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I don’t shake it; I give it a gentle squeeze instead. “It’s really nice to meet you, Mr. Bennet.”

From the way he looks at me, I’m ninety-nine percent certain that his man hates me. Not a surprise. Most people do. I get it.

Aurora has her arms crossed over her chest as she stands beside me, a little smirk on her face. “He doesn’t like to be called Mr. Bennet. Makes him feel old. He prefers to be called Tobias.”

Ah. Okay. No sudden hatred? That’s better. Although she definitely could have told me that in the car.

“Got it. Sorry, Tobias.” Dropping his hand, I shove mine in the front pockets of my slacks.

Walking over, I plop down into one of the tan leather chairs in the corner of Tobias’s room, watching as Aurora comes to life talking to her father. She’s a little ray of sunshine, catching him up on every detail of her life.

In the middle of her rambling, she walks over to the minifridge by his TV. She opens it and frowns. “You’re out of Root Beer, Dad.I’m going to go see if I can get some more from the kitchens.” Then she scampers off, leaving me alone with Tobias.

Being left alone with your girlfriend’s father who doesn’t speak is one hell of an awkward position. Do I talk to him even if he can’t respond? What do I even say? Something to make him like me? I don’t know how to make people like me. It’s not something I generally care about.

But this is for Roo.

I look over at Tobias. “She’s something special, huh? You’ve been watching her on Tuesday nights, right? Your nurse says you have. I think after her blow-off match with Juliette she’s going to get pushed into the title scene. She should. She’s amazing.” I’m rambling. I’m sure I sound like a pathetic puppy trying to make a good impression.

He’s looking at me, and I’m not convinced he doesn’t hate me, no matter what Aurora says. “She’s different,” I add. “For me. I fell in love with Roo before I even knew what love was, I think. My life would suck without her. I’m definitely not the best guy for her. Roo could dosomuch better, but she chose me so that has to mean something, right?”

I shrug. “Or maybe your daughter has shitty taste in men.”

That’s not the best thing to say to your girlfriend’s dad, but it’s true. Tobias should know the truth. Before I can make myself look even worse, Aurora’s back with a few cans of Root Beer tucked in her arms. As she puts them away in the fridge, she recounts how nice the nurse was about the situation and how she’ll make sure he’s kept stocked up on his Root Beer.

As she finishes her story, Tobias opens his mouth. She stops and tilts her head, worry filling the eyes that I know so well. “Dad? Is everything okay? Do you need something?”

His hand moves forward, resting on her forearm. His mouth opens and closes a few more times as if he’s trying to rememberhow to form words. “Roo,” he finally says. His voice is rough, shaky from not being used for God knows how long. “Proud.”

Tears fill Aurora’s eyes, threatening to spill down her cheeks. Every part of me wants to comfort my girl, but that’s not my job right now. This is a moment for the two of them that I’m honored to bear witness to.

She puts a hand over her mouth, holding back a choked sob. “Dad?” Her arms wrap around his shoulder, hugging him tightly.

After that, it’s not like Tobias becomes a chatterbox. It was progress though. We stay with him for a few more hours, watching the Fleetwood Mac concert and helping him with dinner. Aurora is the dutiful daughter, feeding him bites of mashed potatoes as she tells him all about Rumour, New York, andme.

She’s blessed by a few shaky, real smiles throughout her stories. Like when she tells him about how Rumour was adopted by me, but the kitten loves her more.

As we’re leaving, she hugs him again and kisses his forehead. I give his hand another squeeze. “I’m taking care of her. Don’t worry,” I tell him. “Focus on yourself, because she needs you, all right?”

Walking out of the facility, my arm wraps around Aurora’s shoulders, and I pull her against me. Leaning over, I press a soft kiss to the side of her head. “I told you Roo was a good nickname. So much better thanRory.” I say the name with mock disgust.

“You still can’t just rename people whenever you want, Theo.”

“I think we can let it slide this time, baby doll.”

Epilogue

THEODORE

Seven Months Later

Four months ago, I signed a contract extension with GRW. It’s not shocking that Nathan wanted to lock me down for longer. I’m damn good at everything I do, even if I’ve been a bit of a headache in the past. And as much as I struggle to see eye-to-eye with the bastard sometimes, GRW has given me everything. My career, money, and the girl of my damn dreams.

During negotiations, I asked for two things. First, I wanted my own locker room. I didn’t give a damn if I was champion anymore or not, although we all know the belt is coming home sooner rather than later, I didn’t want to share with anyone. I wanted a place that Aurora and I could hang out before the show, which meant I also ended up with a place that became full of the people that Aurora attracts.

My girl is lovable.

When I push open the door to our locker room, I find Aurora on the floor, kneeling next to her suitcase. She’s putting all her damn weight onto the thing, trying to get it zipped. I raise an eyebrow,leaning against the wall as the door closes. “Wanna do something tonight?”

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