He laughs as Maria calls for him.
After dropping a quick kiss to my cheek, he steps around me but pauses when I press my hand against his stomach.
“I know it’s weird after… But I just want you to know that… I’m glad it’s you.”
A smile twitches at his lips. “You were always going to be Seb’s, Stella. I’m glad too. Looking forward to making up for lost time.”
“You got it,” I promise him.
Dad steps up behind me as I watch Toby wrap his arm around Maria and help her back toward the house. We can just see the roof in the distance.
“You’re going to get her back, Dad. We’re gonna make it happen.”
“I know,” he says confidently. “Toby and I are working on it.”
“You are?” I ask, ripping my eyes from the three of them and back toward him.
“Yeah. I’ve been planning that man’s death in my head for most of my adult life, sweetheart. It can’t come soon enough.”
“You’re gonna give Toby the final shot though, right?” I ask as if we’re talking about something as simple as the weather.
“You really are my daughter, aren’t you?” he mutters lightly, not turning away from Maria until she’s out of sight.
“You trained me. Which I really should thank you for. You should have seen the guys’ faces when my marksmanship wiped the floor with them.”
“They took you out to the range?”
“Yeah,” I say with a smile as I remember that afternoon. “Taught Seb a lesson too. The bullet was less than an inch from his head,” I confess as I remember just how right he was to be a little concerned that day.
“Glad to hear it. He needs it.”
“He’s a good guy really, Dad.”
Dad laughs as we make our way back through the trees.
“I know, sweetheart. You think I’d trust any of them with you if I didn’t know the kind of boys they are?” I don’t get a chance to reply because he follows up with another question. “You hungry?”
“What kind of question is that?” I mutter. Dad knows as well as anyone that I can pretty much always eat.
“I found this place that you’re going to love. Spend the afternoon with me?”
He turns back to me, his brow creased as if he’s scared I’ll say no.
“Sure. But I hope you’re armed. There’s someone out there trying to kill me.”
“Really, Stella?”
“Joke. It was a joke.”
“You’re a pain in my arse, kid.” He waits for me to catch up with him and wraps his arm around my shoulder, dropping a kiss to the top of my head.
“Love you too, Dad.”
* * *
Seb was still out when Dad dropped me off after our lunch date. He took me to the most insane restaurant that only served desserts. It was heaven. Although, I must admit I felt pretty sick by the time we left.
I grabbed my laptop and made myself comfy on the opposite couch to Theo, and we just sat there together and worked.