Page 144 of His Surrender

I bury my face in one hand, laughing despite myself. “I know.”

Mom starts laughing too. “Well, I certainly didn’t have that on my bingo card.”

“I don’t think anyone did,” I offer.

Dad grows quiet again. “So, how long has this been going on?”

I glance toward my bedroom door. “Not that long.”

“Long enough that he asked you to attend a public event as his date. He wouldn’t take my daughter to a public charity gala unless he intended to make things serious.”

I blink as I realize he’s spot-on with his assumption. That sounds exactly like Dean. Never rushing into something halfway.

“We’ve been trying to figure things out,” I admit. “I didn’t plan for this, Dad. I promise. It just”—I search for the right words— “happened.”

His answer comes without hesitation. “The best things usually do.”

Emotion catches unexpectedly in my throat. “You aren’t upset?”

“I’m surprised.” He laughs softly. “Very surprised.”

“But upset?” I question.

“No,” he says warmly. “Not even a little.”

I lean against the windowsill. “I honestly thought you might be.”

“Why?”

I tuck my hair behind my ear. “The age difference.”

He hums thoughtfully. “I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t the first thing that popped into my head.”

My stomach sinks.

He continues, “But then I remembered who we’re talking about.”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve known Dean since he was a teenager. I’ve watched that boy grow into a man. He worked for everything he has. I’ve never once heard anyone question his character.”

Mom jumps in. “Your father has always liked Dean.”

“I know.” I smile to myself.

“He just never imagined liking him as a potential son-in-law.”

Dad laughs. “That’s true.”

I smile despite myself. “I suppose this takes a little getting used to.”

“A little?” He chuckles. “I still remember him coming over to the house with grass stains on his knees.”

I laugh as I try to picture Dean at that age.

The line goes quiet again.

Finally, Dad asks the question I knew was coming. “Does he make you happy?”