When There Is Nothing Left But Love

“Fine. I’ll allow Jared to continue using his identity as a teacher to help Summer with her emotional struggles, but only for this. You must warn him not to expose his identity or even think about gaining custody of her. Also, I’m only giving him two years. Two years, that’s it. If Summer still hasn’t returned to normal by then, he has to leave immediately.”

“Understood. If you want to, I can get him to put it down in black and white,” Ashton suggested.

“There’s no need for that.” Although I had acquiesced, I wasn’t going to go easy on him. In a tone oozing with sarcasm, I spat, “Knowing Jared’s character, we can forget about having it in black and white. Even if he makes a blood oath, he won’t deserve my trust. You’re his guarantor, so if anything happens, I’ll hold you accountable.”

“Then, you probably won’t get the chance,” Ashton countered in a lighter tone, probably relieved that I had conceded.

“Let’s hope you’re right.” Women weren’t as forgiving as men and worry still gnawed at my chest. “I’m gonna be frank with you. I still don’t fully believe that Jared has turned over a new leaf.”

“Trust me. You won’t be disappointed.” I could hear the smile in Ashton’s voice.

“We’ll see.”

mood to joke around, I hung up

back into the house, I saw John leaning against the glass door with his hands stuffed into his trouser pockets, looking me with a long

guess. You heard everything.” I raised my

before walking over to give me a solemn look. “Summer likes me and I like her too. You might as well transfer all rights to me and let me take her in as my own

hell are you talking about?” My eyes went wide with

chance. Does someone like him even deserve

dead serious he was, I couldn’t hold back my laughter. John seemed to

head helplessly and stepped forward to smack him on the shoulder. “When you show the same amount of concern

response, I walked past him

appointment for her treatment overseas had been brought forward. We chatted for a while and she had to

John insisted on

group of children, but he had deliberately dressed in a simple outfit. His jaw was covered with stubble, making him