Page 9 of His Surrender
“No,” he agrees. “They usually have plans of their own.”
For the first time all weekend, I feel myself relax.
Dad has always had that effect on people. Even after losing Mom, he somehow managed to become the steady one. The one everyone leaned on when life got messy.
“I still can’t believe you didn’t call me sooner,” he says with a hint of sadness etched in.
“I didn’t know what to say,” I admit.
“You didn’t have to say anything other than, Dad, I need you.”
His words hit harder than I expected.
“I’ve never needed anyone before.”
“That’s not true.”
“I’ve never let myself.”
He studies me for a moment before changing the subject.
“So, tell me about her.”
I glance toward Liana. “I don’t know what there is to tell.”
“You’ve been together for a week. I bet you know more than you think.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “She hates having a wet diaper.”
“I think every baby does.”
“No … she really hates it.”
Dad chuckles.
“And she makes this little snorting sound right before she falls asleep. And …” I pause. “She likes being held. Sometimes, it’s the only thing that soothes her.”
Dad smiles knowingly. “Sounds like she’s already figured out who her dad is.”
Before I can respond, Liana lets out a tiny sigh in her sleep, stretching one arm above her head before calming again.
Dad waits until she’s still before speaking. “You know, something happened on my way over here.”
I glance up. “What?”
“I stopped by Harrison Cooper’s house.”
I crane my head to the side. “Our neighbor?”
He nods. “I left my jacket there after poker night last week. Harrison had it draped over a chair, so I figured I’d swing by and pick it up.”
I lean back against the couch, listening.
“We got to talking. He mentioned how discouraged Aubrey’s been.”
“Aubrey?”
His eyes narrow. “You remember her?”
