Page 38 of Ash

“Sorry, G,” she said in a trembling voice. “I didn’t know it was yours.” Then she leaned in and whispered, “I thought it was Shep’s.”

“Ugh,” Diedre moaned. She hated that all our kids went by nicknames.

Personally, I enjoyed her pain, but I kept that to myself.

“It was mine,” fourteen-year-old Shepherd muttered from the corner where he’d been practically hiding behind a book since his grandma arrived. “G stole it first. So serves you right, bro.”

Before anyone could say anything else, Jennalynn strolled back in.

“What is that?” Diedre screeched.

“Well, Mom,” Nora said in an “announcer” voice. “This gorgeous model is wearing a vintage-inspired satin A-line gown. The strapless dress has boning in the corset and lovely, handcrafted details. As you can see, there is ruching at the top ofthe skirt before it flows to the floor in front, with a slit up the left side and a court train in the back. To add flair to this ensemble, made so incredibly beautiful by the model, are black lace gloves that end on the biceps with intricate detailing.”

Jennalynn was beaming and walking around the living room as if she were on a runway.

I might have laughed if I wasn’t so fucking speechless. When did my little girl grow the fuck up?

She turned around, and her leg flashed between the thigh-high slit. I jumped to my feet, making sure to keep Nora and Vivi from falling to the ground. “Not a chance in hell, Jelly Bean!” I growled. “You are not wearing that.”

“Finally, we agree for once,” Diedre sniffed. “But you might have used more appropriate language.”

I threw her a withering scowl, and she shut up.

My daughter’s face crumpled and tears welled in her eyes, making me feel like the world’s biggest jackass. “You don’t think it looks good on me, Daddy?”

I sighed and walked over to her, pulling her into my arms. “Of course I do, Jelly Bean. You look amazing.”

“Then why?—”

“Because I’m not going to let some horny teenage punks drool over my sweet, beautiful girl.”

“But Daddy?—”

“No. I’m sorry, but?—”

“She’s growing up, Eli,” Nora interrupted. “Soon, she’ll be dating. You’re going to have to accept it sometime.”

I frowned at her. “Like hell. There will be no boys.” I turned my glare down to my daughter. “No dating. Not until I’m dead.”

Nora sighed. “What if I sew the slit so it starts at her knee?”

Jennalynn’s face brightened. “Please, Daddy?”

My resolve loosened.

“Please?”

“Shit,” I muttered.

Jennalynn squealed and threw her arms around me in the kind of hug she used to give me when she was still Vivi’s age. “Thank you! Thank you!”

“Really, Nora,” Diedre huffed. “Could you at least talk her into a soft pink or maybe a baby blue? They would bring out her eyes and soften the whole…ensemble.”

“I already talked her into elegant black, Mom,” Nora replied dryly. “Be grateful it’s not the blood red or hot pink and black she wanted.”

“She looks bweeutiful!” Vivi shouted, clapping her hands.

“Really, Dad?” I looked over at Shep, who was shaking his head sadly.

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