Page 97 of Dice & Dekes

“He was out of warranty anyway. Speaking of Daddy—whoops, I mean Knight—has anyone seen him?” I look around once again. No twin. I’m not saying that his absence is ominous, but it certainly is suspicious.

Mom gives me one of her dreamy, knowing smiles. “I’m sure he’ll turn up. In the meantime, Viktor, I want to make it very clear that we’re all so glad to have you as part of the family.” She touches Dad’s arm meaningfully, like she’s urging him forward.

“Yes, we are.” Dad gives Viktor a wary once-over. “But don’t go thinking that gives you special lawn privileges.”

“We’re going to mingle, okay?” I give Viktor’s arm a little tug. “There are some people I want him to meet.”

Viktor, still looking stunned, lets me lead him away. “Is he serious about the grass?” he whispers. “I knew he was protective, but I married his daughter. And he’s still obsessing over the lawn?”

I try not to laugh. “You stepped one foot on the edge while unloading the vow renewal centerpieces this morning. He hit you with the hose, remember?”

Viktor scowls, rubbing his damp shoulder like it’s a war wound. “I thought that was an accident.”

“Nothing Dad does to protect the lawn is an accident.” I squeeze his hand. “Consider it a baptism. He has priorities. I know my place. Now, we’re going to take a quick detour for some chocolate, and then I want to introduce you to a couple of my friends from the service…”

We spend the next couple of hours hanging out with our friends and family. Baylor was right about the champagne fountain, but I still say it was worth it. Sure enough, Knight shows up about halfway through the party. I catch him giving Viktor a thumbs-up. I’m too busy introducing Ella to Vivian and Vanessa to wonder what scheme they’re cooking up now.

By the time people start to trickle away from the party, I’m pleasantly buzzed and giddy over having spent so much time with people I love.

Dad watches Viktor help me into the passenger seat of his car.

“Are you sure you’re okay to drive?” Dad asks, voice heavy with suspicion.

“Yes, sir. I stopped drinking over an hour ago.” He closes the door behind me.

With all the doors closed, their voices are a bit muffled, but I can clearly hear Dad say, “Take care of her, Viktor.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If you do anything to hurt her—”

“I won’t. No threats necessary.”

“...Good.”

To my absolute astonishment—and, apparently, my father’s, too—Viktor retraces his steps for one of those manly, back-slapping hugs that guys give each other. It’s not just a hug. It’s Viktor stepping into a space he’s always wanted to belong to and being welcomed there—for real this time. Not just tolerated. Trusted.

It’s enough to make me tear up a little. I’m so glad Dad’s willing to give Viktor a second chance.

I’m glad I did, too.

Viktor climbs into the driver’s seat and backs us out of the driveway. I close my eyes and revel in the lingering euphoria of a successful party.

We head out wrapped in a quiet bubble of contentment, the kind that only comes after a hard-won ending. And a new beginning.

Once we’re out of the neighborhood, Viktor lays a hand on my knee. “Did you have a nice time?”

“Yes. So much fun. Everyone was there.”

“I think your father and I have turned the corner.”

I place a hand over his and let out a contented sigh. “I do, too. Life is so perfect.”

“I don’t know. I feel like… we’re missing something.”

“You do? I can’t imagine how anything could be better than it is right now.”

“Really?” Laughter brightens the edges of Viktor’s voice. “You don’t get lonely when I’m on the road?”

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