Page 49 of Sweet Whiskey
Levi pats the bed to his side. “Well, come on over, honey.”
Maverick waits by the door as I head to sit next to Levi. My heart is hammering inside my chest. Ever since I’ve been off suppressants, I’ve realized how much of the world they dulled. I cansmell emotions, the way Levi’s oleander scent warms as I get closer, as if he already cares for me. The way Maverick’s had turned a bit bitter when he saw the envelope in my hand by the car.
It crinkles in my hand as I sit, and I fumble to straighten it on my lap. Levi reaches over and squeezes my hand.
“It doesn’t matter what it says in there,” he says softly.
I look up at him with tears in my eyes. “It doesn’t?”
He shakes his head, a mischievous smile pulling on his lips. “From what I hear, you’re about to become family either way.”
My eyes drift to Maverick in confusion, who sighs and rubs a hand down his face. “Everyone on the ranch is family.”
My heart explodes with longing and affection when I think about Colt, Dallas, and Brooks. I blush and clear my throat. “Oh. Yeah, I’d like to think so.”
“Let’s hurry this up. I gotta get you to the doc, Pops," Maverick says with an eyeroll.
“Oh. I didn’t realize you had plans. I can come back later,” I say.
Levi scoffs. “Plans? Nothing important. That old quack is always trying to sell me some pills.”
Maverick lets out a growl. “Dad, I told you to stop saying that.”
I stifle the amused smile lifting on my lips. “I’m sure they’re trying to help you.”
He gives me a disgruntled look, then grunts. “Let’s open that up. I’d rather talk about you.”
With shaky hands, I rip the top from where it’s glued and pull at the sheet. My eyes skim over the entire page before trying to focus on exactly what it says. I gasp, turning to Levi with tears in my eyes. I hand it to him, and a smile stretches over his face as he reads over it.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he says. Levi sets the paper down and opens his arms. “Well, give your dad a hug.”
Maverick inhales sharply as I stand and hug Levi with a hiccuped sob. It still hasn’t sunk in yet that he’s my father, the one I’ve been searching for. It’s still too surreal.
I move back into the seat, wiping my tears. “I wish…I wish we had the money to come find you earlier. When Mom—when she was still alive.”
Levi’s face falls and he nods. “Me too, darlin’. But no point in dwelling in the past. We can focus on the future, and I hope you’ll stay in town. You need somewhere to stay? Maverick will get you set up in the house.”
I look over at Maverick, who does not look like he enjoys his place offered so freely. I shake my head. “No, my best friend and I are staying at the inn. You’ll have to meet her one day. I think you’ll like her.”
Maverick grunts, and I stifle a smile. If I don’t take her to meet Levi, I’m sure he will, since I’m pretty sure Brielle and him are scent matches. Or at least, I hope so a bit.
Levi reaches out, squeezing my hand. “Don’t be shy to ask if you need anything. I’ve alreadymissed so much time getting to know and take care of you. I’d like to make sure you’re set up for the future.”
“I’ll take care of it, Pops. Don’t worry about it,” Maverick offers, and the sincerity in the statement warms my heart.
“Thank you. I really just wanted to find you after losing my mom.”
His throat bobs and he nods. “It’s a shame we lost her. I would have liked to see her again.”
With a sad smile, I lean over and give him a loose hug. It still feels weird, like touching a stranger, because that’s what he is. The DNA test may have confirmed our relationship, but it will take time to build a connection.
“I’ll walk you out to your car.”
I nod and kiss Levi goodbye on the cheek.
“Visit me more often, yeah?”
Tears gather in my eyes. “Of course.”
