Page 22 of Blindsided By the Enforcer

“I’ll be damned. I was a big fan of your dad’s. I’m a big hockey fan,” he explains.

“Yet, your daughter doesn’t know a thing about hockey,” I joke.

“Annie is all about the animals,” he replies.

“Yes, she really wants me to meet Sally,” I tell him.

A bubble of laughter escapes him. He has a hearty deep laugh but it’s warm and friendly. “That sounds about right,” he finally says.

“Should I be scared?” I ask him.

“Now that depends,” he replies.

“On what?” I ask.

“If Sally likes you,” he answers and he chuckles some more. “Come, let’s head to the kitchen. That mac and cheese should be warm by now.”

We both stand and head to the kitchen. “My wife is going to have a coronary when she finds out who you are.”

“Is she a hockey fan?” I ask.

“No.” He shakes his head. “But she was hoping on getting Annie and Ford back together. Now that I’ve met you, I don’t see that happening.”

“Does she know I’m committed to Annie?” I ask because it’s weird for her to want to break us up.

“Oh, she knows, but that isn’t going to stop her when she wants something. It’s good you’re an enforcer because Christmas Eve is going to be a special kind of battle.” He laughs. “Now, come on, son. I don’t like to leave my Annie waiting.”

With that, we head directly to the kitchen where Annie meets my gaze with wide eyes. “Are you okay?” she whispers.

“I think so?” I whisper back.

“Come on, Annie. I don’t bite,” her father says. “But sometimes Sally does.”

“Should I be terrified?” I ask Annie and her father.

“Daddy is just yanking your chain,” she explains, giving her dad a warning look.

Annie turns away to take the mac and cheese out of the oven. It’s got a layer of baked cheese on top. It smells delicious.

“These are garlic knots. Daddy makes them and they are so good,” she explains, pointing to a tray of little knots of dough.

“I’m sorry Thanksgiving was a bust. I wanted to make it up to you,” her dad says.

“Thank you, Daddy. But I understood. You have a lot going on,” she says vaguely.

He exhales and sighs. “That I do. Well, you kids have a good night. Cade can stay in the guest room down here.”

“That’s where I was going to set him up,” she confirms.

“Good. Have a good night, you two.” He waves and leaves the kitchen.

“Sit down and eat, Cade. You’re in for one heck of a meal,” she invites.

I do as she says and she’s right. This is the best mac and cheese I’ve ever had. It has a kick of garlic but it isn’t strong. The garlic knots are fresh and spongy. My parents are busy people, so having home-cooked meals was never a thing. We always ate well and healthy, but we had housemaids or caterers preparing food and it never tasted like this. This is a carbfest and my dad’s voice rings in my ears. I don’t give a shit because I am doing what I want. I need to live my life and get my dad’s voice out of my head. I finish the bowl and Annie gives me seconds.

“It’s good stuff, huh?” she says, enjoying the meal as much as I am.

“The best,” I tell her.

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