Page 18 of Yours for the Taking (Falling For A Rose)

“That’s good to hear.”

“How are you since you’re asking all of these questions?”

“I’m not asking a lot of questions at all. I will always want to make sure you have everything you need.”

“I know and don’t deflect. How are you?”

“Fine as usual, thanks to our Lord and Savior. Fredrick and I are thinking about going ice fishing next weekend.”

“Ice fishing?”

“Yes. He’s been yapping about it for months and won’t let me forget that I promised I’d go with him.”

Carla smiled. Fredrick and her father had been friends since before she was born. Their long-lasting friendship had had its ups and downs like most friendships, and Carla was happy that they still bonded. Her thoughts traveled to her mother and her smile faded. Clearing her throat, Carla returned her attention to the conversation.

“If you promised him, Daddy, you should go.”

“I know. I’m going,” he huffed.

Carla chuckled. “Well, don’t sound so excited about it.”

“I don’t sound excited because I’m not.”

“I know, Dad. It was a metaphor. I was trying to be funny.”

“Oh. Yeah. Well, there’s nothing remotely relaxing or fun about freezing your buns off while trying to catch dinner.”

A tinkling laugh floated from Carla.

“Buns.” She laughed more. “I could never figure out why you’re so southern when we’re from the Midwest.”

“It’s the way that I am, baby girl.”

She nodded. “I know.”

“What’s on your agenda today?”

Carla considered whether to tell him about Jacob. However, her father was so protective she wondered if she should wait.

“I’m meeting a friend for lunch.”

“Oh, tell Tina and the girls I said hello.”

Carla’s lips spread into a smile, and she sighed.

“It’s not with Tina and the girls, dad. It’s…” she hesitated. “It’s with a man friend.”

She could hear him shifting on the other line, and she braced for his list of questions.

“Who is this fella? It’s not that Lenard, is it?”

“Dad, his name is Lennox, and no, it’s not him.”

Her father sighed. “Okay, then, who is it?”

“Honestly, Dad, we’re not at the stage of talking about a guy in my life. It’s just a date.”

Carla bit down on her teeth when the worddatecame out.

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