--
"Dad..."
Just seeing him around mom made me feel at ease. He was my knight in shining armor who always defended me against my mom's relentless nagging.
He gave me a quick wink, and I felt my spirits lift because I knew that meant he'd handle mom for me.
"You too, Justine," my mom said, pretending to be annoyed, though her lips hinted at a smile. "You're always taking your daughter's side—that's why she turned out just like you and never listens to me."
Dad wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and making her blush. My mom was tough as nails, but around Dad, she softened instantly, like butter.
"Our daughter's all grown up now. She's not a little kid anymore, so why not let her do what she wants, right, Aphrodite?"
Dad gave me another wink.
I couldn't help but smile as I watched my mom's raised eyebrow slowly lower, her defenses crumbling under Dad's charm.
