Page 273 of Show Me

For the first time in a long time, the noise doesn’t make me tense. It feels like home. I’m reaching for the cranberry sauce when the front door opens again.

And instead of dread tightening my chest, I look up. Expecting. Waiting.

The front door opens, and Dad steps inside, bringing a blast of cold air with him. “Finally,” I call. “I was about to let Ben eat your share.”

“That’s completely uncalled for.” He stomps the snow from his boots while grasping the bill of his cap and dragging it off his head. With his free hand, he grasps the edge of the door.

I frown. “Did you forget something?”

“Nope.” The door opens wider. And Dr. Hannah Carter steps inside.

I stare. She’s wearing jeans and a winter coat instead of her office wear, her dark hair loose around her shoulders, and she’s carrying a pie.

More importantly, Dad’s hand settles at the small of her back as she steps around him.

Oh. Oh. Oh, my…. My heart skips a beat. It’s not that I didn’t question things, but Dad has never brought someone to a family event.

Bella notices approximately half a second after I do. Her eyes go huge. “Wow.”

“Wow is right.”

He gives me an innocent look. “Wow what?”

“You brought Dr. Carter to Christmas dinner.”

“Hannah,” she corrects, smiling.

I look at her. Then at Dad, who has his hand resting comfortably against her back. “You’re dating my veterinarian.”

Dad sighs. “She's not your veterinarian.”

“She takes care of my pigs.”

“And mine.”

“That makes this worse.” It’s not that I don’t want Dad to be happy. I do. He deserves it. But Hannah is younger than I expected. Which means…. My dad is….

My entire face is hot. Okay, not going to go there. Because…. Right. I’m not going to go there.

Hannah laughs as she hands me the pie. “I told him we should probably warn you.”

“Thank you. Someone here has good judgment.”

Dad takes off his coat. “You would've made it weird.”

“I am making it weird.”

“I noticed.”

Xavier appears beside me, clearly fighting a smile.

“How long?” I demand. Dad and Hannah exchange a look. An actual look. My mouth falls open. “Oh, my God. It's been a while.”

“Define a while,” Dad says.

“Long enough for that look.” Hannah's cheeks turn pink. Dad grins. I groan and cover my face. “My father is dating my mentor.”

“You’re being dramatic.” Dad removes Hannah’s coat and tucks it over his arm.