Page 73 of One Last Time
“Jackson!” I yell and launch myself athim.
He lifts me and spins around. “It’s been toolong.”
“No one told you to move to California and never comeback.”
They all moved out to California a few years ago. Jackson owns a security company that does God knows what, and he opened an officethere.
“I would’ve wound up there if I were still active duty,anyway.”
We all try to forget his time as a Navy SEAL. I’m pretty sure this is what caused me to have the insane fear when it comes to Heather and her job. Why does everyone think getting shot at is a good careerchoice?
“Where’sCat?”
“She’s got the kids in thepool.”
I give him a look, wondering if he’s lost his damn mind. “And you’re inhere?”
He lets out a laugh and then pulls me against his side. “You’ll protectme.”
Yeah right, he’s on hisown.
We get outside and Finn has their oldest daughter, Erin, in his arms as he moves around the pool. “Hey, buddy!” I smile andwave.
“Mom, look! Erin likes me.” His faceilluminates.
“Shedoes.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that smile. Erin and Aubrey are a year apart, but God forbid, he plays with his sister thatway.
He’d probably drownher.
“Hi, Mom.” I give her a kiss on the cheek. “Did the kids havefun?”
“They always do. You know your father spoils them rotten.” She pats my father’sarm.
“Hi,Daddy.”
“Hi, Krissykins.” He pulls me into his arms. “How’s my favoritedaughter?”
I love that no matter how old I am, he still looks at me as if I’m his whole world. My father would slay dragons for my mother and me. He loves with his wholeheart.
Sometimes, I wonder what’s wrong with me to have ever thought the way Scott treated me was right. I have the perfect embodiment of love in front of me. Yet, I was willing to take not even an eighth of what my father and motherhave.
My father’s eyes narrow as he studies me. “You look awfullyhappy.”
“Ido?”
“You have fun lastnight?”
Lying is not something I’m comfortable with. It makes me feel gross inside, but lying to my father is abhorrent. I was the world’s best teenager because I couldn’t lie. Sneaking out would never happen because I would go right back in or tell them I had just done it. Nicole hated me in high school for that part. I was always ratting usout.
However, sex is even more uncomfortable to tell your fatherabout.
“I did,” I say simply, hoping he’ll dropit.
“Good. The girls cameover?”
Short answers. I have to give him short and pointed answers. “Yup.”
