"Well it's not like she's got a dad to do it for her." If he hadn't been holding her hand, he would have crossed his arms indignantly. He was very protective of his sister and his mother, because he had to be. He was in charge. Well, no. He wasn't quite so old fashioned, but not having a dad around sort of put a little chip on his shoulder about what his duties as a brother and a son were supposed to be.
Her second comment took him by surprise and he sort of just stared at her with eyes as big and round as teacups. He was what?