Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 404(@200wpm)___ 323(@250wpm)___ 269(@300wpm)
“It’s okay. I get sad when I think about it sometimes, but Dad is great, and if she didn’t want to stay with us, we don’t need her.”
Reaching over, I squeeze her shoulder, hoping she’s not just saying that for my benefit. Half the time, I’m wondering if I’m doing right by her, especially since she came out as trans. I wonder if it would be easier on her to have a woman around, a mom, but that’s not the hand we were dealt, so we do the best we can just the two of us. It helps that my family is local, and my mom and sister-in-law are always there for Meadow. Part of the reason I bring her to Lillington for her therapy is because they have a trans therapist. I want her affirmed in as many ways as possible.
“I lost my mom when I was a kid. She passed away. The situation is different, but I know what it feels like to lose a mom. You have a father who loves you a lot, though, and that’s a win,” Rhett surprises me by saying. I know he lost his mom, of course, but it’s not something I’ve ever heard any of the Swifts talk about.
“Oh no. I’m sorry. I bet it helped to have two brothers and your dad,” Meadow soothes.
A dark look washes over Rhett’s face, but it’s gone so quickly, I wonder if I imagined it. When his gaze flashes to me, I know I didn’t. Something’s been going on with the Swifts lately, and where talk in town used to be mostly about Easton and the trouble he’d get into, it’s now about Rhett as well. I considered asking Archer about it, but I don’t want to overstep. I’m sure it’s private family business that Archer wouldn’t share lightly.
“Is your food good?” Rhett asks her, changing the subject. Meadow doesn’t catch on and rambles about how much she likes their fries, while I study Rhett Swift. He’s fucking gorgeous, there’s no denying that—tanned skin, dark hair and scruff. He’s tall and broad, and while he’s definitely my type, more than any of that, I’m drawn to his eyes—to the deep brown that’s full of what I swear is loneliness. He tries to hide it, and hell, maybe I’m seeing something that’s not there, but Meadow is drawn to him, and my girl is always drawn to people who are hurting. It’s who she is.
“Do you want to come to my birthday party at the end of the month? I’m going to officially be a teenager, and I think Dad needs the support.”
“Hey. I’m handling it well, thank you very much,” I tell her, but really, I can’t fucking believe I’m going to have a thirteen-year-old child.
Rhett chuckles. “Your dad seems the type who can handle just about anything.” His gaze shoots to me, then quickly flicks away as if he’s unsure why he said that or embarrassed that he did.
“He’s the best, but my party…do you want to come?”
He pops a fry into his mouth. “I’m sure that’s a family thing.”
“Not really. Plus, Uncle Archer will be there, which means Easton will be there, and he’s kinda like my uncle since he’s dating Uncle Archer, and you’re Easton’s brother, so that makes you family too.” She beams at him, clearly very proud of herself, while I turn my attention to Rhett, silently willing him not to hurt her. I understand she can’t always get her way, that he has his own life and responsibilities and might not want to go to a thirteen-year-old girl’s birthday party, but I also don’t ever want her to hurt.
“How about we let Mr. Rhett get back to us once he checks his schedule?” I offer, and then to him, “You’re more than welcome, but we understand you might already have plans.” There. Now he knows he can come, but I’ve also given him an out if he’s not interested.
Meadow shrugs. “That works for me. Can I go play some of the games in the general store?” They have old-fashioned video games she enjoys.
“Sure.” I pull out my wallet and hand her some money before she slips out of the booth. “Sorry about all this—interrupting your dinner and all the questions. She’s a people person, and I guess…I don’t ever want to dim her light. But I should probably pretend to reel her in from time to time.” I chuckle, and Rhett joins me.
“You don’t have to apologize. She’s great. Reminds me of Ella, actually. Meadow’s so full of life. That’s how Ella was. No one could make East smile the way she did.” He looks down, moves the food around on his plate with his fork. “Anyway, you’re a good dad. She’s lucky to have you.”
I rub a hand over my face, then cross my arms. “I feel like I’m the lucky one to have her.”