"Thank you, Dad. For understanding… and for not leaving me a widow," I joked, trying to hide the lump in my throat.
He kissed my forehead. And then Julian appeared behind me, like a shadow that had always been waiting.
"Asher… can I get my wife back? It's time to go."
His tone wasn't a question. It was a warning wrapped in silk.
"Of course," my father replied, his jaw tightening for a moment. Perhaps he was imagining the same thing I was. I couldn't help but blush.
"Asher, we should go now," Julian said with astonishing nonchalance. "But I'd like to invite you all to breakfast. The whole family together."
"Of course, you can count on us," my father replied, and this time his voice did sound obligatory.
We turned away. Julian's hand tightened around my waist with a possessiven
