Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 93270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
He then did the unexpected and pulled her into his arms. At first, she was rigid and caught off guard. She inhaled his woodsy scent and finally relaxed, putting her arms around him.
They released each other at the same time. Crow cupped his daughter’s face and looked into her eyes. “I mean it when I say you need to stand up for yourself, Devorah. That man and what he’s done to you is inexcusable and not your fault. Stop letting him win.”
Crow stepped back, crouched, and gave Cordelia some loving pets. Devy nodded because it was easier than trying to find the words to agree. The last thing she wanted was to be seen as weak. Once Crow moved away from the door, she shut it and followed him into the kitchen, testing the questions she had for him in her mind. Crow stood at the counter, facing the now-open cabinet.
“What’s on your mind?”
She inhaled deeply. “Did everything go okay at the station after . . .”
Crow turned and met her gaze. Her automatic response was to slink back, but Crow’s raised eyebrow made her stop. How had she become this meek person? Despite Devy and her dad not having the best relationship while she was growing up, he’d taught Colt and her to stand up for themselves. To face adversity head on.
Devorah squared her shoulders and faced her father. A small grin started to form on Crow’s lips, but it stopped, and he shook his head.
“Sorry, I guess I shouldn’t ask. It’s private.”
“It’s not private,” he told her. “It’s between DJ, Noble, and Maren. He will apologize, and if he doesn’t or if he tries to pull anything again, he’ll be off the team.”
“His dad is the coach.”
“Don’t matter here,” he said. “What the boy did was wrong. His father knows better. Lord knows he’s spent enough time in my office over the years. If I don’t catch them when they’re young, they turn into delinquents. His father should thank me.”
“I’m afraid Maren will be teased at school because of today.”
Crow sighed. “Then maybe her grandfather needs to drive her to school on Monday.”
Devy nodded. Most people respected the sheriff, and if they knew Maren belonged to him, then maybe things would be okay.
“Thank you for stepping in today.”
“The other boy, Lee McKenna’s grandson? I remember Lee saying something on our last fishing trip about his kid coming back to town. Allie’s?”
Devy shook her head. “Hayden moved back. He’s Conor’s dad.”
Crow’s face brightened. “Ah, yes. Hayden, I remember. He used to be sweet on you. Still is, from what I can see.”
“Dad . . .” Devorah blushed. “That was a long time ago. We’re just friends now.”
Not if Hayden has anything to say about it.
Crow waved her comment away. “I’d like to talk to young Conor and explain that what he did was honorable, but I don’t condone putting hands on someone.”
“I’ll let Hayden know, which brings me to my next question. Will you be home this evening? Hayden invited me to the movies.”
Crow pointed his thick finger at her. Cordelia barked, not liking the gesture. Crow patted her on her head. “I knew it. I like him and approve.”
“There’s nothing to approve of. He’s been a good friend since I got here, and he’s going through something similar. His wife died not too long ago.”
“Go, have fun. Maren and I will order pizza and watch a movie.”
Devorah did a double take. “You watch movies?”
“With her, yes.”
But never with his own kids.
“Well, thank you. I’ll let her know. Her favorite kind of pizza is Hawaiian.”
“Pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza,” he said as he threw his hands up.
“There’s a healthy argument on the internet about this. If you want her to eat, order the pizza with pineapple.” She turned and started out of the kitchen.
“Devorah?”
She paused in the doorway and turned toward her father.
“I want you to know, this is always your house. You are always welcome. I know I don’t always show it, but I love you and hate that you’re going through this. I wish there was something I could do to make things easier for you. Believe me when I tell you this—I want nothing more than to wring Chad’s neck for how he’s disrespected you. You and Maren deserve better. As your father, seeing you go through this is heartbreaking, and it angers me.”
Devy’s heart jumped into her throat. She swallowed the lump and searched for the necessary words to say back to him. Her eyes watered as she began to speak. “You’re making things easier by letting Maren and I live here. I don’t know where I would be right now if I didn’t have you and Colt.” She looked at the wall, closed her eyes, and willed the tears away. When she opened her eyes, she looked at her dad again. “I love you too, Dad.”