That familiar muscle in his cheek ticked. “You didn’t want to see me in the hospital, and I wanted—”
I couldn’t let him finish. “No, I didn’t.” My father’s body gave a little jerk. There was so much more that I could say. How he’d torn my family apart. How I’d let him poison my mind. But those three words were enough. I didn’t owe him any more.
His hand tightened and relaxed around his water bottle as though he were trying to calm himself. “It was a wakeup call.”
My brows pulled together. “What was?”
My father stared down at the table, his gaze going unfocused. “Getting the call that you’d been shot. That they weren’t sure if you were going to make it.” His voice grew rough. “Then, when you wouldn’t see me…”
His voice trailed off, and my chest tightened. I refused to let this hit of emotion lower my shields. I couldn’t risk it. Dad pushed on. “Thank you for letting me see you now.” I nodded. “I want you to know.” He took a breath. “I stopped drinking.”
My eyes widened. “You did?”
He nodded. “Been going to meetings. I’m seeing things clearer now.” He looked down at his hands. “I’m trying to take things one day at a time like they say to do, but I wanted you to know.”
I swallowed hard. “I think that’s good. And I’m glad you told me.”
My dad rose, wiping his hands on his jeans. “I won’t take up any more of your time. I just wanted to check on you.”
I cleared my throat, remembering how it had felt to know that Jensen loved me even when I least deserved it. “Dad?” He paused on his way to the door. “Maybe you could come back next week. We could play some cards.”
My dad smiled. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen that expression. “I’d like that.”
I cleared my throat. “See you in a few days, then.”
“In a few days, son.”
As soon as the front door closed, Jensen was back. “Was it okay?”
I blinked up at her. “He stopped drinking. He’s going to meetings.”
She smiled. “He told me. I think that’s going to help a lot.”
“I hope so.” I patted the side of the recliner. “Come here.”
Jensen eyed my chest. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m fucking sure, get over here.”
She scowled as she slid in next to me. “Watch your language, you big behemoth.”
I wrapped my arm around her, not giving a shit that the action tugged at my still-healing chest. “I’ll watch it, Wilder.” I listened for a second but didn’t hear any noise. “Where is everyone?”
Jensen burrowed into my side. “Walker took Noah outside.”
I looked down and arched a brow. “So, we’re alone?”
She shook her head. “Don’t get any ideas. The doctor said three more weeks.”
I grinned. “I can still feel you up, though.” I palmed her breast, and her nipple beaded under my touch. I groaned. “Okay, maybe that’s a bad idea.”
Jensen laughed. “Maybe.” She was silent for a moment. “It feels right with you here.”
I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “What does?”
“My house.” She tilted her face up to look in my eyes. “It’s always kind of felt like a temporary stop. I’d never planned on being here for long, but with you here, Noah playing outside, it feels like a home.”
My mouth curved. “I’m glad.” Tears welled in her eyes, and I wiped them away with my thumb. “Hey, now, what’s all this about?”
