Free Body Image (Body Heat Series Book 2) by Madeline Parr Page B

see you again.”
    “You as well, Sir.”
    We settle into our seats, and the waitress appears with a carafe of coffee and my mimosa.
    “I can’t tell you how happy I am to see Caroline with an army man. I’ve wondered why it took her so long to bring someone home, but now I understand she was just holding out for someone worthy of her.”
    Bayne looks astounded at the compliment. I’m a little flabbergasted myself. Dad has never been one to throw praise around easily.
    His voice lowers as he continues. “Sergeant, I always admired the way you fought to take care of your mother. Anyone who puts family first like that is a rock-solid man in my book.”
    I can read the pride on Bayne’s face. It’s bubbling inside me as well. This is going better than either of us could have expected.
    We tackle the buffet line together and return to the table with plates piled high with quiche, bacon, fruit, sausage, and French toast. Dad slices off a chunk of sausage, spears it with his fork, and begins his friendly interrogation of my man.
    “So, Bayne, Caroline tells me you run your own security firm. That’s impressive for someone your age.” He pops the sausage into his mouth and chews slowly.
    “Once I moved into the private sector, I realized I’d much prefer working for myself to working for anyone else. I don’t mind putting in the hard work or taking the risks; to me it’s worth it when I’m the one who reaps the rewards.”
    “And it seems you’ve done quite well for yourself.”
    “I didn’t necessarily set out to make a lot of money, but it does provide a level of comfort and security that was previously missing in my life. And it’s nice to be able to spoil Caroline.”
    “He took me to his cottage on Silver Lake a few weeks ago so we could watch the fireworks from his boat.”
    “You managed to get my little girl out on a boat? I’m impressed. She’s scared of the water. Has been since she was a little girl.”
    “And heights. And snakes.” Bayne starts ticking off items on his fingers with an amused smile. My father joins in.
    “Don’t forget bugs, tight spaces, and clowns. Her fifth birthday party was a disaster.” They both laugh at the thought.
    “I’m glad I amuse you two.” I pretend to be offended, but I’m secretly thrilled they’re getting along as well as they are. “You forgot some of the other big ones: spiders, mice, death, public speaking, corn mazes, mannequins, and sharks.”
    “See,” my father says, “that’s why she needs a good man to look out for her. You’ve got your work cut out for you, son.”
    Bayne meets my gaze across the table and winks. He relaxes back into his chair, and he and my father proceed to talk sports, cars, and the armed forces for the next few hours.
    They battle over the check when it arrives and I’m floating somewhere on cloud nine when my dear old dad leans over, lowers his voice, and shares our dirty little secret with the man I love.
    “You don’t know how relieved I am, Bayne, to know that Caroline has found a good man who can take care of her in the manner she is accustomed to.” His voice lowers to a whisper. “Our financial circumstances have had me lying awake at night for months now. I don’t care what happens to me, but I want my little girl to be taken care of.”
    Bayne looks confused. And rightfully so. I’ve kept him totally in the dark. I put my hand on his. “Dad, we’ve talked about this a million times. I can take care of myself financially. I don’t need anyone to support me.”
    My father waves his hand dismissively and continues on. “I’m sure she told you all about it. It’s awkward to talk about, I know. I’m so ashamed of how things worked out. I thought I was more savvy when it came to money, but really I was just a rube willing to hand over everything I worked so hard for to the first snake oil salesman who came along.”
    “I don’t understand . . .”
    My father pats Bayne on the shoulder. “It’s