Page 121 of Protecting You
“Hey, beautiful.” Alyssa stepped up to the cooktop and peeked. “Ooh, my favorite. Did you help make these?”
“Uh-huh.” She slid down from the counter and, while Alyssa poured herself a cup of coffee, chattered like they were old friends.
Callan focused on getting drinks, finding some fruit, and not letting his jealousy ruin their breakfast.
“Go ahead,” Alyssa said. “Ask him.”
He carried a glass of juice to the table, catching Peri’s wary look. “Ask me what?”
When she said nothing, he turned to the oven to grab the stack.
Alyssa lowered her voice. “He’s on your side. If he can say yes, he will.”
He found a hot pad, set it on the table, and plopped the plate on top. Not asking. Not pushing.
“What am I missing?”
When neither of them said anything, he sat beside them, bowed his head and said a quick prayer, then transferred a pancake to Peri’s plate. “Butter? Syrup? Both?”
“Both.”
He was fixing it how she liked it when she blurted, “I wanna take cheerleading like my friend Emma but Gigi said I had to ask you. Can I?”
He smiled, pretending he didn’t notice the fear in her expression. Did she think he’d be angry with her? Or say no?
Sort of, a little, he wanted to say no. Those short skirts. But his fears weren’t a good enough reason to disappoint her. “I can’t see why not. Do you know the name of the place where Emma takes lessons?”
Her expression brightened. “She wrote it down for me. I can get the paper. She said her mom and Gigi can carpool ’cause it’s in Augusta.” She slid down from her chair. “I’ll go get it.”
“It’ll wait until after breakfast.”
“Okay.” But Peri seemed happy now. He had no idea how much cheerleading lessons cost, and he didn’t care. He’d made his daughter smile, and that was worth any price.
His phone dinged with a text, and he pulled it from his pocket.
You’ll need to keep Peri with you for a few days until your father’s feeling better.
That wasn’t going to work. He hated to do this, but he texted back,
I’m sorry, Mom, but I can’t. Hannah can’t keep her, either. I know it’s not ideal, but I need your help.
Mom’s response was immediate.
No. You’ll need to make other arrangements.
No? Just…no?
Mom had never refused to help him.
Another text came through.
They’ve told us Dad needs to rest, and he won’t if Peri’s there. She’s your responsibility, Callan. It’s time for you to step up.
She was right, but…
I need her to be safe.
She will be because you promised you’d stay out of danger.
