Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24550 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 123(@200wpm)___ 98(@250wpm)___ 82(@300wpm)
“You think I can’t take you? I can. I can kill you right now and not think twice about it.”
Faith exclaims, “Dad!”
I shake my head. “I’m not going to fight you because you’re my mentor. You’re the closest thing to a dad I have, and you’re the father of the woman I love. I won’t fight you.”
Charlie stomps his foot. “I’ll see you in the parking lot.” He looks at his daughter. “Faith, you coming?”
She shakes her head. “I’ll be down in a little while, Dad.”
He doesn’t like it, but at least he doesn’t try to force her. As soon as he walks out the door, Faith pulls from my arms. She takes off the sheet and is gathering her clothes. “That was good, Dixon. I mean, I don’t like to lie to my dad, but maybe he won’t kill you now.”
I pick up my T-shirt and pull it over my head as Faith continues rambling. “This is actually kind of perfect. We can get through the weekend, and when we break up, I’ll just act like I’m over you, and we can end it. No harm, no foul.”
“Faith.”
But she doesn’t stop. “You sure were quick on your feet, but I really do think this is for the best. He’ll forgive you if he thinks you have real feelings for me and—”
“Faith,” I say a little louder this time.
She is fully dressed now, putting her long red hair into a ponytail. “What?”
I walk over to her. “I wasn’t lying to your dad. I do love you.”
Hope flairs in her eyes, but she shakes her head. “No, you don’t.”
I tilt my head to the side and smile at her. “Princess, I think I know what I’m feeling.”
“But—” she starts, but I don’t let her finish.
“Faith. I know this is fast. I know I’m ten years older than you, and I know you may want different things than what I can offer you, but I do love you, and I would do everything I can to make you happy. I want to build a home with you. I want to have babies with you… I want it all.”
Her eyes widen in disbelief or like I’m speaking a foreign language. “Dixon?”
I stop when we’re toe to toe. “I love you, Faith.”
She’s speechless as she stares at me.
My stomach knots. “You don’t have to decide anything now. I know I’m rushing you but—”
She puts her hands at my waist. “I love you too, Dixon.”
I let out a breath in a big whoosh of air. She dives into my arms, kissing me like there’s no tomorrow. I wish I could stay right here, but I need to go and see her dad before he comes back up here.
I break off the kiss. “I need to go talk to your dad.”
She walks over to her boots, and I do the same. As I’m tugging mine on, I tell her, “I want you to stay up here.”
She scrunches her nose up. “You’re not fighting my battles for me, Dixon. He’s my dad. I’ll just explain things and—”
“Princess, this is our battle, and as your man, I’m going to talk to your dad. Okay?”
She doesn’t like it, but she nods her head. “Okay. Fine.”
I kiss her again and promise her I’ll be back.
As soon as I walk out of the room, I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to convince her dad because this is probably the most important conversation I’ll ever have.
I pass a few cowboys I know on the way. I’d normally stop and talk but not today. Today, I’m focused because I have to make this right.
By the time I find Charlie standing next to his truck and trailer, any hope that he has calmed down is gone when I see him pacing back and forth, still shaking his gun in his hand.
I’m not sure how he got through the hotel with it, but most people know the legend Charlie Allen, so they probably don’t question him much.
I stop a few feet away from him. “I really am sorry, Charlie.”
He sets the gun on the bed of his truck and then puts his hands into fists. “Sorry for what? Betraying my trust, using my daughter—”
As calmly as I can, I shake my head. “I didn’t use your daughter. I wasn’t lying up there, Charlie. I love Faith, and I want to make a life with her.”
He spits out the words in disgust. “What kind of life? You’re a cowboy through and through.”
I shrug. “So are you.”
He slaps his hand on his pant leg. “Exactly. That’s what I’m saying. I sent her to school because she deserves more than this life, Dixon. And now what? One look from you and she’s throwing it all away?”
I put my hands on my hips. “Sir, she’s not throwing away anything. Whatever she wants to do, I’ll support her. I’ll be the man she needs.”