Page 78 of Small Town, Big Storm

“You didn’t ask your question.”

“Right,” he murmurs.“I—” A flurry of emotions cascades across his eyes, and I hold my breath.

But I couldn’t have predicted what he says next, not even if I had a crystal ball.

His gray eyes—mydaughter’seyes—hit mine.

“I wanted to see if I could go up and say goodnight to Holly.”

And, heaven help me, but I can actuallyfeela little chunk of my heart breaking off, fluttering across the couple of inches separating us…

To land right in Storm’s palm.

Heaven help me, indeed.

Twenty-One

Storm

I seethe answer on her face even before I finish the question.

And it fucking burns.

“It’s okay,” I say quickly.“It’s probably too early, especially since we’re just getting to know?—”

She presses her finger to my lips, cutting off the flow of my words.

“Holly’s asleep,” she murmurs.“She was out when I came down.”

My lungs go tight.Then relax, something like relief sliding through me.

“Oh,” I whisper.

“We’re going to the park after camp tomorrow if you want?—”

“Yes.”

Her eyes flare, cheeks going a little pink.“Okay,” she whispers.“She’s out at three.”

“I’ll meet you at the Pioneer Museum.”

“Okay,” she whispers again.

The mention of the Pioneer Museum reminds me?—

“Shep is one of my teammates.He said he’d play in the charity game.”

“You asked your teammates?”

I frown.“I said I would.”

“I know,” she says.“I just…” I wait for her to explain, but she doesn’t.Instead, she just shakes her head.“Thanks for asking.I’m sure the committee will be thrilled.”

“Ace, Clarke, and Grif will play too.And I’m sure we’ll be able to grab some others to round out a full game.”

“I—” She bites her lip.“I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I tell her.“It’s important to you and to Holly and the town.”I lift a shoulder, drop it.“It’s as simple as that.”