Page 84 of Branded

Dad studies my face for a long moment. He doesn’t believe a word, but he also sees that I’m not going to budge, and I’m not going to give him the real story.

“I want to meet him,” he finally says. “Before you go back to Texas, I want to meet this Sebastian Drake and look him in the eye.”

“Dad.”

“That’s non-negotiable, Lennox. You’re my daughter. You married into one of the biggest ranching families in Texas without any of us there. The least he can do is come here and face your family. Tell him, now.”

I pull out my phone, type a quick text to Sebastian.

Me

I’m here. My father wants to meet you before I come back. Any chance you can fly up here?

The response comes within seconds.

Sebastian

Glad you’re there, sorry things are a mess. When do you want me to come?

Me

Tomorrow? Day after?

Sebastian

I’ll be there tomorrow. Send me the details.

I look up at Dad. “He’ll come.”

“Good.” Dad’s jaw is set. “If I get the sense he’s not treating you right, if I see any sign you’re not happy together, I’m not letting you go back. I don’t care how rich or powerful the Drakes are. You’re my daughter first.”

“I know, Dad.”

“Do you?” He leans out of the chair and takes my hands. “Because you look exhausted. You look like you’ve been carrying weight you shouldn’t have to carry. And that’s not what marriage is supposed to be like.”

Tears burn behind my eyes, but I blink them back. “I’m just adjusting. It’s a big change: moving to Texas and joining a new family. The dick-swinging war the Drakes are involved in. I just need a few days at home to ground myself.”

“Then you take all the time you need.” He squeezes my hands. “Your room is exactly as you left it. Stay as long as you want.”

“Dad, it’s not that simple,” I say, shaking my head.

“Yes, it is. You’re my daughter. That comes before any vows.” He stands and reaches for his cane. “Everyone, clear out. Give your sister space to settle in. We’ll have dinner together tonight, but right now she needs to breathe.”

My siblings file out slowly, each of them hugging me or squeezing my shoulder as they pass.

“I’m making your favorite,” Grace whispers as she hugs me. Pot roast with vegetables, homemade buns, and chocolate cake; that’s what I smelled on the way in. She leaves, and I hear the oven door screech in the next room.

“I’ll be in the barn if you need to talk,” Cole says as he leaves the room. Sweet Emma just holds on tight for a long moment before letting go, not saying a word.

I stay seated and look at my father, now that we are alone. He shifts in his chair. “What is it?” His voice is soft, and I’m not sure I’ve seen this side of him in fifteen years.

“I shot someone, Dad,” I whisper.

He frowns and clears his throat. “Well, I expected some big revelation, but that wasn’t it.” He leans back and looks at me again. “Dead?”

Tears well in my eyes, and I shrug. “I don’t know, I didn’t stick around to find out.”

“Is that part of this war you glossed over?”