Page 102 of Forbidden You

It’s a memory I can hardly remember most days, but now that it’s here; it burns my heart in a way I thought I’d never feel again.

Kayla’s hands enclose my wrists. “I’m sorry, babe. I hope you won’t be mad, but, well, it’s an officialcharity ball. I needed a date,” she says in a tone that has me glancing at her, amused. “I even got you one.”

She nudges her chin at Sheila. “Sheila agreed to be your date. Since I’m already taken and all.”

That little minx.

I bark out a laugh before I let go of Kayla to wrap my father in a tight hug.

“Hey, Dad,” I whisper against his shoulder.

“Son.”

“Are you okay?”

“G-great!” he stammers. “Tha-tha-thank you invite. Mom be p-p-p-proud.”

A lump forms in the back of my throat as he struggles with his words, and I hold on to my father even tighter, grateful he’s here.

“But how?” My gaze moves back and forth between Sheila and him.

Sheila looks completely different from when she’s in her usual work scrubs, wearing an elegant black dress that flares out on the bottom. Her red hair is up, showing off the classy pearls around her neck, and she topped it off with red lipstick.

“You got a girl that can work miracles.” Sheila gives Kayla a side-eye, and I follow her gaze. “She convinced Dr. Grant not to say no right away. She persuaded him to look this morning at how your father was feeling and if he was capable of coming. He gave us two hoursifI would accompany him.”

“Which basically means I put a knife to his throat.” Kayla gives me her best ninja impression, slicing the air with her hands.

This girl never ceases to amaze me.

Never in a million years did I expect my father to ever set foot in one of our events ever again. At least not standing on his legs himself, and especially after how much his condition is growing worse every day.

But here he is.

Because one pesky, gorgeous, mad, fucking minx of a woman decides to not listen to doctor’s advise weeks in advance. Because she’s strong headed enough to not takenofor any answer, until she’s explored every option possible.

“You’re crazy. Thank you.” I tug her against my chest, peering into her blue eyes. There is silver reflected back at me, the moonlight dancing in her gaze, hypnotizing me, while a weird feeling ripples through my chest. A feeling that seems to occur more often lately. Something that scares the shit out of me, but I want to hold on to all the same.

She shrugs. “He should be here.”

“You’re right. But you’re the only one who’d be able to pull it off.”

“You sell yourself short, Bodi McKay.” She stands on her toes, pressing a kiss to my cheek.

“Bodi!” my father calls out behind me. “My date!”

I let go of her as I throw my hands up, placating, hiding the laugh that wants to escape. She’s mine, but I don’t mind her being his just for tonight.

“Sorry, babe.” Kayla grins, then links her arm in my father’s. I watch them shuffle inside with a content feeling, doing my best to remember this moment.

“She’s something else.” Sheila comes to stand beside me, her voice smooth and comforting, like always.

“Don’t I know it?” Kayla laughs at something my father says and the sound of it makes my heart jump. “Is Dr. Grant really okay with this?”

Sheila gives me a tentative look. “I need to be honest with you. Your father’s condition is deteriorating rapidly.”

“His speech?” I question, referring to his lack of forming full sentences.

“Normally, dementia gets worse over time, but Terry seems to be getting worse, really fast. Faster than we expected when he first arrived. In the last few days, he’s had issues with his speech more often, but not the entire day. Dr. Grant gave permission because he looked good this morning, but this afternoon your father couldn’t get dressed by himself. Dr. Grant’s shift was already finished, but there is a chance he would’ve reversed his decision if he saw him like that. I decided to not tell him, because I know it would mean a lot to your father. The joy in his eyes just now tells me I was right. I want to give him this. Andyou.” She places her hand on my arm. “Just enjoy this moment.”

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