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Billie took a step forward, aware that Bobbi and Gerald had exited his truck She held her hands out in front of her, cleared her throat and spoke cautiously

“Dad, it’s me Billie”

Her father’s eyes an and he frowned, obviously confused and itated Billie held her hands out “Dad?” She wasn’t afraid of the rifle She knew the chaan sure as hell didn’t and she heard him swear softly as he tried to move in front of her

Billie sidestepped him, Bobbi now at her side “It’s us, Dad,” her sister said softly “Why don’t you go back inside? It’s cold out here”

Herschel was now abreast of his son, and the pain in her grandfather’s eyes nearly did Billie in It hurt to see her father like this, but what did it feel like for Herschel? No parent should have to watch their offspring suffer and deteriorate Not like this

Trent Barker squeezed his eyes shut and ran a tre hand over his temple His whole body shuddered He seemed so frail, so tired, and just…old

Eventually her father lowered his rifle “Billie, when did you get home?”

Relief washed through her and she offered a small smile She’d been home for nearly teeks and this was the first time her father had called her by name

“I got hoo”

Her father’s brows furled “Is it off season?” He glanced at the trees, saw the fall foliage “Shouldn’t you be at college? What’s going on?” His voice rose as did his agitation

Billie opened her mouth but Bobbi spoke before she had the chance “Billie’s just home for a quick visit, Dad No worries”

Their father stared at both the girls and then he glanced at Logan “Who’s he??

?? he asked gruffly, his expression bordering on confused, though his pride kept his chin up It broke her heart

Her grandfather cleared his throat, but Billie saw the tears that glistened in his eyes and her oelled up

[i]Daddy…[i]