Page 54 of Forever My Soldier

“I pay attention.”

“Good man,” he said, sitting back as if he had all the time in the world, which we both knew wasn’t the case.It was all an act to these people.“It’s a nice place, isn’t it?” he asked, looking around.

“It is,” I answered, wondering why we were bothering with small talk.

“I simply enjoy it here. It’s got history and charm and makes me feel part of something bigger. You know, nothing changes around here, Deacon. It’s important for you to know it probably never will.” Without saying the words, I knew he was trying to get his point across that it wasn’t just the country club that would never change, but his family.

Honestly, it made me feel sad for them, but that wasn’t the point, I wasn’t here to try to change his family, but rather be open and honest about the future I saw with his daughter. He deserved to know. And, if possible, Jenna deserved to know they accepted us, maybe even blessed our union. Although, perhaps that was asking a bit too much.

As if reading my thoughts, her father asked, “But you didn’t come here to talk about any of that, so what are you doing here, Deacon?”

“I think it’s time we talked.”

Eyes full of contempt, they searched mine as he asked point-blank, “Why? Is Jenna in trouble? Do you need money?”

“Unbelievable,” I muttered, looking at him with pity.

He straightened his back and looked upset.Well, join the club, pal, because I’m pretty damn pissed, too.“What did you just say?” he growled.

I rubbed a hand on the back of my neck while reminding myself of why I came here. I exhaled audibly. “Why do you and your wife insist on treating me like that, like I’m beneath you?”

“If you insist on knowing, then I’ll admit I don’t think you’re good enough for my daughter.”

“At least you finally said it.”

“If you enjoy hearing nasty things, then you should talk to my wife. I don’t mean to hurt you, Deacon, but it’s just the way it is.”

I leaned forward. “Does it not matter an ounce to either of you that I love your daughter, that I’d give my life for her? What more do you want for her?”

“Status,” he said simply and watched me.

“Wealth?” I questioned, understanding just how people like him thought.

Crossing his hands, he nodded. “I suppose. She shouldn’t be with a leather jacket-wearing, motorcycle-riding hellion. She should be with someone who can take care of her.”

“And you think just because I like to ride a motorcycle occasionally I can’t take care of her?”

“Exactly. Now, if we’re done here, I really need to get onto the course.”

“If your daughter is as important to you as you say she is, then I’d appreciate it if you’d stay and we had this out once and for all because I’m not done here. Far from it, in fact.”

“Why couldn’t you just leave my daughter alone? She was doing fine with you gone, but you had to come back and interfere with all of that.”

I shook my head. “See, that’s where you have it all wrong. Jenna came to see me when I came back. She wants this just as much as I do.”

“You expect me to believe that?”

“It’s the truth.”

“She had a boyfriend.”

“With all due respect, sir, I don’t think you can call a married friend of yours her boyfriend.”

“You don’t have a daughter, so you don’t understand where I’m coming from, but I’d do anything to protect my family, especially Jenna.”

“I already told you I’d do anything for Jenna. I would lay my life down for her. She means more to me than you’ll ever understand.”

He sighed. “It’s not that I don’t believe you love her, because I do, but I just don’t think you’re what’s best for her.”

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