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I flip the steaks and then drop into the chair beside him. “That was nice of him.”

He hums in agreement, but his expression doesn’t match the sentiment.

“I get the feeling you didn’t like him.”

JD sighs and stretches his legs out in front of him. “Keep on trusting those feelings kid, because they’re spot on.”

“She’s never mentioned him before. What is it about him you didn’t like?”

He laughs. “Just a feeling.”

“A lot of feelings going on here,” I joke, but we both know it’s not funny. Your instincts can literally mean the difference between life and death.

JD sits forward, resting his arms on his knees. “I can’t say for sure, but there is something off about that guy. I’m not going to push her on it. I want to see how she lets this play out.”

“But we’re not really going to let her work there, are we?”

He flashes me with a smile that makes me realize there’s a lot more to JD than meets the eye. “She called me Dad tonight. I don’t think she tosses that word around lightly, and neither do I. I’m going to be the father neither she nor I had. I’m going to have that girl’s back till the day I die.”

I’m surprised by his declaration. I don’t know how he and Lexie got so close in the few short months I was gone. I’m just glad he sees what I do. That she deserves a family. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, and I watch as he messages someone.

“In a few days I’ll be able to tell you what time that bastard takes a shit.”

Our conversation ends as Elizabeth opens the door. “Are you two paying attention to the grill?”

I jump out of my chair. “Oh, shit. Yeah, sorry!”

She laughs, waving her dish towel at me. “Everything’s ready inside. Are they about done?”

“I think they look good, but I’ll bring them in so you can check them.”

JD stands and stretches. “I don’t want to worry Elizabeth. She’s got a lot on her mind, so if we could keep this between the two of us that would be great.”

“Yep, but you’ll let me know what you find out?”

He pats me on the back and jogs in front of me to catch the door. “We’re on the same team, aren’t we?”

It makes me laugh. “Always. Does that mean I don’t have to ask you to date your daughter?”

JD pauses before opening the door. “Seeing as you’re already dating, I’ll let it slide. But you better hit me up if you ever think about proposing.”

I know he’s only joking. At least I think he is. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

As we’re eating it becomes clear to me why and how Lexie’s relationship with JD and his wife evolved so quickly. They’ve given her the very thing she’s longed for. A place where she can be herself. She feels safe and protected, with people who are present and engaged.

She laughs as she tells them about Dirk and Jesse coloring together.

“Aw, you’re fucking with us.” JD shakes his head, waving her off.

“I saw it with my own two eyes.” She shrugs. “Believe it or not, but those two are not who I thought they were. He’s a teddy bear.”

Elizabeth giggles. “I’ve never heard Dirk described that way.” She stands and begins to clear the table.

“Don’t worry. I’ll clean up. Thank you so much for the meal. It was wonderful.”

JD and Elizabeth smile at each other as Lexie begins to fill the sink with soapy water.

Before she finishes with the dishes, JD lays a hammer and some nails on the table. “Maybe Ash can help you hang that shelf you wanted put up.”