"Minx." But that one word was said with such affection as he rolled over taking me along for the ride.
Fishtown, a tight-knit Irish community, was heading in the direction of its neighbor on the west, Northern Liberties, with a wave of urban renewal as new businesses made Fishtown their home. The Cadillac Escalade that Trace rented for our trip home was very luxurious but it was also a gas guzzler. I turned in my seat before I asked, "Why did you rent something so big? It's like a tank."
He spared me a glance, a grin flirting over his very sexy mouth, before he offered, "Because it's like a tank."
Understanding dawned as a smile spread over my face. "You're nervous about meeting my dad?"
I noticed his hands were gripping the steering wheel with such force that they were almost white and, when I looked at his profile, I saw his jaw clenching. Hoping to ease his anxiety, I reached over and touched his jaw, having somewhat relaxed him, when he offered quite softly, "I've never been brought home to meet the family, never wanted to before, so it's a bit stressful when the first time I do is with the only one who matters."
"I've never brought a boy home, so, it's a first for both of us."
His eyes found mine as a smile touched his lips and for just a second, we shared a moment. I saw a grin tug at his mouth before his eyes returned to the road.
"...or maybe I'm intimidated. You know your dad and his dock-worker friends."
"Tease all you want but my dad is going to love you and so are the guys. You're going to fit right in, Trace, trust me."
At that moment, Candyman from Christina Aguilera came on and I started to sing along to it. I happened to glance at Trace, who had an odd expression on his face.
"What's that look for?"
He looked over at me and grinned. "It's nothing."
"What?"
"I was just thinking about you on stage in front of a crowded audience singing this song to me." And then a wicked little grin tugged at his mouth before he added, "...actually, to be more specific, this song with you dressed in some sexy leather number. God, that would be so hot."
It had a snappy beat but the lyrics were, well, I was blushing just thinking about it, and then I managed, "I couldn't -- I mean I would have to be tripped out and completely bonkers to do that."
He looked over at me and flashed me a prize winning smile. "I know. That's why it would be so hot if you did."
We pulled up in front of my dad's row-house and there he was sitting on the front steps. He looked as he always had with his short, cropped hair, which was the same shade of brown as mine, and eyes that were more hazel than brown. Having worked on the docks, he was built a lot like Trace and even pushing fifty, he was still broad in the shoulders and narrow in the waist.
Trace shut off the engine before looking over at me and for the first time, I saw a hint of panic in his expression. Why the sight of that made my heart melt, I couldn't say.
"I love you, Trace Montgomery."
"I love you, Ember Walsh."
"Come meet my dad."
Trace pressed a kiss in my palm before he climbed out of the car and came around to open my door. My dad moved from the front step to join us at the curb.
"Emmie, my girl," And then I was wrapped in my dad's strong, familiar arms.
"I've missed you, Daddy."
"I've missed you, too."
As we pulled away, I reached for Trace's hand and pulled him closer keeping my eyes on my dad's.
"Dad, Trace Montgomery. Trace, my dad, Shawn Walsh."
I watched as the two most important people in my life shook hands and took each other's measure.
"It's nice to meet you, sir."
"Call me Shawn, son." My dad's eyes moved to the car behind us before a smile cracked over his face and then his eyes returned to Trace's.
"Couldn't you find anything bigger?"
There was a moment of silence before Trace's head tilted back and he howled with laughter. Just like that, all of the tension just drained from him. Trace grabbed our bags before we followed my dad up the steps and into the house.
"Emmie, you're in your room, Trace you are on the third floor." He stopped halfway up the stairs and turned to Trace before he added, "The stairs creak."
He said nothing more as he turned and continued up the stairs. I couldn't help the chuckle because Trace looked thoroughly chastised.
Trace placed my bag on the floor near my bed before he followed my dad up to his room. A few minutes later there was a light knock on my door.
"Come in, Daddy."
He pushed the door open, and closed it behind him before he walked over to settle on the edge of my bed.
"Where did you meet Trace?"
"At a club. Someone was harassing me and he stepped in and knocked the guy's lights out. He, like you, pegged Lena's character." I moved to join my dad on the bed before I continued in a soft voice.