Page 103 of Pinch

Hendrix Bradford is a handsome man, and I can see where my girl gets her bright blue eyes. I follow him onto the balcony, and the view of the city is literally breathtaking.

“You guess?” My brow furrows, and I look over at him.

“Haddy’s mom, Raven, is pretty independent. She was sick during the pregnancy, so she stayed with her family in Atlanta until it passed. I was all the way out here, so I didn’t know until she told my sister Dylan.”

“Wow.” My brow lifts. “That must’ve been a surprise.”

“Yeah, but you should’ve seen her.” His eyes take on a faraway look, like he’s remembering something that makes him happy. “She was the cutest little thing. You know her first word wasDada.”

He straightens, as proud as if he’d just been namedathlete of the year… which if I remember correctly, he was a few times. Now he’s on the NFL sports shows.

I didn’t put it all together when we met briefly at Christmas. I don’t really keep track of football, and I had sort-of a one-track mind, which was entirely focused on Haddy and our surprise.

“That must’ve been pretty sweet.” I look at a framed photo of Haddy as a baby asleep on his chest, and I think of our baby doing the same.

“Raven was not thrilled.” Hendrix exhales a laugh. “She kept trying to say Haddy didn’t know what it meant, but she knew. She was her daddy’s girl.”

He arches an eyebrow, and I like this guy. It makes my palms a little sweaty, because I want him to like me. I’m not sure how he’s going to respond to what I’m about to say.

“She’s pretty amazing.” I nod, wiping my hands on the front of my jeans. “We met in college, and I always thought she was really cool and smart.”

I almost sayand beautiful, but I don’t know if that might be a bridge too far too soon for her dad, coming from me.

“It’s hard to believe she’s so grown up. That time goes so fast.” He squints over at me, putting a hand on my shoulder. “What’s on your mind, Knight? I know you didn’t come all the way out here for my view, and I know you didn’t fly all the way to Newhope just to see Cooters & Shooters either.”

My throat tightens. I’ve never been a nervous guy… until now. Hendrix Bradford and I are about the same size, and even though I’m younger and more conditioned, I wouldn’t put it past him to take me down if he wanted.

Clearing my throat, I straighten my shoulders and just say it. “I’m in love with your daughter, sir. I think she’s in love with me, and I’d like to ask her to marry me.” His browfurrows the more I speak, so I quickly add, “If that’s okay with you.”

He’s quiet for a moment, crossing his muscled arms over his chest. He turns and looks out at the view again, and I stand where I am feeling completely exposed.

Taking a few steps, he stops at the edge of the balcony, placing a hand on the railing before turning back to face me. “What does Haddy think about this?”

My hands are behind my back, and even though his voice isn’t raised, I feel like I’m being cross-examined by a drill sergeant. “I haven’t asked her yet.”

“Haddy’s a smart girl.”

“Yes, sir.” I nod.

“She’s got plans and she’s very independent.” His blue eyes narrow. “How do you feel about that?”

“I think it’s great.” My shoulders drop, and I meet his gaze head-on. “I admit, her beauty was the first thing I saw, but then I got to know her. She told me about her graduate studies and her work, the things she wants to accomplish.” Shaking my head, I look down and speak from the heart. “She’s really incredible.”

“You think you deserve her?”

“No, sir.” I shake my head, exhaling a laugh.

It seems to break the tension, because he laughs, pointing at me. “That’s right. We don’t deserve them. We’re just lucky to be sharing our lives, and don’t you forget it.”

“I’m not sure I could.” I only have to look at her growing our baby to be reminded.

“You seem like a good guy, Knight. Mav speaks highly of you, which carries a lot of weight.” He nods. “I’ll allow it, but if I ever hear you’ve made her cry… if you ever hurt her or break her heart, I’ve got a 45 and a shovel. They won’t find you.”

We both laugh at that, but I’m pretty sure he means it.

Mav

Red alert. Mom said everybody’s coming to family game night this year. It coincides with spring break, so she, Kimmie, Aunt Liv, Uncle Jack, and Aunt Allie are all off for the week.