Page 112 of Screwed
“It’s true I hope…hoped you and Beau would try again.”
Cash caught the quick correction. Was Joshua getting the picture of what was going on here?
“But I have no influence over decisions Aaron and Jed make for the refinery.”
Callie studied her father. “So you wouldn’t interfere with that project?”
Joshua lifted a hand and scratched in front of his ear. “Of course not.”
“I hope you’re being honest,” Callie said.
Joshua frowned.
“Because Beau and I are not getting back together.” She reached for Cash’s hand and twined her fingers with his. “Cash and I are together now.”
This announcement was met with heavy silence and blank looks.
Cash tightened his fingers on hers in a brief squeeze. “We’re really happy,” she added.
“What about Beau?” Mama asked.
“We’re divorced. Remember, Mama?”
“I realize that, Callie. But Cash and Beau are friends…partners…does he know about this?”
“Yes, he does.” Cash spoke up. “I told him last Friday.”Then he punched me in the face.He resisted the urge to laugh.
“He’s okay with it,” Callie added. “He wasn’t happy at first, but…we talked. We’re okay now.” She narrowed her eyes at her father. “So that’s why I came early to talk to you. To tell you about Cash and me…but also to tell you that I will not allow you to interfere with my life. I’m with Cash now. I have my business. You may not approve, but I’m happy. Happier than I’ve ever been.” She turned her eyes on Cash and smiled.
He smiled back. “Me, too, darlin’.” He turned to her parents. “I love Callie and want her to be happy. I promise you that I’ll spend my life making sure that happens.”
Callie vibrated next to him, and he wished he could pull her onto his lap and kiss her.
Audrey started to speak, but Joshua reached out and touched her shoulder. “Audrey.”
She looked at him with one raised eyebrow.
“This is about Callie,” Joshua said to her.
Audrey’s face remained impassive, but she nodded.
“I’ve never seen her so happy,” Joshua continued.He turned to face his daughter, and Callie’s hand tightened on his. “You did impress me with your business plan, cupcake. And you’re right. Iwassurprised. I apologize for underestimating your abilities.”
Callie’s hand trembled, and Cash squeezed it gently. “I’m a Sutherland,” she said, lifting her chin.
“Yes, you are. The way you stood up to me and Beau also impressed me.” He paused. “I respect that.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Cash saw Callie’s jaw drop. Christ. All her life she’d tried to please her father, when maybe what she’d really needed to do was stand up for herself. Cash’s heart nearly burst out of his chest with pride.
“Grandma and Grandpa Sutherland apparently paid you a visit,” Joshua continued.
“Yes. They did.”
“They were mighty impressed, too. And they had a few words for me when I told them I hadn’t seen your shop.” He shook his head. “Your grandmother is a spitfire. You may have a little of that in you.”
Cash bit his lip while Callie grinned.
“If baking cakes makes you happy, then that’s what you should do,” he continued. “And Cash apparently also makes you happy.” Joshua fastened a stern glare on Cash, and Cash’s shoulders went back.
