Page 8 of Criminology of a Character

“Did you just use me to get out of something?” Reese asked.

“When in doubt, call Dad,” she answered. “How’sbabyboy?”

“Perfect,” he said. “Weactuallyjust got back from the park. He madean absolutemess of himself, so I threw him in the shower. I gave him a bone to apologize, but he passed out halfway through chewing it.”

“Aww. Busy day. Thanks for making sure he has fun.”

“Of course, sweetheart. And are you okay? Calling me while on your romantic vacation. Is something wrong?”

“Eamon’s golfing.”

“Oh, so you’re bored.” Reese chuckled.

“No… okay, a little. I was at lunch with the wives, and I needed an out. Mostof thewomen here are plastic surgeons’ spouses or girlfriends, and we’re different people. It’s hard to get caught up in petty drama and gossip after what I’ve been through.”

“I don’t blame you, but this is Eamon’s world. He comes from a different background than you. Living in Bajka might hide it, but will this bother you if you two get serious?”

“This isn’treallyEamon’s world,” Bel said. “He’s rich, but not like these people. I won’t have to worry if we stay together. Well, sometimes I would when he accepts invitations, but he’s pretty reclusive. Most of Bajka still doesn’t know what he looks like.”

“Okay, as long as you’re comfortable with your future with him… if you think you have a future?” her dad said. “You’ve only been dating for about two months, so I wouldn’t normally ask, but you were never the daughter to bring home a guy. You dated, but I never met them, yet I’ve met this man multiple times. He feels different.”

“He is.”

“So, is this relationship for fun, or do you see him sticking around?”

“He’s coming to Thanksgiving Dinner, remember?” she said as a waiter walked past with chilled cocktails. Bel nodded at him, and he handed her a Mai Tai.

“Your sisters are going to interrogate that poor man,” Reese laughed. “You never brought your dates home, and now they're meeting your boyfriend for the first time during a family holiday. I feel bad for him.”

“He’ll be fine. There isn’t much he’s afraid of.”

“I don’t doubt that. He’s intimidating… which is why I have to ask. I would be an awful parent if I didn’t. I don’t get intimidated easily, and while I like Eamon, something about him is unnerving. But, I’m also not blind. That man worships the ground you walk on, and when you were in the hospital after the Darling case, he watched over you, refusing to sleep. I’ve never seen anyone look at you like that except for Cerberus, and if a man looks at you the same as your dog, he must be in love. I can’t hate someone who adores my daughter, but now that you’ve spent time alone with him, how do you feel about your relationship? Are you safe? Happy?Optimisticabout your future? Because if you’re anything less than one hundred percent certain, say the word, and I’ll come get you.”

“In truth, he does make me nervous,” Bel answered, and she could practically feel her father’s panic through the cell connection. “Not like that, so don’t worry,” she clarified. “I’m embarrassed to admit it because logic tells me I shouldn’t feel so strongly about him this quickly, but I can’t help it. He makes me nervous because I think he’s the last man I’ll ever date. Hehas the power tobreak my heart, and if he leaves me, I’ll never be the same.”

“Has he given you a reason to think he’ll leave?” her dad asked.

“No,” Bel chuckled as Eamon’s constant request that she live with him played through her memory. “Not at all. It’s a‘me’thing. I’ve never felt like this about another person, so it scares me. I was okay on my own. I was content to be single, but now, I never want to live apart from this man. Is that even normal?”

“I don’t know if it happens to everyone, but when I met your mother, my life instantly changed. One date, and I knew there was no going back, so you aren’t crazy. I experienced everything you’re feeling and then some.”

“I love how much you loved Mom,” Bel said. “It’s why I get nervous. I assumed I’d never find what you had, and Eamon is forcing me to reconsider that stance.”

“That’s a good thing, sweetheart. Go slow, listen to your instincts, and if he’s the one, there’s no need to worry about your timeline. Everyone is different. Not one of your sisters had a similar relationship. Some dated for years, and some married so fast they gave me whiplash, but when you know, you know. Justmake sureit’s your heart and not your emotions telling you he’s your future.”

“Thanks, Dad.” She sipped on her drink, the rapidly melting ice watering it down. “I needed to hear that. I want what you and Mom had, so thanks for making me feel less crazy.”

“You aren’t crazy. You’re a beautiful woman who deserves the world. Your life has beeninupheaval lately, and I want you to be happy. I want you to find someone who’ll love and protect you and never leave your side. If Eamon’s that man, I’m thrilled. Something tells me he knows how to take care of you.”

“You can say that again.” Her phone vibrated, and she pulled it away from her ear to see a text from Eamon saying he was on his way back. “Eamon’s done golfing, so I’m going to go. Kiss Cerberus for me?”

“You know I will. I took a lot of videos at the park. I’ll send them to you.”

“Yes, please. I miss him.” She placed her watery Mai Tai on the table and stood up. “I miss you too.”

“Love you, baby girl. Say hi to Eamon for me.”

“Love you too, Dad.” Bel hung up, her chest significantly lighter. Since she wasn’t one for dating, she’d never had cause to bring up romance to her father, but she was glad she had. He was the smartest and most reasonable person she knew, and if he supported her relationship, it was safe to let herself fall.

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