Then Dad leans back in his chair and lets out a heavy sigh. “You love him?”
I nod. “Yeah. I do.”
He exhales slowly, lips pressing into a line. “Then I guess we’ll deal with it.”
Across the table, Nathan gapes. “Seriously?”
Dad shrugs. “She’s an adult. What else can I do?”
Nathan glares at him. “You could bench him.”
Dad’s eyes gleam. “Or kick his shin.”
Mom sips her wine. “Or—here’s a thought—you could just invite him over for dinner.”
Nathan makes a wounded noise. “Please no.”
Dad eyes her. “You sure that’s a good idea?”
She lifts her brows. “Did I stutter?”
He sighs. “No, ma’am.”
Nathan drags a hand down his face. “I’m skipping Sunday.”
“No, you’re not,” Mom chirps. “Family dinner. Attendance is mandatory.”
Dad stabs a green bean. Mom sips her wine with a smirk. And Nathan looks like he’s plotting Ryan’s murder.
I sit there for a second, the tension still hanging in the air, just not as sharp as before. No one’s exactly thrilled. There’s no big speech or heartfelt moment. Just a quiet, grudging acceptance.
Not exactly what I hoped for.
But no one stormed off. No one flipped the table.
Honestly? I’ll count it as a win.
40
RYAN
Iroll my shoulders back and stare at the front door for a second longer than necessary, my hand hovering just over the handle. The porch light flickers slightly above me, and I swear I can hear my own heartbeat in the quiet suburban street.
I shouldn’t be this nervous.
It’s just dinner.
It’s just her family.
I’ve sat across from Coach Hayes before. I’ve been in the locker room when he’s ripped into us after a bad game. I’ve seen him in the stands with his wife, watching our team play. But this—this—is different.
Because tonight, I’m not Ryan Reed, defenseman.
I’m Ryan Reed, the guy sleeping with his daughter.
And I have no idea if that means he’s going to shake my hand or break it.
Less than a week ago, Nathan barely wanted to look at me. Now, suddenly, I’ve beeninvitedover for dinner? Something must have changed. I just don’t know what. And I can’t shake the feeling that I’m walking into a test.
