ME AND MY DADDI - Season 4 Episode 16

They walked hand and hand down the steps. They were about at the bottom when the doorbell rang.

Eve waited on the last step while Patrick opened the door. Her stomach twisted painfully when she heard her father’s voice.

“Where’s my daughter?”

“You must be Reverend Morton Sherman.”

“Yes, and I want my daughter back.”

“That won’t ever happen.”

“You bastard,” her father hissed.

“Tsk, is that any way for a religious man to talk?” Patrick chided.

“You had no right to take her.”

Eve took a few steps and slid her hand into Patrick’s.

“Hello, Father.”

Morton’s eyes widened, and then his face darkened. “Get your ass in the car, right now.”

She shook her head. She felt her insides shake but took strength by Patrick beside her and squeezi

ng her hand.

“No, I left you a note. It’s time for me to move on.”

“You would have never moved on your own. You’re too weak-willed.”

“Whose fault is that?’ Patrick asked.

“Listen, my daughter is engaged to be married…”

She gasped. “What? To who?” She felt Patrick stiffen beside her.

“Jerald,” her father said.

A grimace of disgust crossed her face, and nausea filled her throat. Jerald was the junior pastor at her father’s church, but the man was a pig. Eve could always feel his slimy stare on her as they followed her. She’d heard a few of the women in the congregation complain about him touching them inappropriately.

“There’s no way in hell I’d ever marry that man. He’s a pervert, and you can’t make me.”

“She’s right. Besides, she is marrying me,” Patrick informed him and smiled down at her.

“Just wait,” he threatened. “You both will regret messing with me.”

Patrick kissed Eve’s knuckles. “Go on into the kitchen I’ll be right there.”

“But…”

“It’s all right. Your father and I are going to talk.”

She nodded, turned, and walked away without looking at her father. She hoped she never had to see him again in her life but doubted she’d get that dream.

She stood just inside the doorway to the kitchen and listened to the deep, angry voices. It wasn’t long before she heard the front door close. She moved away from the kitchen door and Patrick came through a moment later. He pulled her into his arms and she sighed.

“Are you all right?”

She nodded against his chest. “He’s going to make trouble, isn’t he?”

“God, I hope so.”

Eve’s gaze jerked to his face. She couldn’t believe the grin that was present and the eagerness in his gaze.

“What if he hurts you?”

He squeezed her. “Not going to happen. I don’t want you to worry about him anymore. I’m taking steps to protect you.”

“But…”

“No buts. Trust me to take care of you.”

She exhaled. “I do.”

“Good. Now let’s eat. I smell something good,” Patrick said and pulled her through the kitchen, waved to Agnes, and sat them at the table.