Page 109 of Taken By Storm

Kasi looked up as he and Keith walked in together.

“It’s your decision,” Daddy continued. “Yours and Keith’s. You’re the ones who’ve been keeping this farm afloat, same as your mother did in the years before.”

Keith shook his head. “No. It’s been all Kasi. She’s done it all, so she should decide. So long as she doesn’t pick Scottie.”

Levi growled as Kasi giggled. “That option is way off the table.”

“Thank God,” Keith muttered before giving her a sad grin. “I’m sorry, Kasi. For the way I treated you. The stuff I said. All of it. I’m just so sorry.”

Kasi blinked rapidly. How she still had tears left was beyond her. “No apology necessary.”

He grimaced. “That’s not true at all. Maybe we could talk later?”

Kasi nodded, as she smiled. “I’d like that.” Then she realized she was still sitting on Levi’s lap. She squirmed and tried to stand, but Levi tightened his grip, keeping her in place.

“Stay still,” he admonished.

“Levi,” she muttered. “My dad?—”

“Stay where you are, Kasi,” Daddy said, grinning. “Nothing wrong with a man holding on to his woman.” Daddy walked to the table to pick up the lease. He scanned it the same wayKasi had. “This is a good idea,” he said to her. Then he glanced at Levi. “You know, it doesn’t make much sense for you to commute to work every day, Levi.”

Kasi laughed. “His farmhouse is a fifteen-minute drive, tops. And it’s not like there’s traffic.”

“I think your father is right,” Levi chimed in, resting his chin on her shoulder as she rolled her eyes. “Commuting sucks.”

“Are you two ganging up on me?” she asked.

“Nope. The three of us are,” Keith said.

“I want to thank you for all the work you’ve been doing around here lately, Levi. And for putting that pretty smile on my daughter’s face,” Daddy said.

Levi gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “It’s been my pleasure.”

Daddy glanced toward the hallway. “You know, there’s an empty room just down that hall.”

Kasi gasped. “Daddy, that’s your?—”

“I’m never moving back into that room,” he interjected. “It was built for two people. A couple,” he added, putting his hand on Levi’s shoulder. “Amarriedcouple.”

Kasi’s eyes widened at her father’s way-less-than-subtle hint, but Levi just laughed.

“I plan on putting a ring on that finger immediately.” Levi lifted her hand, rubbing his thumb over her ring finger.

“I like the sound of that,” Daddy said, brushing beneath her chin with his knuckle. “Keith, what do you say we head to the store and pick up some fried chicken for dinner. I’ve got a craving.”

Keith, grinning from ear to ear, nodded enthusiastically. Her brother was as delighted as Kasi to have their father back.

Daddy and Keith said their goodbyes, leaving her alone with Levi.

“Would you like something to eat?”

Levi shook his head. “Nope. We need to head out.”

“We do?”

He placed Kasi on her feet then stood up. Before Kasi knew his intentions, Levi tossed her over his shoulder.

“What are you doing?” she asked, giggling as he headed for the front door.

---