Page 97 of An Unexpected Turn
“Just a few minutes of your time, Chief,” I said, tipping my chin toward his hallway. “Am I allowed in, or would you want to talk in the cold? I’m honestly good either way.”
He shrugged and headed back inside. I shut the door behind me and followed, still creeped out by a quiet and indifferent Keith, but he didn’t need to speak, only listen.
He fell into his chair, picking at a piece of lint on his jeans and looking everywhere but in my direction.
“Look, I’m sorry we waited so long to tell you. That is totally on me. Peyton was ready to tell you on Thanksgiving, but I stopped her. I wouldn’t let her do it until we could tell you together. Finding me at her condo like that I’m sure was a shock, and not at all how we wanted you to find out.”
He kept his gaze forward and nodded.
“That’s all you’re sorry about?” He finally turned toward me, glaring as he leaned forward.
“Yes, it is. If you’re expecting me to apologize for falling in love with your niece, I won’t.”
“You’re in love with Peyton? After only a few months?”
“You bought a ring for Maya after knowing her for three weeks. Sometimes, you just know. With her, I know. More than Eileen, more than anyone. She’s it.”
He leaned back, squinting at me.
“After ten years of swearing you’d only date casually because you didn’t want the hassle, Peyton made you do a complete one-eighty? She’s been through a lot.”
“I know she has. I know about the principal at her old school too. That was another reason why we kept it quiet at the beginning. After what happened, she was afraid of having a reputation here for dating a parent.”
“Glad she told you.” He huffed out a laugh. “I wish I knew when she’d stopped trusting me.”
“She trusts you more than anyone. She didn’t tell you because she was afraid you wouldn’t see her the same, just like she’s made herself sick over the past few months about how you’d react about us. So, I’m asking you”—I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees—“hateme. Be pissed atme. Let her off the hook. I don’t want to see her like this anymore.”
“Like what?” Keith jerked back, a deep furrow between his brows.
“Like she’s afraid you’re going to cut her off.”
He shook his head and scrubbed a hand down his face.
“Is that what she thinks? She’s like my daughter. I could never—”
“Then tell her. I don’t have to come on Christmas Eve if it makes it easier.”
“No,” he sighed and fell back. “She wants you here, and I overheard Maya invite you and Mike last night.”
“You could punch me now if that helps. I won’t fight back.”
“Right.” The hint of a smile drifted over his lips for a quick second. “Because that wouldn’t make things worse with my nieceandmy wife.”
“Your wife?”
“Maya told me to grow up and snap out of it last night and hasn’t said a word to me since. I am glad you were there at the hospital and that she wasn’t alone. Despite my hesitation with all of this, I do know you wouldn’t hurt her on purpose.”
“I won’t hurt her at all. I can’t. I told you, she’s it for me. Why nothing has worked out with anyone else until now. I was waiting for her.”
“Wow.” His eyes were wide for a moment. “I never thought I’d hear you say that.”
“Because I’ve never been this sure. I promise I’ll ask you before I marry her.”
His brows popped up before his eyes narrowed. “Don’t push it, Russo.”
I held up my hands. “Just trying to be upfront and honest.”
“Well, feel free to hold some things back.” He stood. “If this is really it for the both of you, I’m happy. Or I will be when it stops freaking me out, which may or may not happen.”
