Page 58 of Tempting the Goalie
“You spent more time at the Thornes’ than you did here. Maybe you saw a fairy tale over there,” she suggests.
“The Thornes are amazing people and a good family, but Helen took off. She left her kids behind after Mom died. How happy could she have been?” I ask.
“I ask myself the same question all the time. I always felt like there was more to Mom’s death than we ever knew. I was a stupid teenager back then. I spent most of my time getting drunk with friends. Maybe I was just emulating Papa’s bad behavior.”
“Maybe, but you’ve cleaned up nice. You’re doing a good job with Braden,” I praise because I can see how low she’s feeling, and she needs her morale boosted.
“Aw, thanks, little brother. I haven’t had a sip of alcohol since I found out I was pregnant. I’m determined to do right by him,” she says, and her words bring me relief and joy.
“I’m proud of you,” I say to her. “Now both of you go on up and get ready.”
I wave them upstairs.
“Why are you going over to the Thornes’?” she asks.
“If you would’ve let me finish what I was saying, then you’d know that I’m asking Mr. Thorne for permission to officially date his daughter.”
“How chivalrous of you,” she beams.
“Elyna, that man was more like a dad to me than our own father. I owe it to him so he knows I respect him and Izzy.”
“Wow, I’m proud of you, Luc. Never thought I’d see the day,” she says.
“Me neither, but things have changed.”
“Mind enlightening me?” she asks.
“No,” I say bluntly because it only took one kiss for me to know it would never be enough.
Elyna laughs.
“Go on and get yourselves ready.” I wave her upstairs impatiently.
“Okay. Okay.” She rolls her eyes playfully.
I’m on a mission today. While she’s getting ready, I feel antsy. What do I say to Mr. Thorne? Will he approve of me? No one is good enough for Izzy. She’s too perfect.
It’s been a good half an hour, and they still aren’t down.
“Are you almost ready?” I shout so she can hear me upstairs.
“Yup,” she hollers back.
Dad’s bedroom door swings open and he comes down the stairs. He looks stiff as a board and doesn’t make eye contact.
“Want to tell me what’s gotten into you?” I ask him.
He grunts and doesn’t answer. When he reaches the main floor, he walks past me to the kitchen and goes straight for the coffee. A part of me wants to force him to speak, but at this point I don’t want to be late for Izzy.
Elyna finally comes down the stairs with a happy Braden on her hip.
“You two finally ready?” I ask. I can’t help but smile at my nephew. I didn’t realize babies would have this effect on me.
Braden smiles back then shoves his fist in his mouth.
“I have his stroller in the garage. You want to grab it?” she asks.
“Sure thing.”
