Nash let out a low whistle. “Law’s gonna shit a brick; his baby sister getting married.”
I winced. It was clear that Lawson was the brother who struggled the most with letting her go, but the strides he’d made earlier today told me he’d get there.
“Make sure I’m there when you tell him. If he decks you, I wanna get it on video.”
I barked out a laugh. “Gee, thanks.”
“We can put a still on the family Christmas card.”
“Nothing says Christmas cheer like a punch to the jaw.”
Nash lifted his beer. “Deck the halls.”
Movement caught my attention, and I saw my father headed in our direction. I’d carefully avoided him all day, but he looked determined now.
“This being the last one of these has to make it easier,” Nash said, picking up on my father’s approach.
“I guess so.”
“Want me to stay or leave you to it?” he asked.
“Probably better if you leave.” It was always better when my father didn’t have an audience.
“Just give me the sign if you need me.”
I gave Nash a chin lift. “Thank you. For everything. You’ve always had my back.”
He slapped my shoulder. “And that will never change.”
I knew it, too. And that was one of the greatest gifts.
Nash made a beeline for Maddie, who was chatting with Wren and Holt, avoiding my father’s path. I didn’t blame him.
A handful of seconds later, Dad made his approach. “Caden,” he clipped.
“Dad,” I greeted.
“What the hell is going on with your brother?”
I fought the urge to groan. “Your guess is as good as mine.”
My father’s eyes narrowed on me. “He’s been like this ever since you got back. I know you’ve done something.”
Anger flared from somewhere deep, a place that had lain dormant for over a decade. “Have you ever considered that this might be on you?”
Dad reared back. “What are you talking about?”
“Oh, maybe the fact that you’ve taken joy in pitting us against each other since we could walk? Or that you’ve made it clear that we’re both the world’s greatest disappointments to you?”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. “I’ve made sure you’re strong. That you can handle what life throws at you.”
“You’ve torn us apart, piece by piece. And when we get the hell away from you, what are you going to be left with? Your bitterness and cruelty. Sounds like a pretty pathetic life to me.”
Redness crept up my father’s throat. “You’d better watch your tongue—”
“No. I’ve been doing that for far too long. I’m done. The way you act is beyond wrong. I’m not going to put up with it anymore.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
