Page 92 of Dirty Player

“It’s up to you, but while your father has come through tonight, he’s still not out of the woods. I don’t want you to have any more regrets.”

“Okay.” I nodded.

She’d listened to us both explain how we were young and had argued. That we were both overwhelmed with our feelings for one another and said things we didn’t mean.

And how we’d been seeing each other since September—four months—and had fallen deeply in love. Neither of us wanted totell our families for different reasons. Most of all, for the things we said after breaking up and looking stupid.

“Ah, pride.” Mom shook her head. “The killer of relationships.”

I have a feeling she knew there was a little more to it than that, but she didn’t dig.

I might tell her one day.

In fact, I’m almost certain I will.

Levi squeezes my hand and then releases it, putting his in the small of my back, leading me over to the father’s bed.

“Hey pumpkin,” Dad says and then his eyes drift over to Levi. “I’d like to think God sent me a Hawkes quarterback as a parting gift from Earth because I’d been a good man, but I hear you’re in love with my daughter.”

I almost snort.

“Dad.” I chastise softly.

“Yes, sir.” Levi nods, draping his arm over my shoulder. “Have been since day one. Both of us too stubborn to say it.”

Dad nods.

“You said some bad things about my daughter.”

My eyes drift to Mom and she shakes her head, telling me to let him get it off his chest.

“Which I regret.” Levi dips his head respectfully.

“I did the same thing,” I tell Dad. “We were both hurt and scared.”

Dad lays there a while, the machines beeping. Levi tugs me closer against his side, showing me support.

“We should stop talking about th—”

“Love is scary,” Dad says breathlessly. “Being loveless is scarier. Surround yourself with people worth fighting for.”

I don’t know who he’s talking to.

Himself. Me. Levi.

Or Mom.

Because I become suddenly aware that he will not be with us much longer. It’s a knowing I can’t explain.

“I want you to look after her for me,” Dad tells Levi.

“Yes sir. I haven’t done a good job at that to date, but today that changes.” He confesses, then glances down at me, almost seeking permission. I spot the moment he decides for himself. “I asked your daughter to marry me.”

My eyes dart over to Dad.

He shakes his head. “If I could, I’d kick your ass for not asking me first.”

We all know he couldn’t kick my big strong football player's ass, but it's cute anyway.

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