Page 19 of Forbidden Flame

My heart warmed. Jameson lived in the apartment over the garage, so he was closest to my daughter. I think he felt a kinship with her. “Did he paint too?”

“He’s such a good drawer. He helped me make my designs better.”

My daughter loved to paint and create things with her hands, but I couldn’t say that she was particularly talented. She was still young though. “I’m glad he was here.”

“Teddy said he went to the fundraiser,” Dad said.

I barely restrained an eye roll. “I’m not sure why.”

“He worries about you.”

“I’m a grown woman.”

Dad held up his hands. “You know I’m on your side. Your brothers have always been overprotective. I raised them to be respectful of women.”

I needed to make my own decisions. But my brothers wanted to stop me before I could make a mistake. They were aggravating, but I loved them for it.

Dad gave me a pointed look. “Whatever happened last night, I wouldn’t discuss it with your brothers.”

“Don’t worry. I wasn’t planning to.” I’d learned a long time ago to keep most things from my brothers. If they didn’t know about it, they couldn’t give me their opinion. It led to less frustration and fights. “It would be nice if one of them met a girl, dated someone seriously.” It would take the pressure and spotlight off me.

Dad grunted. “Fat chance of that happening. They’re so focused on their careers and the farm, they don’t have time.”

It was more than that. I think all of us were gun-shy after losing our mom. There was a sense that nothing was permanent. Time was limited. Yet none of us created lasting relationships outside of family. I think we were all scared of the consequences.

“You know there’s nothing wrong with going out with your friends or even dating. If you met someone, and want to see him again, I don’t mind watching the pip squeak,” Dad quipped.

“I’m not a pip squick,” Izzy grumbled.

Dad ruffled her hair., and said with affection, “You are to me.”

“Pip squeak,” I corrected her. Then rested my hand on my dad’s. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in dating. I don’t have the time or the energy.” Running a new business and keeping up with Izzy was all I had in me.

“You’re still young. You should be going out and having fun.”

“I don’t feel young.” I felt much older than my years.

Dad’s eyes were understanding. “You can still have everything you want.”

“I have everything I want. Izzy and now the business. It’s all working out perfectly.” Then why did I feel so alone after last night? I almost wished I’d exchanged numbers with Cole. That way we could talk from time to time. I wouldn’t have to sever the connection.

But this was for the best. I didn’t need a distraction in my life, especially one my brothers wouldn’t approve of. He had the same issue with his family.

“I just want you to be happy.”

“I am happy, Dad.” I smiled but didn’t feel it. We’d all been sad since Mom died, and when I got pregnant, it felt like my life was over. But I’d finished school while raising Izzy, then moved into my own house and started the business. It was perfect to be able to run a business as a single mom and not have a boss. It made everything easier. I was incredibly grateful for my circumstances.

Plus, I had family nearby who could keep an eye on Izzy. She had so many people who were looking out for her and loved her.

The front door opened, and Teddy stepped in. As the oldest brother, he was the one who acted like he was in charge of everyone. I think it had something to do with our father falling apart after Mom died.

“Uncle Teddy,” Izzy cried as she raised her arms, and he lifted her easily into his arms. He gave her a smacking kiss on the cheek. “I missed you last night. I could barely sleep.”

Izzy giggled. “That’s not true. You hibernate like a bear.”

Teddy winked at her. “How did you know?”

Izzy rolled her eyes as she wrapped her arms loosely around his neck. “You always say that.”

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