Page 68 of Finding Out

“Thanks.” Avery nibbled on her bottom lip and didn’t quite meet my eye.

“Love you, Avy.” I bent down and her hair brushed my cheek as I gave her a quick kiss.

When I turned to move back to my seat as Emerson moved to the mic, I found Heath’s gaze locked on me. I tipped my chin and walked right past him out the door. If he started yelling at me during Emerson’s speech, my daughter would never forgive me. So if he wanted to finally talk, he’d have to follow me.

It took less than a minute before the door banged open again. “Dammit, Wilson.”

I smirked. Heath actually sounded like himself. But I tempered my expression before I turned to face him.

He glared at me, his brows pulled low. “I should have known you’d find a way to say your piece even when I wouldn’t talk to you.”

I held both palms up as I shrugged. “It wasn’t on purpose. But I promised her I’d fix this. So I am going to move heaven and earth to make you believe I’m good for your daughter.”

He lowered his head and gave it a shake. “I’ve always believed you were a good man.”

Hope ignited in my chest. I wasn’t sure where he was going with this, but it could be promising.

“I didn’t mean to fall in love with your daughter, but I won’t apologize for it.”

He ground his teeth. “Of all the women in the world.”

“It’s not my fault you raised the best one.”

He tried, but he couldn’t fight the chuckle that escaped him. “She’s a pain in the ass.”

“Absolutely.” Heart hammering—because, shit, was he really coming to terms with this?—I slipped my hands into my pockets, willing myself to remain calm.

He shook his head at me. “And she has expensive taste.”

“I’m well aware.”

Finally, a ghost of a smile moved across his face. “Maybe it’s good that it’s you. Not many people could afford her.”

It seemed to me she’d paid for her lifestyle just fine. But I wouldn’t correct him, not when we were finally getting somewhere.

“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”

“I told Chris the same thing.” Now that I was sure where this was heading, my shoulders relaxed.

Behind him, the door creaked open, and Wren slipped out. “My toast sucked compared to yours.”

“I’m sure it was perfect, baby girl.” I held out an arm in silent invitation, and without hesitation, she slipped under it and rested her hand on my hip.

To his credit, Heath didn’t look away. And that felt like our first real win.

“My brain was a mess. I’m not sure the toast even made sense. I was too worried that you two were about to cause another scene.” Looking from me to her dad, she gave my hip a squeeze.

“We’re not.” Heath pursed his lips.

Beside me, Wren sagged in defeat.

“I was just giving Tom my blessing.”

She jolted under my arm, a gasp slipping from her lips. “What?”

Heath rocked back on his heels. “Hell, everything you said earlier was right.” His eyes drifted shut and he shook his head. “Tom too. I don’t love that you fell for my friend. I’d rather you found a man closer to your age. Someone I wasn’t quite so familiar with.” He opened his eyes and met mine. “But you’re right. I do know Tom. I know he puts his all into the things, and the people, he loves. And you’re lucky to fall into that category.”

The fist around my heart loosened at his words.