“I want to meet him. Bring him over for dinner and I’ll have Mrs. Beaker make something for us. That point is non-negotiable. If I’m going to hand responsibility of my daughter to someone, I want to look him in the eye and see his intentions.”
“Fine.” I rolled my eyes. “But I have rules too.”
His brow arched.
“If you embarrass me, yourself, or try to intimidate Zane, I will never forgive you. Ever, Dad. I mean it. Zane might come from The Row, but he’s a good person with a lot on his plate. The last thing he needs is you judging him when you know nothing about his life or what he’s been through.”
“Fine.”
“Fine.” Tension crackled between us.
“You know, sweetheart.” He let out a defeated sigh. “I have only ever wanted what is best for you and your siblings.”
“And I get that, I do. But sometimes, you have to trust that we know what that is, Dad.”
He gave me a small nod. “I’m glad you told me.”
“I didn’t want to lie or keep this a secret. But there is one more thing…”
“Yes…”
I inhaled a deep breath, fidgeting with the zipper on Zane’s hoodie. “So, uh… Zane’s Grams needed a new treatment for her MS, treatment her medical insurance wouldn’t cover it. So I gave it to them, Dad. I—”
“You gave them money?” His frown grew. “Celeste, I don’t know if that’s appropriate. Is this why he’s dating you, to get to your—”
“No. He didn’t even know. I just wanted to help. I met his grams at the center, and I’m going to keep helping so long as she needs it, Dad. I’m also going to continue volunteering at the center.” Because I liked being there, spending time with people like Miriam and Martha. I wanted to make a difference.
“We need to talk about this, sweetheart. You can’t just give—”
“You did it for Harleigh. For Nix and Jessa. I don’t see how it’s any different. I care about Zane and his grams a lot. We have the money, they don’t. You keep talking about wanting to change, to do better by us. Then prove it, Dad.
“Zane is my boyfriend. He’s part of my family now too. This isn’t some schoolgirl crush. I care about him, Dad.”I think I might be falling in love with him.
My father stared at me, and I’m sure I detected a hint of pride there. “As an adult you think you know everything, but you and your sister are constantly opening my eyes and teaching me new things.”
“Is that… a good thing?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” He smiled. “I think it is.”
* * *
I shifted nervously on my feet, the flowers and bag of takeout heavy in my arms. The door swung open, and Zane appeared. Just the sight of him made my heart ratchet.
“I brought dinner and flowers.” I thrust the bouquet at him.
“Flowers, again? If you’re not careful, Einstein, I’ll start thinking you’re into me.”
“Zane Thackeray, who’s out there?”
“You didn’t tell her?” I whispered.
“No.” He grinned. “I wanted it to be a surprise. Come on.”
Zane took my hand, and I went to enter the trailer, but he stopped me at the last second, ducking his head to kiss me softly. “Hi.”
“Hi.” Warmth spread through me.
“Did you bring dessert?” he asked, and I shook my head. “Too bad. Guess I’ll just have to eat you then.”