Page 103 of Fierce-Baker

“Not explicitly, but the underlying meaning was there.”

Brittany sighed. “She doesn’t know any other way to be. She thinks we should feel the same way she does about Dad. Do we love him? He’s our father, but I don’t love, not even like, one thing he does where it concerns her.”

He was glad to know he wasn’t alone. “Do you talk to Dad? Did Mom want you to tell him it’s okay to have that going on with him? That it’s normal and shouldn’t make him feel like less than a man?”

His sister burst out laughing. “Like I’d know the first thing about what it’s like to be a man or even bewithone. No. She got her digs in about that too. I might have said some of the same things you did. That maybe he won’t stray from home if he’s afraid his parts aren’t functioning as well.”

He snorted. “Are we horrible people?”

“No,” Emme yelled. “You’re not.”

“Thanks, Emme.” He realized now his sister had him on speakerphone. It was hard for him to tell, being in the car.

“We aren’t the horrible ones. I think we are pretty damn normal considering what examples we have. Did you talk to Tasha last night about the call?”

“I did.”

“Good for you, Baker. You never did before.”

The fact his sister stopped short of saying Alexa’s name meant she had to know about the engagement too.

That was one thing he hadn’t brought up to Tasha. He didn’t need to.

The last thing he wanted was her to worry that he was still harboring any feelings for his ex.

There was nothing left there at all. He was almost dead inside when it came to Alexa.

His mother wasn’t so wrong about that.

But he wasn’t like that now.

“Why didn’t you tell me Alexa was engaged?”

There was silence for a heartbeat. Then another. A third. “I didn’t think it’d matter,” Brittany said.

“It doesn’t. But I didn’t appreciate Mom throwing it in my face as if that whole thing was my fault. Or what happened to me I’m holding onto and will be a lonely old man the rest of my life.”

“Mom said something to you about it?”

The shock in his sister’s voice told him his mother had left that part out. “How else did you think I’d find out?”

“I don’t know. I figured you still talked to people back home now and again.”

“Not really and no one who would bring that up. Have you known for long?”

“I noticed it online a few weeks ago. You’ve got something so much better than her. Don’t let her get in your head.”

“Oh, she’s not,” he argued. “Never again.” And to prove his point. “I love Tasha.”

“Yes!” Emme yelled. “Did you tell her? I like her a lot.”

“I told her. Last night. She said it back. Or actually, she said it first, but I’ve felt it. She has too.”

“I think you’ve both felt it for a long time. I’m surprised it took you as long as it had to say it.”

“Not so long when you know our history.”

“Good point. I’m so happy things are going well. And Micah is such a doll. I just love how he comes to you like you’ve always been part of his life.”