Page 26 of The Vet's Unconditional Love
"I'm not trying to give you a hard time, honey.But you have to understand—we’ve all watched him close himself off since Em died.We understand it, but we miss him.He's done a great job with Tanya and Alana.But do you think that's all he deserves in life now?"
"It's not up to me to decide what he deserves, Cash."
"I'm not saying it is."He glanced over at her."But I hope you won't be the one to deny him the chance at a different future if he wants it."
She folded her arms across her chest."Do you meddle in everyone's lives?"she asked after a while.
"Pretty much," he said with a shrug.
"Why?"
He glanced over at her again."Because I like to see my people happy?"
"No, Cash.If you get to talk to me that way, then you owe me some honesty in return.Of course you want to see your people happy—everyone does, but not everyone works so hard to make sure they get there.What's your deal?"
He looked different when he let the facade drop.He was still a handsome devil, no question about that.But when he turned to her again, she could see the pain etched into the lines on his face.The smile came back, but the sadness remained, as he said, "I blew my own chance a long time ago.I don't like seeing people I care about do the same thing."
He turned his attention back to the road, and she studied his profile, wondering what his story was."You know him better than I do," she said after a while."Far better.If you're saying you think there's a chance there, I'm inclined to believe you.But it's not that simple, is it?"
"I never said it was simple, honey."
She let out a short laugh at that."Oh good, you're not just a blind cheerleader then."
"Hell no.Call me an optimistic realist."
"Well, I appreciate our little chat," she said as he turned off East River Road, headed toward the highway."But I'm not sure that it'll make any difference."
"Neither am I, but I'm hopeful.And I had to say my piece."He shot her a quick smile."I knew you might not want to hear it.But you'd think less of me if I held back."
"You're right about that.And thanks, I think.For being honest, if nothing else."
He nodded.
"But consider yourself warned: you just left yourself open to me interfering.Interfering's probably the wrong word.But I will meddle for you, on your behalf.Fair's fair."
"Well shit, I didn't think about it that way.But..."
"Oh no, no buts, mister.You waded in before you considered the consequences."
He chuckled."You know what?I've given this a lot of consideration.I thought I’d covered all the angles.But..."
She laughed."But you didn't take the Harper factor into account, did you?"
"I didn't.SEALs train for a lot of scenarios, but unpredictable women who'll meddle right back?That's not in the manual."
She reached across and patted his arm."It's okay.I'd never go against your wishes in anything.But I will speak my mind.And this little chat has opened the door for me to do just that."
"I guess it has, hasn't it."
"Yep.You're not going to get mad at me, are you?"
"I can't promise I won't.But it won't last long.I'm not one to hold a grudge unless it’s warranted."
"Glad to hear it.I'd hate to get on the wrong side of you."
"I doubt you'd do that.Oh, I know you'll meddle.But I know how that goes; I understand it."
They were almost to the restaurant now, and he jerked his chin toward the vehicle ahead of them."That's Ace and Ari up there.I'll bet the others are here by now.You good with all the women?"
