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“Yeah” I watched the bristles slide through her hair “Bree has always beenthan me She’s like our mom was”

“You ”

I frowned “It is where my father is concerned You can’t trust him to mean what he says Hoe even know he really has cancer?”

“Dex,” she said softly

But I dug in deeper “I will never allow hio”

“He wants to see the girls too?”

“Yes And Bree’s kids She said she’s thinking about it” I dropped my arms “But I can’t And I won’t feel bad about it I’ them”

“That’s your right as a father”

I sighed, tipping ainst the back of her head How did she know exactly what I needed to hear? Again, I was really fucking sad she wasaway And I didn’t want to think about my family anymore

Winnie took the brush froood dad, Dex”

“But I’m a shitty friend”

“Oh, I don’t know This was a pretty nice apology”

“I had tome”

She laughed gently “Good”

Her hair sone hand inside her robe Or pressing my lips to her shoulder “So have I?”

“Have you what?” she whispered as I moved her hair aside and kissed the back of her neck

“Made things right”

“I ht track” She tilted her head, allowing ht take some more effort”

“Yeah?” I pulled the belt on her robe loose andthem into my hands

“Dex,” she whispered “Do you want to come upstairs?”

Without hesitation, I stood up, sweeping her intofor the stairs “How’s this for effort?”