THE BRAVO BOYS - SNAKE EATER [book three]

Chapter FORTY SIX

Logan Nash

"You haven't even touched your steak, Lo-Lo, did I overcook it or something?" Dallas blinks at me expectantly from across the kitchen bench.. Watching me as I poke at the seared meat on my plate, distracted by the unthinkable secret I'd unearthed and the arrogant Tech Mogul who'd threatened to fuck up my life if I refuse supply him the means to his wicked ends..

"Nah, it's delicious.." In an attempt to evade further questions I know I can't answer, I shovel a mouthful and force a grin of reassurance..

Dallas laughs nervously, assessing me with those crystal-keen eyes.. "Oh good.. Good.. Cus I got a little distracted when I was making it.."

Setting down my fork I try to focus on my niece and ignore my worries, if only for a minute.. "Aw yeah? What's up?"

"You know how I applied for early admission a few months back? Well- I got a letter from Princeton today.." Dallas lifts a crisp white envelope and slides it across the table to me.. "But I was too nervous to open it.."

"Holy Hell! Gimme!" I snatch up the paper, eager to tear into it as Dallas bounces up and down and anxiously chews on her fingertips..

"What does it say?" She quickly covers her eyes with her hands.. "Ahh, no! Don't tell me! If it's bad I don't wanna know, Uncle Lo!"

"Pfft, it ain't gonna be bad, Tex.. They'd have to be two bricks short of a load not to want you, Princess.." I scoff as I rip the end of the envelope and peel open the folded letter inside..

"Wait!" Dallas exclaims before I can read a single word as she rushes around to my side and grabs at my arm.. "Before you read that- I - I just want you to know, I didn't just do this for momma and pop... I did it for you, so that you'd be proud of me, LoLo.. I know how badly you wanted this for me and- I really did try my very hardest.."

"I know you did, Sweet-Peach.." I reach across to gently pinch her rosy cheek and she blushes a pretty dusty pink.. "I'm so proud of you, Dallas.. You're the greatest gift anybody ever gave me and I love you, no matter what this letter says.."

"I love you too.." She sniffles, throwing her arms up to give me a tight hug around the neck before we break apart and her nervous gaze fixates in the letter in my hand.. "Okay, I can't stand it anymore, you gotta open it!"
Dallas squeezes her eyes shut and balls her hands into fists in anticipation

I take in the very opening line at the top of the page.. "Dear Miss Nash, we are pleased to inform you that you have been ACCEPTED for fall early admissions! You fucking did it!"

"AHHHH!" A squeal of glee escapes her as she leaps up and down in what could only be described as a 'cheerleader celebration'.. "I got in! I got in!"

My heart swells in my chest to see her so happy.. As she dances around the kitchen, the room is filled with laughter, light and the spirit of her mother.. Dixie always was the cheery and colourful type and her daughter is wired just the same way..
God, that radiant smile she wears melts my callous heart.. Dixie's smile.. It could just about make me forget all my problems.. She makes every day worth living and all I ever wanted was for Dallas to have a better life than the one her mother and I endured..

Even born of his blood, there is no trace of the twisted prophet David or his psychosis within her soul.. She is pure.. Uncorrupted.. Saintly and sweet..
She's a true angel and I see only the innocent radiating good in the girl, because that is all she is..

"I always knew you could do it.." I smile..

Dallas takes the letter from the counter, reading it over with a stellar beam plastered on her face.. "This says I'm even eligible for a partial scholarship! Can you believe it?"