Page 88 of The Rebel

“Do you need me to step in and take care of anything while you’re gone?”

“Actually, yes. There are a few meetings that are important.”

“Perfect. I’ll ace them.”

I was certain he would. I trusted all my brothers implicitly.

“I’ll talk to Dorothy, too, let her know what’s going on.” She was going to figure out what was going on, but it couldn’t be helped.

After I hung up with Beckett, I called her right away, and she answered immediately.

“Dorothy, I’ll make this quick. Daisy and I won’t be coming into the office for a few days.”

“Are you on location somewhere?”

“No. Daisy’s father had an accident.”

“I see. And you’re both going.”

“Yes. Daisy and I are?—”

“Oh, I know. I’ve been watching the two of you. It’s not my place to say this, Anthony, but do you think it’s a good idea?” she asked softly.

“I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

After an awkward silence, Dorothy replied, “Well, if that’s how you feel. Thanks for letting me know. I needed some signatures from you, but it can wait until you’re back.”

“Perfect.”

“Give Daisy my best.”

“Will do.”

When I arrived at Daisy’s place, she was already in front of her building with a carry-on. I got out of the car as the driver opened the trunk. She was still on edge. She kept massaging the side of her neck, as if she had an ache there, and her eyes were still a bit glassy. I immediately put her bag in the trunk and then returned to her, cupping her face.

“We’ve got this, Daisy,” I said.

“I tried to talk to Mom. I think she was a bit mad at Annelise for telling me.”

That was so bizarre to me. What did the woman think? That her daughter wouldn’t find out her dad would be bedridden for a while?

She looked at me, her lip trembling. “God, I’m such a mess.”

“And I’ll do my best to help you unwind a bit.”

That was my mission for the next few days. Nothing else mattered. Only Daisy.

CHAPTER 20

DAISY

It was almostmidnight by the time our taxi pulled up at the ranch. I fell asleep during the journey, but now I was wide awake. As we got out of the car, Anthony grabbed the two bags from the trunk. The gravel was rough, so rolling them on the wheels wasn’t an option.

Mom had been beside herself with joy when I told her I was coming, so at least there was that. I wished she would be more open with me, but things in my family had always been this way.

I glanced at Anthony, who winked at me. Oh, this man. He surprised me more every day. Not in a million years did I expect him to offer to come with me.

The front door to our old farmhouse was open as usual. I smiled as I stepped inside because the place smelled like Mom’s signature apple pie. That gave me courage. If she was baking, it meant things weren’t that bad.