Page 57 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

And now, as Johnathan’s gaze bore into hers, Allison knew he was looking for something specific. Perhaps he was trying to gauge if she was truly okay, if she knew what she was doing. Or maybe he was simply trying to understand how she’d ended up here, sitting across from him with Angelo Taylor by her side. Whatever it was, when it looked like he had found what he was searching for in her expression, Johnathan finally nodded. The tension in the air eased just slightly, and Allison knew she had his permission to continue.

“A little over three months ago, I went out to a bar,” Allison began, her voice steady but with a hint of nervousness. “I didn’t know who Angelo was, and he didn’t know who I was either. We were both completely wasted, so… we didn’t exactly think about protection. And, well… here we are.”

She watched as Johnathan’s face gradually lost its color with each word she spoke. By the time she finished, he looked like he might be sick.

Angelo stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “I’ve taken full responsibility for this baby, Johnathan. Allison won’t be alone in this. I’m committed to being in our child’s life and providing forbothof them.”

Johnathan’s eyes narrowed as he processed Angelo’s words. The tension was palpable as he seemed to weigh the sincerityof Angelo’s declaration, his protective instincts warring with the need to trust his sister’s judgment.

Finally, without breaking his intense gaze on Angelo, Johnathan asked, “Is he kind to you?”

The question was directed at Allison, but it was clear the answer mattered more to Johnathan than anything else.

Allison’s heart melted. Her big, overprotective brother cared for her so deeply that it practically oozed out of his every word and action. She knew exactly why he’d asked the question, and instead of feeling offended, as someone else might have, she simply nodded.

“Yes,” she replied firmly, without hesitation. There was no doubt in her voice, nothing that could be mistaken for uncertainty—a reassurance her brother needed to hear.

She sensed, more than saw, the subtle shift in Angelo. It was a minor change—a slight loosening of his posture, the unclenching of his jaw, a barely audible exhale. The tension he’d been holding onto began to ease, if only just a little.

Johnathan’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before he leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxing just a fraction. But his eyes never left Angelo, as if still weighing whether to trust him or not.

Angelo, for his part, remained calm, though Allison noticed the briefest flicker of concern in his eyes as he glanced at her. It was subtle, but it was there, and it made her heart beat just a little faster. He was with her in this, no matter how complicated things got.

“Have you told Dad?”

Allison’s warm, comforting cloud of relief evaporated instantly. The question hit her like a cold splash of water. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was about to come.

“I was hoping you’d help me tell the boys first and—”

“And ambush him with it?” Johnathan cut her off, his voice sharp.

He wasn’t entirely wrong. Their father would definitely feel cornered if they all approached him together, and he always reacted worse when he felt backed into a corner. But Allison knew that his reaction would be harsh regardless—simply because it washer.

“You know how he’ll act if I tell him alone, John,” Allison pleaded, hoping to appeal to his protective nature. She didn’t want a fight with her brother, but she was prepared for one if it came to that.

Johnathan sighed, running a hand through his hair, a clear sign he was trying to remain calm. “And you know how he’ll be if we all tell him together, Allison.” His face remained composed, but his voice gave him away. He didn’t like this plan. “Maybe he’ll be calmer if you—”

“You weren’t there when I told him I’m pregnant,” she interrupted, her voice tinged with frustration. She hated that her brothers still harbored hope that their father might someday become a better man. Maybe he would—but never toward her.

Both men stiffened, the tension in the air thickening like a storm cloud.

“What are you—”

“Did he hurt you?” Angelo’s voice was a low, dangerous growl that cut Johnathan off mid-sentence.

Allison’s heart skipped a beat at the shift in Angelo’s demeanor. This wasn’t the tender, reassuring man who had been by her side the past few weeks. It was the fierce, intimidating Angelo she had first met in that conference room. Only, right now, she wasn’t afraid.

“Angelo,” she said softly, using the same tone he often used to calm her. The effect was immediate. His rigid posture softened slightly, though the tension in his muscles didn’t fully dissipate.

“Just tell me, Allison. Please,” he said, his voice low and almost unfamiliar with the word “please.”

“He didn’t harm me. But he did hurt my feelings.”

It was the truth. As much as she had become accustomed to her father’s cold treatment, she had let her guard down just enough to hope he might see her as his daughter—just once.

Angelo’s expression shifted from anger to something much softer. “I’m sorry, sweet girl.”

Allison blinked, not understanding why he was apologizing. This wasn’t his fault. Her father’s cruelty wasn’t on him. The confusion must have shown on her face because Angelo continued, “No child should receive anything but love from their parents.”

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