Dad did not cave.
He had a good heart but a big part of that heart belonged to me.
He’d need some convincing.
Even so, they’d agreed to come. Titus was going to look after the ranch while they were gone.
And since they were going to be there any minute, I was freaking.
“I’m sorry to remind you of this, honey, but I wasn’t really in a good state when they showed after you left me,” I told him.
Deacon sighed, pushed away from the jamb, and came to me.
Even though Bossy tried to get his attention, nosing his thigh and wagging her tail frantically, Deacon only had eyes for me.
He lifted both hands and cupped my jaw, dipping his face to mine.
“Do you love me?” he asked.
“Of course,” I answered.
“Does he love you?” he went on.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Then, Cassie, he may not love me. He may not forgive me. He might not find it in his heart to understand. But if you love me, he’ll find a way to put up with me.”
Suddenly, I relaxed.
Because he was wrong.
Not about the part about Dad finding a way to put up with him.
About the part where Dad might not find it in his heart to understand.
He would.
He just needed to see to believe.
I nodded.
Deacon dipped his head further to kiss me.
Bossy raced from us to the door.
They were there.
I started freaking again.
Deacon felt it, lifted his head, looked in my eyes, and ordered, “Jesus. Cool it.”
“Bossy,” I snapped.
He grinned.
And again I quit freaking.
He let me go but grabbed my hand and took me to the door.