Page 10 of Mended Hearts

As I stand, I look over at my dad, who is eyeing the door. “Yes, he is a friend. One that I like. And if you give him a chance, you’ll like him too.”

The closer I get to the door, the stronger the butterflies in my stomach become. It’s amazing that my excitement to see Dustin overpowers my nerves about him meeting my father.

“Good afternoon, Echo,” Dustin says with a huge grin and a wink as I open the door. He knows how worried I am about introducing him, and I know he’ll do everything to give the best impression.

My mother comes to my side, and Dustin instantly sticks his hand out to her. “Pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Price. I’m Dustin Adams.”

This guy has manners, and man, it’s hot. Not that I expected any less from him because he’s always carried himself differently than most guys, but seeing that side, theI can make anyone love me, even your overbearing parents’side, makes me fall for him a bit more.

“Nice meeting you, Dustin. But please, call me Donna.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says with that Dustin charm and Southern drawl. “If I slip up and call you Mrs. Price, please don’t take offense. It’s a habit my parents have instilled in me since I could talk. So I’m not sure it can be turned off.”

“Completely understandable.” My mother smiles, and I can see that she’s impressed.

“That’s a habit more parents need to teach their children.” My dad walks up, making his presence known. “It’s partly what’s responsible for the youth in this day and age,” he mumbles.

“So good to finally meet you.” Dustin bypasses my mother and me and extends his hand to my father. “I really enjoyed your sermon last Sunday.”

“Is that so? Well, son, what part stuck out to you the most?” There it is. My dad is testing him. He’s calling bullshit without saying it.

Dustin answers without skipping a beat. “I enjoyed it all, but the part that stuck out was men being the leaders in the household. And that it’s their responsibility to lead a godly lifestyle for their family to pursue. Being from a family that hasn’t always been in church, I never really understood the value. So it was a true eye-opener.”

I watch him intently, appreciating the sincerity in his tone and words.

And that, folks, is how you win over an overbearing pastor father—you agree with his way of thinking.

My dad eyes Dustin for a moment, contemplating what he said. I’m sure he’s performing his own lie detector on him,watching for any weird twitching or some form of deceit. But the truth is that Dustin isn’t lying. He isn’t trying to get on my dad’s good side by making stuff up or putting on a facade. He’s being genuine, and when my dad’s stance goes from being on guard to relaxing, I can tell he sees it, too.

My dad crosses his arms, and his stoic features settle back in. “Then I’m sure you’ll enjoy this Sunday’s. It’s titled,Dating the Pastor’s daughter.” His voice is deep, with no sign of humor.

There’s a slight pause. My dad eyes Dustin and then me. Then he smiles and lets out a laugh. We all follow suit, and before it gets more awkward, Dustin, being the smooth guy he is, shakes my dad’s hand one last time, saying, “I’ll make sure to be there.”

“All right, see y’all later,” I said, practically yanking Dustin out behind me.

“It wasn’t that bad,” he says, taking my hand in his. I look back, making sure we’re in the clear. Dustin looks back, then tightens his grip, stopping us in the middle of the sidewalk. He stands in front of me, lets go of my hand, and places his hands on my face. His light green eyes hold my vision in a vise. I could stare at them for the rest of my life. “I know you’re worried. I get it. I’ll never do anything to jeopardize this.” He glances down, shaking his head, and I know he wants this just as badly as I do. “I’ll do my best to smooth over anything that might come our way.” His brows furrow as he glances away momentarily before looking back at me with a fierceness I’ve yet to see. “But I also won’t cower away from your father.”

“But…” I try to speak, but he silences me.

“But nothing, Echo. Everything about us is only becoming more. One day, he is going to have to accept this and who you want in your life…because I’m not going anywhere.”

I see a rock-solid certainty in his eyes, and I know he means what he says. He pulls me closer, placing a kiss on my forehead.

I lift my hands, drape them over his shoulders, and let out a sigh. “Thanks. You’re just the first guy I’ve ever liked.” I hate admitting it, but I know Dustin won’t revel in it.

“And your last,” he emphasizes, making me smile. The idea of having Dustin forever gives me butterflies.

“Sometimes I just wonder how far my dad will go to get his way.” My smile fades as that sinking feeling hits me.

“Hey, hey. Let’s not think about the what-ifs. Let’s live in thewhat is. And thewhat isright now is we’re about to go get our grub on…in public…together.” He grins, causing his perfect dimple to come into view.

He’s right. There is no reason to dread what could happen—it will only keep me from enjoying the present. Somewhere in the last few weeks, he has become my voice of reason. And after that, my voice of reason and I walk hand in hand the few blocks we have left to the diner.

“Seat yourself,” a middle-aged brunette says from behind the counter. “I’ll be with ya in a sec.”

“Back here.” Dustin drags me behind him to the booth at the very back. It is deserted.

I sit down, and to my surprise, Dustin doesn’t sit next to me.

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