admit your feelings for each other finally.” He stares at me, raising his eyebrows in question. “I’m assuming that worked too.” It’s a statement, but he stops talking, waiting for confirmation.

My mouth opens and closes again. I take my baseball cap off and run my hands through my hair. “What?” I finally say. “Mom planned this?”

Dad laughs and slaps his hand on my shoulder. “You got bamboozled by your mom, kiddo. She was tired of seeing you two skirt around your feelings.” I’m so shocked. “She’s clever, isn’t she?” Dad says with admiration in his voice.

I finally nod. “Yeah, she is. Obviously, it worked. I don’t want Becca to leave. She brightens up my house, and going home to her…” I trail off. “It’s the best part of my day.” I exhale. “I used to love work. I’d work all the time, but now I have to be done to spend time with her every night. We laugh so much. It’s always been like that, but I didn’t realize how much fun life could be.”

Dad’s got a big smile on his face. “You’ve got it bad. That’s love, son. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it,” he promises. We stay silent for a few seconds, both lost in our thoughts.

“Is this why you stopped by?” I ask him, breaking the silence.

He shakes his head. “I talked to Julian. He told me what’s going on with Donovan.”

I rub my hand along my neck. “Oh.” It’s all I can say. They were both so worried when I tried to bring him down all those years ago.

“I haven’t told your mom. I’m not going to. Julian told me you all are trying to help his stepdaughter. But I’m your dad, and I worry, so I wanted to come and tell you to please be careful.” He sighs and rubs his palm over his jaw. “At the risk of sounding overbearing, please check in regularly so I know you’re okay. I told Julian the same thing. You two and your girls are the most important things to me. I need to know you’re okay.”

I nod right away. “Of course, Dad. That’s why I hadn’t told you. I’m surprised Julian did.” I can’t believe Julian didn’t warn me. He’s getting a call on my way home.

“He wants to ensure Bailey is taken care of in case something happens to him. They’re not married, but I explained that he can put anyone down as his beneficiary. He knew that, but he wasn’t sure if the system would make it hard on her because they’re not married” he explains.

My mind begins to whirl at this information. “I didn’t think of that. I have a will, and I have life insurance.” I gesture towards the construction site. “I had to do that, but you and Mom are still the beneficiaries. I need to change it to Becca.” I sigh. That is not a conversation I’m looking forward to having.

“It’s necessary,” Dad says, reading my mind. “When you get into a committed relationship, these are the things you have to think and talk about.” I nod in acknowledgment. I’m usually on top of things like this, but it never crossed my mind with the injury and everything else going on.

“I’ll talk to Becca tonight,” I tell him.

Dad nods and pulls me into another hug. “Be safe, son. And don’t forget to check in.”

“I promise, Dad.”

He inhales deeply. “I know you all will figure out how to get rid of him. Do it legally, though.” He points his finger at me as he walks toward his truck.

“I’m working with Julian,” I remind him.

He chuckles. “Good!” he exclaims as he gets in his truck and drives away with a wave.

I climb into my truck and suck in a breath wincing at the pain in my abdomen. It’s not the same pain I had when I left the hospital, but my muscles are sore from being worked. Driving home, I call Julian. He answers on the second ring.

“I can’t believe you didn’t warn me,” I say without a greeting.

He sighs. “Jesus, that was quick. I just talked to him today. I went over there to see him and Mom. I didn’t intend to do that, but I can’t stop thinking about protecting Bailey.”

I’m quiet for a few minutes before responding. “Because of what happened with your partner?” I ask. He’s silent for so long I have to check and ensure the call didn’t drop.

“Yeah,” he finally answers. I still don’t know everything that happened with his partner when he was a detective. All I know is he was killed by the serial killer they were chasing. The only reason I know that is because it was in the news. Julian isn’t a talker, but he talks to Bailey. That’s all that matters. At least he has someone now.

“Alright, I guess I forgive you. But only if you and Bailey come over this weekend to eat. I think I’ll invite Mom and Dad too.” He chuckles.

“We’ll be there,” he says. “But could you not make it a BDSM party this time?”

I laugh. “I’ll think about it.”

He groans. “I guess that’s all I can ask for.”

Smirking, I shake my head. “See you in a couple of days.” We hang up as I pull into the driveway. I can’t wait to see Becca. I’ve missed her all day. I never thought I’d have this with her. Now, I can’t imagine not being with her. I take a deep breath and decide I must convince her to move in permanently. I can’t live without her.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

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