Page 110 of The Grump I Loathe

A strong, steady support.

“I’d like to see you more often,” Dad continued. “Not just when you drop by to see Alannah. If you’re willing to give me another chance, that is.”

I’d been waiting all my life to hear those words from him. A few tears finally escaped, and I swiped at them, clearing my throat. “I think I’d like that,” I said.

A smile tugged at the corner of Dad’s mouth. “Okay then.” With that, he darted off to shake hands with his lawyer.

Hooooonk!

Connor and I whirled around.

“Wow,” I murmured as Ali pulled up in front of the courthouse in a shiny, cherry-red convertible. “It’s very…festive.”

“I love it!” Alannah said. “It’s like Santa’s sleigh.”

I laughed. “Is there even enough room in there for Grace?”

Connor smirked. “Don’t worry. She’s got a seatbelt adjuster for Grace in the back.”

“Hi, Mom!” Grace shouted excitedly. “Be right there!” She gave Alannah one last hug, then grabbed her backpack from Connor.

He snagged her at the last second, planting a kiss on the top of her head. “Behave, okay?”

Grace rolled her eyes. “I always behave. See you later, Eddie.” She reached out her fist so we could trial the overly complicated handshake we’d been developing for the past week.

“Nice,” I said, snapping my fingers in the last move.

Grace beamed, then shot off down the stairs, handing her bag off to Ali as she got into the car.

“So far so good,” I said, hugging Connor close.

He nodded as Ali gave him a wave. With a new Grace-approved arrangement and a PA keeping Ali on task, monthly calls had turned into every-other-weekend outings.Without Sawyer.

Alannah came over and joined our hug. “Thanks for waiting for me, Eddie.”

“I’ll always be waiting for you,” I promised. “Everything else okay?”

“Yeah.” She grinned. “You think Grace will want to help me decorate my room at Mom’s new house?”

“I think she’ll love that,” Connor said.

Alannah grinned. “I’m gonna draw up some designs this weekend!”

Valentina called her over, and Alannah gave us both a smile before she ran off.

“You okay?” Connor murmured as he rested his chin on the top of my head.

I released a contented sigh. “Actually, yeah. Today was…full of surprises.”

“You know you don’t have to do anything with your dad that you’re not ready for, right?”

“I know. But after that apology, I want to believe he can do better. And it would be nice if we could repair some of our relationship.”

I tipped my head up, and Connor leaned in to kiss me. “Well, I’m happy to tag along if that would make your visits any easier.”

“I’d love that,” I said. It felt good to know that no matter where I went, I had Connor in my corner. And if things didn’t end up working out with my dad, I knew I’d be okay.

I finally had the family I wanted. The Lockharts had welcomed me in with open arms, giving me the love and support I’d always been desperate for. And as I watched Grace zoom off with Ali and Alannah turn cartwheels on the courthouse steps, I knew there was nowhere I’d rather be in the world than right here with this new little family I’d lucked into.