Page 12 of The Light We Lost

I couldn’t wait to get Indy the hell out of this town.

“People are idiots.” His tone was matter-of-fact. “That girl had you wrapped around her finger before you could count to five. Seems like an awful lot of work on her part if her master plan is to steal your imaginary money.”

I raised my glass of water in thanks, not knowing what I’d do without him. I could always count on him to give it to me straight. “What do you think about Indy?”

He let out a heavy breath and switched off the television, likely understanding he couldn’t dodge this question. “Honestly?”

I dipped my chin, reminding myself his opinion wouldn’t change how I felt about her—she’d been my girlfriend for over three years for a reason.

“Wren and Jake seem to believe Indy’s as sweet as cherry pie. While I tend to favor their opinions over anyone else’s, I know she’s been said to match the devil in spirit. Ah—” He raised a hand, stopping me when I opened my mouth to defend her. “Let me finish. You know I don’t give a rat’s bottom what some town gossip has to say. But I also know that when Mr. Walsh gave you a hard time and it looked like you might not graduate, Indy took it upon herself to fix that.” He raised a brow and I grinned. “I know she did a whole lot more than just help you with your homework, son.”

I liked to believe that after Mr. Walsh conveniently lost not only my final essay, but also three exams, it was Indy’s persistence to help me catch up that let me graduate on time and keep my baseball scholarship. But part of me suspectedit had something to do with how relentlessly she’d sought out revenge. They were harmless pranks, but after she poured baby powder into his car air vents, therefore turning our English teacher into a powdered donut, he must have been at his wits’ end.

A man could only take so much before he fell at the mercy of a woman.

I’d be so lucky to be at Indy’s mercy for the rest of my life.

“All that aside, I think she’s loyal. She’s got a good heart. The Lord knows she’ll go to battle for you. Does she have a fiery spirit? Yeah—but I’d rather that than a broken one. And I’ll be the first to admit she isn’t rowdier than my boys, and I think you are just fine.” He sat up in his chair, groaning as he scooted to the edge. His dark hair was mussed and pointing in every direction, flecks of gray growing in on the edges. There were heavy circles beneath his eyes, and part of me felt bad for keeping him up. But if Dad was tired, he didn’t let it show. “But I know you’ve got a ton of pressure on you right now. You’re starting college and playing ball with a whole new team. You’re chasing some pretty big dreams, and it’s understandable if you’re feeling overwhelmed . . . So if the fuss you started tonight is because you’re trying to hold on to a piece of home, now’s the time to tell me. I know you can’t live together on campus, but Brooks might know someone she could room with. Or if she needs her own place, we can figure it out. I can always strip some copper to bring in extra cash to help her with rent—”

I shook my head, struggling to speak past the lump in my throat. One might think, growing up in a house of only men, there’d be a lack of emotions. But Dad had always tried to engrain in our minds there was nothing weak about emotions, even the ones that hurt. It was something I hadn’t quite learned, so I waited until my voice was steady. “I want to marry her, Dad.”

“Now?”

“Now.”

He blew out a breath, relaxing against his recliner. “Alright.”

“Alright?” I scoffed as he turned back to the television. “That’s it? You’re not going to try and change my mind? Tell me women suck and they’ll only ruin my life?”

“Women don’t suck,” he said with a deep belly laugh. “If that’s what you want to hear, go call your moody brother. I’m sure Brooks can find a way to talk you down.”

I snorted, not disagreeing with him. I’d bet anything the second Brooks met someone who shifted his world, Dad would have to tie him down to stop him from running away. Levi and I would have to stop the innocent girl from running from scary-ass Brooks, but I’d worry about that another time.

“But you’re not like that,” Dad whispered. “I know our . . . situation hasn’t always been the greatest, and I’m sorry for that. I always wanted more for you boys. But I’m glad you haven’t let the past close you off, Nolan. You’ve done good.” He rolled his neck, his shoulders stiff. I knew he didn’t like talking about Mom leaving, and I didn’t blame him. I didn’t either. “You and Indy are young, but I see the way you two run around town together. Who am I to say that’s not the type of love you fight for? Just be good to her, alright? I’d hate to see you two get so caught up in this dream that you lose sight of each other.”

This dream was everything. Baseball had given me a purpose, given me something to hold on to when Mom said she wanted more than the family life could offer her and deserted us. For years, I’d dedicated myself to playing ball. Made sacrifices when I would’ve rather slept in or gone out with friends. I was determined to make something of myself. And at the core of my hard work, my dream, was Indy. There was no way I could lose sight of her.

I nodded, and when he nodded back, that was conversation enough. There was nothing left to say. I would’ve married Indy regardless, but I was grateful I had his support. He was proud of me.

But that was only because he didn’t know the truth.

Chapter Five

Indy—Now

Vows are everlasting.

Even broken ones.

Nolan stared at me with wide eyes, speechless. I didn’t blame him. If I were in the middle of picking up a woman and my ex-wife stormed in, ringing not-so-happy wedding bells, I’d look like a deer caught in headlights too.

But if he didn’t say something soon, I’d run him over.

“Um . . .” The woman from the bar glanced between the two of us. “I’m going to go . . .”

“That’s probably for the best.” I forced a smile, feeling guilty for putting her on the spot. I’d planned to reveal the news in a less dramatic fashion, but I’d seen nothing but red when Nolan refused to give me the time of day.

Even more when she touched him like he was hers.

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