Page 66 of Where the Little Birds Are (Little Bird Duet 2)

Both Mom and Gavin stare at us.

Mom’s eyes tear.

Gavin’s narrow.

But neither of them says a word.

The front door creaks open, causing my shoulders to lock as it closes behind Dad. He walks in and glances at all of us around the table before pulling the chair out next to the one closest to me. Mom passes him a coffee mug, steam rolling off the top of it, and I watch as he brings it to his lips like always. No milk. No sugar.

Dad glances over at Gavin, tipping his chin once. “Good to see you, Gavin. Hope the wife and kid are doing well.”

I draw back, studying Kinley’s brother for a moment as he nods. If Mom went to Kinley’s graduation, I’m sure Dad did too. But their familiarity seems more than that.

Dad’s grip on the mug handle loosens as he leans back. “Get the door on your barn fixed or need me to come look at it?”

What the—

“Might need you to take a look,” Gavin admits, ignoring my questioning gaze. “Kayla mentioned renovating the calf barn next. Maybe you could give us an estimate while you’re there so we can see about moving forward with the project before the weather turns.”

“Sorry.” I clear my throat. “What…?”

Gavin doesn’t spare me a look, but Dad does when he answers, “He hired me a while back to do some renovations. Little projects here and there to keep me working. It’s not a big deal.”

Not a big deal. I shake my head knowing damn well that it is. Gavin, someone who’s always hated me, hired my father to do work for him regardless. I’ve never blamed him for his ill feelings toward me because I’d known that his love for Kinley was why he acted out, but it doesn’t stop the surprise from coloring my face over him being nice to a man I didn’t know he even knew.

Scrubbing my jaw, I look at Gavin. “That was nice of you, man. I know…” I lift my shoulders, knowing there’s no point in hashing out the past. “Thanks.”

He doesn’t say anything to me for a long moment, but with one glance from Kinley, he gives me a terse nod. I’ll take it.

“Dad,” I murmur, standing and pulling the seat a little closer to Kinley before sitting between them. “I’m sorry for what Len—”

“Not your fault, kid.”

I blink. Then blink again.

“Uh…” Brows pinching as he sets his mug down, he shifts in his chair.

“Well, I suppose it is in some ways, but she chose to act how she did on her own.”

It’s Kinley’s turn to comfort me, rubbing between my shoulder blades as Dad and I stare at each other. I don’t expect anything less from her even though her face is pale, eyes are red, and I can tell she wants to cry. She’s always been focused on other people before herself.

Straightening my spine, I guide her hand to mine and intertwine our fingers. “Guess it’s pretty obvious what we’re here to tell you, huh?”

Kinley’s other hand rests on the top of her stomach, her eyes flicking down with color painting her cheeks. I don’t want to tell her that it’s too late to be embarrassed given the circumstances.

Mom’s smile grows. “You can always admit it to us anyway.”

Dad grumbles, “Wondered when you’d pull your head out of your ass and get back with her. Honestly, son, it took you long enough.”

Eye twitching, I look between my parents. The odd thing is, Dad didn’t mean it in a bad way. I know his many tones—especially the ones right before he’s set off. And I can tell he’s trying just like Kinley told me he has been.

“You’re going to be grandparents,” I announce, placing my hand on top of Kinley’s and smiling at her when she lifts her gaze. “And we decided that too much happened between us lately to brush it off as a coincidence.”

Mom’s eyes brighten. “So…?” she presses eagerly, eyes dancing between mine and the girl she’s always considered her own.

I can’t help but chuckle, in awe, surprise, an array of things. “We’re not letting each other go this time.” My eyes go to Dad’s, who’s just watching casually from his seat. His face isn’t overly eager but not carved with it’s usual scowl either. “You told me awhile ago not to let her go and I truly never thought I would. Sorry for not listening to you and for … not giving you a chance.”

His hand squeezes my bicep. “Can’t say I gave you one either, so your reaction was only fair. At least that’s what this one tells me.” He nods toward Kinley, whose cheeks pinken.

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