Page 151 of Tight Ends & Tiaras
BEN
As I sweepthe living room, I smile at Sienna, who turns a sweet shade of pink, probably because she’s thinking about what we did to each other in the shower this morning.
“Love you, baby.” For a guy who’s never been able to say those words easily, they’re rolling off my tongue this morning.
She skips over to me and plants a kiss that has me regretting our long to-do list today.
Our first stop is by my house to check on Lily, which takes longer than it should because my aunt and uncle spend half an hour apologizing to Sienna for what happened the last time they saw her.
“Thank you,” Sienna says quietly as she perches at the edge of the couch. “And I’m sorry for speaking to you both the way I did. I kinda lost my temper.”
My aunt reaches over and pats her hand. “I deserved it. We both did,” she adds as she nudges my uncle.
He nods and wipes his forehead. “I hope you know that you’ll always be welcome at our house.”
Sienna nods hesitantly. I’m under no illusions she’s going to magically forget all the crap they put her through, but they’ve promised they’re over the fantasy of getting me back with Janelle. And now that they know all the shit she pulled since she thundered back into my life this summer, they admit Janelle’s not the person they thought she was. They swear they’re supportive of me and Sienna. I suppose only time will tell.
Lily covers Sienna in slobbery kisses when she sees her.
“Missed you, my little dewdrop.”
I take my girls to the Waffle House where we’re meeting her father. It’s strangely empty for a Sunday morning. There’s only one customer. Alex, that rich guy from last night. Internally, I laugh because this doesn’t really seem like his kind of restaurant.
“Dad.”
I stand there, stunned, as Sienna lets Alex pull her into a hug.
Alex is her father. No shit.
“I’m glad you’re okay, honey,” he says softly. She nods, looking choked up.
He extends his hand, and I reciprocate. Once I have Lily in a highchair and everyone’s seated, “Alex,” or Alejandro as he’s known to the rest of the world, fixes his cuff links.
“Sienna, your boyfriend reminded me of a few things last night, and I wanted to apologize for not making sure you knew that I think you’re incredibly capable.”
Her eyes drop to her lap. I reach between us and take her hand in mine and give it a squeeze. She gives me a sideways smile and then turns to her father.
“Thanks, Dad.”
He takes a sip of coffee. “You know, I’ve been thinking about what you told me when we met for dinner last week, and I hope you know I’m every bit as interested in what you do as I am in your brothers. I’m obviously doing a poor job of showing you that, but I aim to try better.”
The beautiful woman at my side sniffs. Nods. Whispers another thanks.
“Unfortunately,” he continues, “I can see why you would think that. Which is why I asked Penelope to wait at the hotel today so we could have some time, just you and me, to talk.”
“Would you like me and Lily to leave?” I ask, not wanting to intrude on their time. While I might not know all of the history between Sienna and her father, I can tell they have a lot of fences to mend. “I don’t mind.”
“No,” she says. “Stay. This is my family. The good, the bad, and the ugly. I got to meet your family, so now I want you to meet mine.”
I kiss the top of her head. “Whatever you want.” Hopefully today won’t have the fireworks my family get-together had in Dallas.
Lily is quietly coloring in her highchair, which I take as a sign that this meeting is going well.
Alex taps on his phone. “Sienna, I read through your prospectus on the yoga program, and I’m happy to fund it. No strings attached.”
“Dad, you don’t have to do that. I’ve thought about it, and I decided to approach some local, fitness-oriented companies and see if they’d donate to the cause. I spent last week making a list of all of the businesses in Austin and the surrounding towns that might be interested.”
He nods slowly. “Then how about I match whatever amount you’re able to raise. I’d like to support what you’re doing.”
