Page 141 of Take My Love

Even though I’ve never said them to another man before, they easily slip out for him.

I gave my parents a heads up that I’d be stopping by after yoga, so when I arrive, they’re both in the kitchen waiting for me.

“Mornin’, sweetie,” Mom greets, making pancakes at the stove. “Are you hungry?”

“Yeah, starvin’ actually.”

“Perfect, take a seat.”

“Hey, Dad,” I say, sitting across from him. He’s reading a newspaper, which I find comical since everything’s digital now. “Didn’t know we still had those.”

“Not many left.”

“I could get you an iPad and you could read a handful more from all over the world.”

He scoffs at the idea.

“Have you hired someone to start buildin’ the new childcare center yet?”

“No, we’re still gettin’ bids in. Why?”

“I’d like you to hire Silas to manage the project. He has experience, knowledge, and he’s dependable. He’d make sure it was done correctly over anyone else who’s just in it for the money.”

Which is true. Silas wouldn’t let any of the contractors slide if they got lazy or did shitty work.

“Why?” Mom asks, bringing over a plate of food and maple syrup.

“Is he not workin’ out at the farm?” Dad raises a brow.

“He wants to start his own home building company, but doesn’t have enough assets to get a business loan. So, he could use the money he makes from this job to go toward his company.”

“How much does he need?”

“I’m not sure exactly, but probably a good amount for a new work truck, professional work clothes, office supplies, new computer, maybe enough for a part-time secretary. He thinks it’s too far-fetched, but I think it’s possible.”

“And why’re you so eager to help him find another job?” Dad grabs a few pancakes before pouring the syrup on top.

Slowly, I blow out a breath. “’Cause you gotta fire him.”

Dad doesn’t react. “I see.”

“Am I missin’ somethin’?” Mom asks, taking her seat next to Dad. “Why do you wanna do that?”

“’Cause he’s datin’ our daughter,” Dad supplies.

I’m not all that shocked he knows or at least probably assumed after catching us goofing around. Although at that time, we were only friends.

“You and Silas?” Mom’s eyes light up. “Oh, sweetheart. I’m so happy for you two.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Dad still doesn’t look at me.

“How long has this been goin’ on?” he asks.

“Shortly after he moved in,” I admit, but don’t go into the details of how it started. “I tried to fight it, I reallydid. We both did.”

“Does your brother know?”