Page 46 of Pints & Potions

“I don’t think he will.” She looked uncertain, as if she had the urge to say more, but she remained silent.

“Might as well spit out what you’re chewing on, girl. I can see it’s something right important.”

Piper scrunched up her face, then spoke in one rushed breath. “I thought about asking him to father my baby, the Goddess willing.”

Because he’d sort of expected she’d say something along those lines, Hoyt didn’t react as an outraged father might. “Couldn’t hurt to ask, I suppose, but don’t be disappointed if he says no. For all his so-called roguish ways, Cian strikes me as an old-fashioned guy. You’ve only to remove the rose-colored glasses you view him with to see it, Pip.”

She frowned her question, and Hoyt was exasperated that the younger generations didn’t seem to have the insight into the human mind that his generation did.

“He’s the type of man who, once he told you he’d protect you with his last breath, would do just that. Only took me less than a New York minute to sum up that boy. He’s all about his family and doing what’s right.” It pained Hoyt to admit it, but he said, “Cian’s one of the good ones, Pip.”

“I think my heart already knows that, Dad. It’s like the clouds parted and a beam of sunshine lit him up the second I met him.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly how it was the moment I was introduced to your mother. Prettiest gal I ever did see. Still is, and you look just like her.” Leaning down, he kissed Piper’s forehead. Although he knew some men’s hearts remained frozen against love and Hoyt hated to give her hope where it shouldn’t exist, he couldn’t resist saying, “Give your young man time, okay? He may surprise you.”

18

Piper woke refreshed and as if she’d shaken the last of their mysterious attacker’s spell. Perhaps she had, on some unconscious level. Magic worked wonders during a heavy sleep. Or it could be the wards and her father’s continued presence were the real deterrents. Or maybe the guy got tired and moved on. Whatever the case, she was ready to face the remainder of the day.

She sat up and grinned when she noticed the book Hoyt was reading. “Planning to farm in Ireland, Dad?”

Without glancing up, he flipped the page and shrugged. “If you choose to live here, which I highly suspect will be the case moving forward, it would benefit me to learn what crops grow best. Your ma won’t want to be too far from you.”

“It’s only a teleport away. And you have a lot of faith in my ability to change Cian’s mind about love.”

He peered over the edge of his book. “He’d be a gol-dern fool not to, Pip.”

A more supportive father didn’t exist. Tears burned the back of her lids. “I want what you and Mom have. Maybe that’s why I’ve been such a failure in the romance department and so desperate to find that perfect person.”

“The relationship between your mother and me isn’t perfect. Far from it, in fact. But we made a promise to always try to see the other’s perspective. We promised to calmly work through any issues as they pop up and never let the sun set on an argument.”

“I know unconditional love is reserved for children, Dad. I get couples fight, but you’re definitely a role model.”

He gave a firm nod. “Just so you know. Life ain’t going to be easy, Pip. We’ve all survived our share of troubles. The witches’ wars taught us that. Danger is always lurking right around the corner for us Thornes, and you’d best stay on alert when you’re here.”

“I thought the wards were strengthened earlier today?”

“They were, and Spring sat with you as Knox and I tested them, but that don’t mean you can let your guard down, you hear?”

“I understand.”

“And if it takes using your abilities to kick some butt, then you do it, girl. You don’t rely on physical strength and learned skills alone.”

She couldn’t stop her grin. This was her dad. The man whose stern looks and warnings were legendary in their family. The man who everyone believed was a mean old grizzly, when in fact, he was a teddy bear. All his life lessons and caution were from the root of a love so great, family was never in any doubt they were cared for.

“Promise,” she said as she placed a hand over her heart.

“Good.” He climbed to his feet and snapped his fingers. The book vanished into thin air and a mug of coffee replaced it. “I’m heading downstairs to see if that pretty boy of Spring’s found anything worthwhile about the attack in the woods. You drink this coffee and come down when you’re ready.”

He left her with a quick kiss on the forehead and her favorite flavored latte. As she sat back against the headboard and sipped her drink, she savored the feeling of being well cared for.

Twenty minutes later, she headed downstairs and encountered Cian on the landing. He looked rested and alert. And good enough to eat.

“I see we both had the same idea to nap,” she said with a grin.

“Yeah, and you’re a sight for these sore eyes. It’s happy I am to see you’ve recovered.” He ran a hand through his damp hair. “I confess, you took years off my life, love.”

“It may’ve taken years off my own, and my dad’s to boot,” she quipped. She touched his arm. “Thank you, Cian.”

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