Page 34 of Starting Over with You
I meet his gaze, surprised by his statement. “I didn’t intend to have a failed relationship.”
He cocks a brow at me. “You got knocked up by a guy who didn’t see your worth, only what was between your legs.”
I grimace. “Wow. Thanks, Dad.”
He shrugs. “It was bound to happen. I’m just glad you screwed him over in the end.”
“My dad taught me well,” I throw back, waggling my brows.
Another booming laugh leaves him. “Child, don’t lie. That’s all your sister and Sadie. Petty, the lot of you.” I snicker as he continues to laugh, and then I sink my teeth into my lip as I meethis gaze. “You’re gonna be just fine, Kenleigh. You know that, right?”
I hold his gaze for a long time as I let his proclamation sink in. I came home with the hope that I would be just that. And while it’s still early, I know I want nothing more.
To be all right. Or better.
Be happy.
“I know, Daddy,” I whisper, and he gives me a nod.
“That’s my girl,” he says with a wink. “Now, do me a favor and stop terrorizing Dean Moore.”
I laugh at that. “What? I never?—”
“Kenleigh, I was told you jumped him like a deranged flying squirrel, then made him dance before you puked in his hat.” I can’t even keep my laughter in. “How long are you going to harass that boy until he does the smart thing and ignores you lot?”
I know the answer, but I don’t say it.
Dean is the one constant in our lives, and God, how I missed him over the last nineteen years.
I give my dad a conspiratorial look. “Who told you all that? Was it your deputy?”
Dad snorts. “You leave my deputy out of this.”
I glare. “You tell your deputy he’s married to my bestie, and he’s supposed to be on my side.”
“That boy has no clue who he married,” Dad says with a laugh. “And God help him, he’s about to learn the hard way.”
We have a good laugh about that, because he isn’t wrong. But that doesn’t mean I’m gonna help Matt out and not tell his wife about his big mouth.
CHAPTER
FOURTEEN
Dean
I have two Thursdays a month that are mine and mine alone.
Between Wagner and me, we have a great schedule that makes sure I’m able to be home for Skyye on my weeks and still have two days for myself. When Wagner asked me what day I wanted, I picked Thursdays so I can play hockey and then go to Whiskey and Whirl Night at the Thirsty Pine. I’m usually really excited for my nights, but tonight, I’m feeling a little off.
Probably because I want to keep texting Kenni, but I don’t know how to act like I’m not fucked for her.
I feel like everything I say is like a neon sign telling the world: I want Kenleigh Colburn.
I’m sitting with most of my gear on, staring at my phone, while everyone else is getting ready for our game. I play for the firehouse’s team, Hat Trick Heroes B team, on my Thursdays, and then for the Beer League Belles’ A team on Saturdays, when I’m off. Since the firehouse doesn’t have a consistent team of players whocan play all the time, we picked the B League so we don’t get crushed. I get that this is just a beer league, but I love winning.
I glance down at my phone, to the open thread between Kenni and me.
Me
