His eyes bulge. “She said that?”
“Mmmhmm, and when I asked where her mom was because I was freaking out since you had never told me anything, she told me she was everywhere.”
He chuckles. “Rosa told Claud that Camila is her guardian angel, who is everywhere she is to protect her.” He takes a sip of his coffee, then inhales a deep breath. I drink my tea, letting him take his time to get everything out. “Do you remember I told you about the ex I have a restraining order on?”
“Yes, of course.”
“That happened right before Claud was born. When I signed all the legal papers to become her father officially, Seb asked me for one favor—to forgo a family of my own and make Claud my one and only person until she was older.”
“What?” I whisper. “That’s not fair to you.”
“It didn’t matter. Before he even asked, I knew I would agree to whatever it was. I knew that I had to give him anything he asked because deep down, I felt guilty for taking his niece away.” His voice catches, and I know he still feels the guilt.
“Oh, Harrison.” I climb into his lap and hold him tight. “You can’t feel guilty. Camila asked you to do this, and it sounds as if you were the better person for the job at that time. You’ve given her an amazing life, and from what I’ve gathered, the one thing all four of you agree on is the welfare of Claudina. I think that’s the takeaway from this.” He nods without speaking. “How will Seb feel if you break this promise, Harrison?”
“Not good. Doesn’t matter, though. I’m not living a life without you anymore. For the last few weeks, hell for the last couple of months, I knew this was so much more between us, and it’s been driving me insane keeping you at arm’s length. I’vestruggled between what I truly wanted and my promise. Then Leo gave me a significant letter that solidified it all for me.”
He reaches around to his nightstand and hands me a pink letter, and before I begin reading, I already know who it’s from.
I don’t know how, but I do.
“Harrison,” I whisper, breathing hard through my nose, tears blurring my vision trying my best not to cry as I read, and by the end, I’m sobbing hard like a baby. “She knew.”
He nods. “She always did. Even about how Seb would be, she knew it all.”
Her wishing she could have had longer to love Claud broke me into pieces that I’m not sure will all go back together. That line will live with me forever.
Harrison hands me a tissue. “Well, it seems like I owe Leo a thank you.” I smile through my tears. “I always knew I liked him.”
“Yeah, yeah. Ignore that mom stuff. I don’t want that to freak you out. I only wanted to show you to better explain my struggles.”
I should be freaking out. Most girls my age would be running for the hills. Not me. I feel the complete opposite, in fact.
“I’m not freaked out,” I tell him truthfully.
His eyes search mine in surprise. “You should be.”
I shake my head. “Harrison, you two are a duo, and I always knew you came as a package deal if we ever were going to be more. I don’t know how to explain it, but I’ve felt a connection with Claud from before I even knew you.”
“I know. I see it.” He smiles softly.
“And what if Seb says no? I get heartbroken?” I lower my voice, saying the reality of it all hits hard.
“Juliette.” His voice is strong and demanding, causing me to snap my head toward him. “I’m not asking Seb. I’m telling him. It’s you that needs to be sure. You have to understand what I’mfeeling between us if I’m willing to break this promise, don’t you?”
I kiss his neck and hug him tight. “I’ve been sure since I looked across the room, and my heart fluttered. It’s never felt so alive.” I blow out a deep breath. “But Harrison, I also don’t want to be the demise of your relationship with your brother when I know how close you are.”
“That’s not on you, baby. You wouldn’t be my Jules if you didn’t worry about others. You’re too good for me.” He cups my cheeks and presses his pouty lips hard against mine. “But I’m a selfish bastard who doesn’t give a fuck, and I’m keeping you.”
I chuckle, fall forward, and lean my head on his shoulder.
We’re really doing this.
Ah.
“So,” I mumble into his skin. “You’re my boyfriend then?”
He huffs, and I know he’s rolling his eyes. “Isn’t there a better term for that?”
