Nari sighed. “I promise. I’ll give you a run for your spa money.” Man, she could use a spa day right now. “Speaking of which. Why don’t you get an updated tracker for your wrist and stop wearing the one in your bra? It takes forever to sync.”

“I own a jewelry store, dear. Give me a break,” her mom said. Then she blushed. “Frank. How’d it go with the squirrels?”

“Perfect.” Her dad kissed the top of her mom’s head and then leaned in until only his nose was visible on the screen. “Nari? That you?”

Nari coughed back a laugh. “Hi, Dad. I can’t see your face.”

Her mom moved over and then started. “Oh. That’s Mrs. Edleton at the door, dropping off the leaflets for church. Nari, talk to your dad for a moment.” She stood up and moved away.

Nari’s dad sat and squinted into the camera. “Is that a bruise on your chin?”

She sighed. “Yes. Training. What’s new with you?” Her heart warmed at the sight of his blondish gray hair and deep blue eyes. His face was red from sunburn and his whiskers about a day old. He looked healthy.

“Well, citrine is the new diamond these days. Don’t know why. One of those movie stars must’ve worn it, so now everyone wants citrine bracelets. I’ve been designing a lot.” He leaned in, his mouth getting bigger. “Also, I bought some damn seeds off the internet to feed the squirrels and the animals don’t want them. Don’t tell your mother. She thinks I was brilliant to find the squirrel food. Darn stuff is just seeds. Stupid internet.”

“I won’t say a word,” Nari promised, her heart turning over.

Her dad leaned back. “I kind of heard you talking to your mother, and if this lion fella doesn’t like you, then he’s a moron.”

She sighed. “I think she was talking about Wolfe at that point, and he’s engaged. Angus Force is the one she wants me to date.”

“Who do you want to date?” her dad asked, rubbing his beard.

“I’m not sure,” she said, not wanting to go into it with her father. “It’s complicated.”

He smiled then, his eyes warm. “Only if you make it complicated, pumpkin. Sometimes life just is. If you want the guy, get the guy. Unless he’s a moron. If he’s a moron, then kick him to the curb. Life is way too short for morons.” His eyes twinkled with humor. “Plus, nobody is good enough for my little girl anyway.”

“I’ll try to remember that,” she said softly.

“Good. Plus, did your mom tell you we’re coming to visit? Next week.” He smiled, no longer looking charming. “I can’t wait to meet this guy.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Seven