Chapter 84

Summer was momentarily dazed, staring blankly at James and then scurrying into Kristin’s arms, a bit scared.

Kristin nervously looked down. “Mr. Bryce…”

“It’s my fault.” James apologized first, admitting he had been careless this time, not expecting Vincent and the Haywood family crew to go after his grandpa.

“Come back with me.”

Kristin took a deep breath, head still lowered. “No, I’m not going back.” she said.

James reached out to comfort Kristin but caught air instead, and in her eyes, he saw a distance forming.

“Is it because I didn’t protect you, or is it because I didn’t agree to call off the engagement with Adrienne?” James asked, his voice heavy with concern.

Kristin kept her head down, silent.

James knew it all deep down. She just wasn’t important enough. That was all.

“Mommy…” Summer hugged Kristin, asking softly. “Who is he?”

Kristin’s eyes reddened, glancing at James tentatively.

She wasn’t sure if James was willing to acknowledge Summer.

“Summer, I’m your dad.” James crouched before Summer, reaching out gently. “Sorry, I was late.”

In his mind, Kristin was probably having a momentary spat with him, something he could sweet–talk out of.

A guy like Rhett, with his serious germaphobia, wouldn’t fall for someone like Kristin.

Wide–eyed and tearful, Summer looked to Kristin for reassurance. He’d often dreamed about his dad showing up one day, saying, “Summer, I’m your dad.”

But when James appeared, apologizing for his lateness, Summer felt like crying.

“I don’t like Daddy.” Summer looked away, clinging to Kristin. It was because Daddy hadn’t protected Mommy.

James took a deep breath, looking at Kristin. “Just come with me for now.”

Kristin stood up, holding Summer, then shook her head. “No need, Mr. Bryce…”

She was drawing a line with James.

tight in his chest as he watched Kristin walk away with the child.

13:10 F

Chapter 84

Haywood family in his mind

to stick around him,

let me take you guys.” James caught up, offering to carry

softly, “Can you protect

looking into the little one’s eyes. Those eyes, looking so much like Kristin’s from back in

can,” James nodded firmly.

time. He wouldn’t make the same

Mommy?” Summer

froze, and

just a

understand. Milo said no man would marry Mommy and called her a thief who steals other people’s dad, but that’s not true. Someone will marry Mommy.” Summer cried out, feeling wronged.

why he had fought with

never fought back, afraid to cause trouble for his uncle

when Milo badmouthed his mom,

stood there, stunned, massaging his temples. He

that status, he could give

clueless about what she was expecting, maybe even harboring a fleeting fancy to give Summer a complete

James wouldn’t marry her. It was all just

the bus stop with

the words wouldn’t come

arrived, and Kristin got on. James followed.

never taken the bus

hold Summer, not wanting Kristin to tire

then passed Summer to James.

Chapter 84

a stop, and Kristin nearly fell, but James caught her.

don’t you and the child take a seat? Look at you three. What a good–looking family,” an elderly lady on the bus said, smiling as she stood up to offer

ma’am, but no need,” Kristin

wonderful,

didn’t explain. He just held Summer and smiled politely.

“We’re not family…”

Summer were things Kristin didn’t even

one would want to marry

settle for

Bever

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