“Another time, then,” Maverick suggested.

After a round of goodbyes, they walked out with Maverick and Chloe. Her father and grandfather stood with their arms crossed, watching Blaine drive away on his motorcycle. After saying goodbye to Maverick and Chloe, her father looked at Tobias and said, “Can I get a minute?”

“Yes, sir.” He stepped aside with her father, and Madigan craned to hear their conversation.

“You ever work in construction?” her father asked.

“Yes, sir. For about a year and a half when I was in Jersey.”

“Any good with a hammer?”

Tobias cleared his throat. “I’d like to think I am.”

“Think you can work with Zeke and Zander?”

“I don’t see why not.”

Madigan’s heart was so full, she could barely hold her tongue.

“If you’re interested, we could use a hand.” Her father went over the pay and benefits. “But I won’t cut you slack for seeing my daughter.”

“I wouldn’t respect you if you did.”

Madigan’s grandfather elbowed her, startling her from her eavesdropping, and gave an attaboy nod as her father handed Tobias a business card and told him to be at his shop at seven o’clock the next morning.

As they said their goodbyes, Madigan hugged her father and couldn’t resist whispering, “Thank you for helping him.”

He hugged her tighter, speaking quietly. “If you two stop seeing each other, he gets to keep the job if he wants it. He’s lost enough for one lifetime. Understand?”

Her heart filled to the brim as she nodded.

“Thank you again, sir. You won’t be disappointed.” Tobias shook her father’s hand.

“Then cut the sir, and go with Preacher,” her father said.

Tobias agreed and offered a hand to her grandfather. “It was a pleasure meeting you, sir. My grandfather also lives at LOCAL.”

“I know all about Hank Pettazzoni, and I’m sorry for what he’s going through,” her grandfather said.

“How?” Madigan asked.

“Your old man might be the badass biker with connections far and wide, but I’ve got my network, and I know you’re working with Hank.” Her grandfather winked at her and looked at Tobias. “Madigan is excellent at what she does. I’ll make a point to meet Hank and that sweet nurse of his.” He eyed Preacher. “You and I need to have a talk about live-in help. I could use a beautiful woman on the daily.”

“Christ, Pop.” Preacher shook his head. “We’ll see you kids around.”

As they headed inside, Tobias walked Madigan to her Vespa. “Your grandfather’s a trip.”

“That he is,” she said with a smile. “Was that awful for you?”