“Nicely done. Let me just say that while my wife is very cultured and knows about forks and serving plates and other nonsense, I grew up scrapping in the streets of the ghetto I was raised in. Don’t hurt my girls. I made a big mistake with that piece of trash Elise married before, but it nearly got her killed and she’s paying for it even today. Martine and I are here because Elise is our only living child and Rennie is our grandbaby. We’re older, we have the ability to move, and that’s what we’re doing even if my daughter throws a fit. She needs support of family. We’re family, eh? This is what family does. And it’s cold in New York. Not so much here. We like the green. We like being where our girls are. Know anyone selling a house?” And just like that, he became friendly now that his message had been delivered. Brody liked the dude.

Elise poked her head in and smiled at Brody. “Time to eat. Daddy, stop harassing Brody. Rennie, girl, wash those hands!” Brody couldn’t get the words about her almost being killed out of his head. What the f**k? Had she used with the ex? No, there was no way she could have continued her career in such intense focus and with that much success if she was on the pipe. Abuse sounded more likely. Good thing that ass**le was dead, or Brody would feel the need to pay him a visit.

Elise had to admit she liked seeing him at her table. It wasn’t the first time he’d eaten with them or anything. But she liked it when he was in her life. She felt safe with him around, even loved the way he was with Rennie. Not fatherly, but he enjoyed her, that was clear. He listened to her stories and songs, laughed at her knockknock jokes and even showed up from time to time at the park when her soccer team practiced.

He also looked hot. Smoking, ridiculously drool-worthy hot. She wasn’t sure how he did it, but he simply emanated sexy effortlessly. Shorts and T-shirt, sexy. Jeans and a turtleneck? Holy crap sexy.

Her father looked smug, which meant he must have been pleased with whatever Brody’s responses had been. The two of them were a lot alike, big, powerful, but they listened more than they spoke, which was a very good personality trait.

“Rennie, you need to chew or you’re going to choke.” Brody grinned at her. “It’s good stuff, I know. But it looks like your grandfather made enough that you can take a breath every once in a while and chew. My Heimlich is rusty.”

A discussion then broke out about soccer and school and other things of huge importance in Rennie’s life, including her BFF Nina. Elise’s parents soaked their granddaughter in, and even though she felt bad that they were moving across the country, leaving behind their life in New York, she was thrilled she’d have them around again.

“I should have made a cake. I didn’t know we’d have such handsome company.” Her mother blushed prettily at Brody, and Elise wisely withheld her amused snort.

“Oh, I’m sure I wouldn’t have had room for it anyway. The chicken and potatoes and the greens and bread were more than enough.”

“I was asking Brody if he knew anyone selling a house. He said he didn’t, but he knew a real estate agent, so I’ll be calling him tomorrow.” Her father sent her a smug smile that told her Brody was on their side.

“If you insist. Brody knows everyone, so you’re in good hands if he refers you.”

Brody laughed. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”

She touched his arm, liking how warm and solid he was. “A compliment. I save my insults for when we’re alone.”

He stood and helped her clear the table while her parents put Rennie to bed.

“You look happy. They seem really nice. Rennie clearly adores them and that’s reciprocated.”

She wiped the counter down and turned the dishwasher on. “Let’s walk you back to your place.”

He took her hand, and she called up the stairs that she’d be back in a few minutes.

“Winter is near,” she said, looking up at the clear night sky.

“It will be. But I expect compared to New York, you’ll feel cheated. We get the big snow thing every few years, but mostly it’s mild here year-round. Are you happy they’re moving here?”

“I feel”—she paused, looking for words—“conflicted. Guilty. I want them here. I miss them. It’s been so hard without them around, and I know Rennie is better off with them in her life regularly.”

He motioned her toward the chairs on his porch and she sat. He followed her into the two-seater and put his arm around her shoulders.

“Unburden yourself, Elise. I’m not going to judge you.”

She blinked back tears and rested her head on his shoulder. “I want them here. So much that I’m not going to put up too much a fight when they sell their house and leave their community to come out here because I can’t be there.”

“Why can’t you be there?”

“The Sorensons are there. All their influence. And my past is there. I don’t want that looking over Rennie’s shoulder her whole life. Seattle is a fresh start for us both. She’s doing so well here. Heck, I am too. I have friends, I have a business. I have a life, and it’s been a long time since I have. So I’m selfish to want them here, but I do.”

“Why is that selfish? And your former in-laws sound horrible.”

“It’s selfish because their home is in New York. My father’s job is there, my mother’s students and her connections are there. Their friends. And Ken’s parents are textbook f**ked up. They are vile, horrible, evil people.”