Page 80 of Let Me Love You

Rob doesn’t miss a beat. “I have a big house with a fence, too.”

Summer scrunches her eyebrows. “But is it white?”

Rob chuckles. And I absolutely see where Victor gets his happy persona from. “No, it’s not. It’s actually red brick.”

Victor walks up to our table and takes the chair beside his father. “I’m sorry that took so long. Normally, I don’t mind the cameras, but with Summer here, I had to make sure they left.”

I press my lips together, trying to suppress a frown. A simple gesture. That’s all it was. But Paul never would’ve done something like that for us.

“We were just getting to know your dad more. I see where you get your charming personality from,” I say, trying to rid all thoughts of Paul.

Rob leans forward with a smirk. He was definitely a flirt when he was younger. “Glad to know women still find me charming.”

“But your house is red brick, not white,” Summer chirps from beside me.

I cover my mouth to hide my laugh. Victor’s eyebrows draw together in confusion. But Rob chuckles.

A warm hand covers mine, and I look up into Victor’s eyes. Something like warmth flickers from within.

Rob leans forward, grabbing my attention and says, “I wanted to thank you.”

I look between the two men, but Victor doesn’t bat an eye. “For what?”

“I’m sure Victor told you about my last wish since you moved up the wedding date. I didn’t get a chance to really talk to you at the wedding due to my health, but I still wanted to say thank you.”

Tears well in my eyes, and when I glance at Victor, his eyes are wet, too. I’m not sure what to say considering the marriage is temporary, but Rob is so sincere that my gut twists. “I’m just glad I was able to get your blessing to marry your son.”

“My dear, you are the best thing to ever happen to him.”

I wave him off. “Now you’re exaggerating.”

“Am I though?” He winks.

“How about I settle this argument,” Victor says as he turns to me. He pushes a strand of hair behind my ear, and says, “I agree with my dad.”

Chapter 35

Serenity

Victor’s office called him back to the city for the night. I’m not sure at what point things started to change, but my ribs felt like they were growing tighter, making it harder to breathe when he said he had to go.

I can’t place my finger on why, but something feels off. I can’t explain it, but the sensation is there.

“Do I really have to go to bed?” Summer whines as I pull her blanket up to her chin. “Bubba isn’t here to say goodnight.”

“Should we call him?” I ask as I tuck the blanket under her on both sides, exactly how I do every other night. But even though life seems the same, I can’t shake that feeling.

Summer shoots into an upright position, undoing all my work. “Yes, please.”

“Well, since you said it so politely.” I pull out my phone.

Dialing Victor, I press my phone to my ear. It rings and rings. Well, shit. She’s going to be so disappointed. By the sixth ring, Summer’s face falls. It goes to his voice mail, so I hang up.

Summer blinks up at me, and I avert my gaze. I can’t stand seeing her so sad. Victor is always so present and engaging in her life. So, what’s going on?

“Where’s Bubba?”

“I’m not sure. Maybe he’s in a meeting.”