Page 67 of Bragg's Love

“How do you refer to someone who intimidates you the entire time you’re growing up? Who makes fun of your decisions? Who tries to coerce you into playing the sports he played?”

“Your dad did those things?”

I run a hand down my face. “It sounds worse than it is.”

She grasps my hand and squeezes. “No. Don’t you dare. Those are your feelings. You have every right to them. Don’t discount how you feel because your brothers experienced a different dad than you. Trust me. I’m speaking from experience.”

I open my mouth to ask her about her experience but she wags a finger at me. “Nuh-uh. It’s still your turn.”

I clear my throat. “Anyway, Dad always said Elder must have gotten the brains. He made it sound as if he were joking, but it’s not funny being told your twin is smarter than you every time you present your dad with your report card. I tried so hard to bring up my grades but straight B’s were never good enough for him. He said with those grades I’d never run his company. Joke’s on him. None of us wanted the company after he died.”

Eden throws her arms around me. “I’m sorry your dad was an asshole who didn’t recognize your worth.”

As much as I’m enjoying having her in my arms, I untangle myself from her. I’m done discussing my sperm donor. “Your turn.”

“Not yet.”

“You promised,” I grumble.

“I want you to admit you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. The only person you have to prove anything to is yourself.”

I frown. “What about you and your mom? Don’t you want to prove to her you can run this business without her?”

“No, I want to make her proud.”

I frown. There’s barely a distinction in my opinion.

“Do you understand you don’t need to prove anything to your father?”

I grunt.

“I’m going to accept your answer as a yes.”

“Now you. Why are you afraid of commitment?”

She bumps my shoulder. “Not afraid. I just know better.”

I cock a brow and she sighs.

“Fine. Men aren’t to be trusted. The end.”

“Try again.”

“It was a nice try.”

“Not even close. Do I need to remind you, you promised?”

“Ugh. No. Here’s my sad story. My dad didn’t leave Mom and me when I was little. She told everyone in Winter Falls he left, but he didn’t exactly leave. The truth of the matter is dear old Dad had another family and he chose them over us.”

I wrap an arm around her. “I’m sorry.”

She bats my arm away. “I’m not done.”

I motion for her to continue.

“Mom didn’t tell me any of this when I was a kid. She said he took off without any explanation and no forwarding address. I didn’t – couldn’t – accept her answer. Who takes off without a word and leaves a kid behind?”

I bite back my growl. Eden doesn’t need my anger now.

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