He tried not to wince again at the comment about his father and brother. Nettie was only trying to reassure him, he knew, but it rubbed him the wrong way every time she mentioned it.

Some things weren’t meant to be said out loud.

His brows did raise at her little joke, and he gave a quiet laugh, but it was delayed like he’d been trying to determine whether it was in jest or not.

Kicking puppies and drowning babies would have to be talked about. That made sense. He had no desire to do either. What about choking the life out of her grandfather with his own bare hands and setting it up as a suicide after?

Malachi let his hands slip back into his pockets as they walked and tried not to look too interested when she finally continued. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust her judgement, or that he didn’t want her to find love… but it had to be right. The man she eventually married – if that was what she wanted – had to be perfect, just like her.

He glanced over, and was glad to see that her expression had at least lightened some.

“It isn’t a… requirement,” he said carefully, but the thought did make him smile.

“You are free to date whoever you wish, Nettie, with or without my knowledge. I’m happy to hear that you’ve met someone, even if it isn’t serious with him yet. I just want you to have the best.”