Page 14 of Two Weddings and a Shoot Out

“Your mom and I didn’t say never have sex. We just wanted you to make smart, informed decisions and not just give it away to some little pissant jerks who wouldn’t appreciate it,” Locks said.

“I think the other reason it was impactful is because we trusted Dad and his opinion and knew his demonstration came from him wanting the best for us,” Beth said.

Remi nodded and winked at the screen. Her youngest sister was quite good at setting up a conversation.

“So, if you haven’t figured it out, we want what is best for you, Dad. And none of us think that you being by yourself is what is best,” Winnie said.

Sarah leaned closer to Locks, sliding her arm around him. “We love the example you and Mom set for loving your spouse, supporting them through sickness and health, and honoring their memory. But love isn’t finite, and although it feels like everything is ending when we lose someone, we still have the capacity for love.”

“With the way Cannon and my relationship started, we’ve actually had this talk, but no one is guaranteed forever. Cannon told me that it would break his heart if he died and I allowed myself to be alone for the rest of my life. My hubby who had to have a wreck and be at death’s door before he figured out he was willing to risk it all on love. And it is a risk. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to consider someone else,” Jesse said.

“Mom was amazing and infuriating. I know she would never ask you to be alone the rest of your life,” Winnie said.

Locks had wondered if his girls had a reason for inviting him, and he guessed this was it. To talk with him about moving on. Gah! Even the term drove a spike into his heart. He would never move on from his wife.

“She was, and she set the bar pretty high,” Locks croaked because he didn’t know what else to say.

“She did. There are so many times as a wife I think, hmm, how would Mom have handled this? I figured if she let you live through five pregnancies, then I can let War live through this one,” Remi said.

Locks bit his lip, staring at his oldest. Each girl had traits of Kathryn that he was blessed to see. And he may be alive, but it didn’t mean Kathryn hadn’t threatened him sometimes.

“I did live through five pregnancies. However, the garage did get a couple bullet holes during her pregnancy with you, Remi,” Locks said.

“Oh, on the back wall toward the ceiling?” Jesse asked.

Locks nodded.

“Dad, you have to tell us now. What did you do?” Beth asked.

“Why do you all immediately assume it’s my fault and not the hormones of the pregnancy?” Locks asked, smirking.

“Dad,” Jesse whined, motioning for him to continue.

“It was our anniversary, and she didn’t want to go out. She was seven months pregnant and just wanted to stay home. I offered to cook, but she said she just wanted some soup and a late dinner. I had one of the bail bonds vehicles that had been having problems. I said I was going to work on it and then I’d heat up the soup when I came in. Then, I went out to the garage,” Locks said, taking another bite of his sandwich and chewing slowly just because he knew his girls were waiting for him to go on. And sometimes it was fun riling them up.

“Dad,” Remi growled.

“Fast forward six hours later, and I’m just about finished with the vehicle.”

“What time was it?” Jesse asked.

“Ten p.m. I might have lost track of time. The first inkling I had that your mother was pissed was the bullet leaving the gunand lodging in the upper wall. I jerked and banged my head on the hood of the car. Pulled my gun and stuck my head out around the hood. Your mother shot off another round into the ceiling.

“She’s staring at me with her you’re-going-to-die look and motions with the gun to come closer. I come out from behind the car, sliding my gun back into my holster and walk toward her, wondering what’s going to happen.

“The next one’s going into your thick skull if you don’t get in the house and eat this anniversary dinner I spent fucking hours on, you thick-headed imbecile. I knew that I couldn’t say anything to fix this. I walked over, dropped to my knees, wrapped my arms around her and her big belly, and said I’m so fuckin’ sorry. I’m an ass.”

“And?” Remi asked.

“I carried her back to the house. Reheated the meatloaf, baked potatoes, and green beans that were not the soup she said we were having and spent the next few months doing everything I could to not be that jackass husband I’d been on our anniversary night.”

His daughters smiled at his words. He and Kathryn had some ups and downs. More ups than downs but he wouldn’t change a thing other than her leaving him.

“It’s good to know your and Mom’s marriage wasn’t perfect because sometimes I only remember all the good. I wonder how I could ever be as good of a mom as she was,” Jesse whispered.

Locks stood up and pulled Jesse into his arms. “You all have some of your mother in you, but you are also your own person. You’re a fantastic mom, but you’re the mom you’re meant to be. You’re not supposed to be like your mom. We grew up in a different time and faced different things than you girls will. You have to make your own path,” he said, hugging her a little tighter.

“Dad, I think you just said why we’re here. You have to make your own path without Mom. She wouldn’t want you alone. She’d want you to have love again and be happy,” Remi said.

---