But her car was gone. Work, probably. So he walked into his dad’s kitchen, and then stopped short. His dad and Margaret were at the stove cooking salmon, broccoli, and quinoa.

“Okay,” Cam said. “Who are you and what have you done with my dad?”

The guy grinned wide. “I know, right? But Piper says the green shit’s good for circulation, which I translate to mean it’s good for bedroom activities, if you know what I mean. And if you don’t, it means—”

“Dad.” Cam pinched the bridge of his nose. “Let’s always assume I know what you mean.”

Emmitt studied him a beat and then put down the spatula before glancing at Margaret. “Darlin’, would you mind giving us a few minutes?”

Margaret winked. “Take your time. I’ll be in the hot tub.”

Emmitt watched her go, and then piled up a plate and handed it to Cam. “Rough mission?”

He shrugged as he dug in, grateful for the food. “Business as usual. I’m fine.”

“Camden, you’re a lot of things. Strong, smart, tough as hell, generous . . . and a shitty liar.”

Ignoring that, Cam kept eating.

“I bet it’s women troubles. It was only a matter of time with Piper.”

Cam stilled and looked at him. “What does that mean?”

“It means that along with being a shitty liar, you’re also determined as hell. Once you decide on something, there’s no changing your mind. You’ve decided on her, and you don’t understand why she didn’t enthusiastically jump on the bandwagon.”

Cam opened his mouth to refute that, and then realized he couldn’t.

Emmitt’s smile was understanding. “See, I get it because we’re alike in a lot of ways. The problem is, Piper doesn’t think like we do. She’s a careful, methodical planner, and slow to engage. Even slower to admit personal emotions. Did you know her own siblings call her the Fixer? It’s because she worries about everyone else over her own well-being. That started out of necessity, and I’m guessing it just became habit. And old habits die hard, especially with a woman like that, who’d give you the very shirt off her own back.”

Cam blew out a breath and shook his head. “She’s making changes for herself. She wants to go back to school, which is great.”

“That is great. So what’s the problem?”

“She doesn’t seem to think she can do that and have a relationship.”

Emmitt sat at the table with Cam. “I’ve got something to say and you might not like it.”

Cam had to laugh. “When’s that ever stopped you?”

“Good point.” Emmitt smiled and clapped him on the shoulder. “In your life, you’ve been . . . well, free. You left home at sixteen.”

“I went into the military,” he said dryly. “Not exactly the definition of a free life.”