Page 109 of Endgame

I’ll show her every day if it means I get to keep her.

Mom gently reaches for my arm, sending me a reassuring smile. “Why don’t we get inside and open a bottle of wine before dinner?”

Nodding my head, I lead Dakota inside the house before her sharp exhale stops me dead center. “Oh, thank God, you guys still drink wine. I was worried I’d be drinking alone.”

The laughter that fills the small space brings a warmth over me—forever is on my mind.

44

DAKOTA

“Mr. Hayes, this steak is incredible.”

“Why, thank you, Dakota. Let me know if you ever want me to show you the ropes behind the grill. There’s a craft to it, but I’m willing to pass on my tips.”

A yelp leaves Delilah’s mouth. “I’ll have you know;Iam the grill master in this house. Scott does his best work from the couch recliner.”

Thankfully, Mr. Hayes doesn’t seem offended in the slightest, leaning back in his chair and laughing in hysterics. His soft belly is jiggling slightly, shaking the dining room table.

“And that’s how that thing became attached to him.” She’s pointing at the evidence of his belly, and I have to do my best not to laugh out loud, risking being targeted for teaming up against him.

“Delilah baby, we all know my belly is made from Señor Coors. Come on. If you’re going to rag on me, make sure your facts are straight first.”

The entire table erupts into obnoxious laughter; Navy’s snorting beside me sends me into uncontrollable delirium.

I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard.

Navy shouts across the table with tears running down her face, “Dad, you’re not supposed to admit that out loud. Jesus Christ.”

My best friend has always adored her dad, and seeing them together again after so long makes me grateful she still has him in her life. Not an ounce of me is jealous, while my new and improved self proves I’m strong. It’s clear how loved she and Callaway are; they deserve it all.

“Scott Michael Hayes, at least let us get to dessert before you show your ass.” I can no longer fight it. The giggles have a mind of their own as I watch this play out.

“But honey, you love my ass. Unless you’d rather have it for the mai?—”

“Ah! Not another word, mister.” She’s reaching across the table to hit him as we speak.

“Fuck, Pops. You’re getting too old for table sex.”

The laughter never ends.

Navy makes a puking sound that causes my cheeks to blush. I know instantly where she’s taking this. “Please, for the love of God, tell me you and Kodi do not have table sex?”

She’s speaking to Callaway, but that doesn’t stop me. I will no longer remain silent. That, or I hide under this table.

“Oh my God, no!” I’m embarrassed, and my sudden decision to sneak a word in leads to all heads turning in my direction, likely surprised by my outburst.

Four pairs of dark eyebrows raise at me in question.

Callaway places his hand on my thigh under the table, and I fight my body's dramatic attempt to squirm. He’s caressing my leg and moving higher by the second, no doubt doing his best to get me flustered.

It’s working.

“Do tell us, angel.”

I’ll castrate his beautiful balls on the spot. I haven't seen them yet; therefore, I won't miss them.

You can’t miss what you’ve never had.

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