Page 89 of Deadline for Love

“I’m fine! But Dad teased me today,” she pouted and then pointed with her hand to Justin, who was sitting on the bench in the garden and pierced me with a wicked look. Well, I had kept my promise to Amara from before, and I made Aaliyah love me. Not more than her father, but still.

“Oh, no, how could he?’’

“He won’t let me eat ice cream because I had a cold, but he doesn’t believe me when I say I’m fine.’’

Justin was overprotective.

With Aaliyah in my arms, I walked over to the bench in their garden and sat down next to him.

“Your father doesn’t mean any harm; he loves you very much and wants you to stay healthy.’’

Justin stopped staring at me and gave me a grateful look. He had probably thought I was bad-mouthing him as usual, but not today.

“Come and sit with your dad, sweetie, and I’ll take you out for ice cream in a minute. But just a little scoop.”

Justin sighed, but he didn’t object as Aaliyah scooted over with round eyes and hugged him.

He lifted her onto his lap and placed a kiss on her forehead.

“I’m sorry, my angel. But if you’re going with Bella in a minute, you have to promise me you’ll only eat a little. I don’t want you to get sick again.”

She nodded sweetly, which brought a smile to my face.

Justin and Amara had bought a house at the edge of the city after the wedding, and it was massive. The garden had lots of toys. Aaliyah was spoiled by everyone. I looked at the swing and remembered how I had built it with Amara. We made so many mistakes that Justin joined us to save the project. We had so much fun.

“Are you going to the Santiago’s today?” Justin asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, I promised Maria I’d be there today for the reopening. We’ve been rearranging the restaurant for weeks, and Enzo is so excited. They had both missed working.”

Justin laughed, “Yeah, it’s been a long time.”

I nodded. “They needed the time to rest and process everything.”

Aaliyah didn’t understand what it was about; she looked between Justin and me and then took my hand. “Can I come too?’’

“Your parents are definitely invited, so I’m sure you’ll be there too.” She clapped her hands and looked just like her mother.

Then she took off and ran through the garden, which made me laugh. She was a bright, sweet girl.

“Thank you for everything, Bella. You supported us after everything Amara went through and I can’t thank you enough.”

Amara almost died giving birth to Aaliyah, and Aaliyah had a hard time, too, being so premature.

It was hard for everyone, and I hoped and prayed every day that they would both be healthy. She means a lot to me.

“In general, all that you do for others is commendable and deserves respect. I hope Nathan spoils and treats you like a queen.”

I had to laugh at his comment. “He does, no worries.”

After everything had settled down, Nathan and I got married with all our friends and families present. I still remember Nathan getting down on one knee at the altar to put my wedding ring on, which made Maria whistle loudly until Enzo stopped her and made her stay in her seat. Everyone had fun as we celebrated and danced the night away. Maria and Enzo took turns dancing with me, and I was overjoyed to have such a wonderful day. Nathan carried me in his arms, and I truly enjoyed it all.

“Amara and I are at the top of the list of people who will hurt him if he dares to break your heart.”

“Don’t worry, he’s very good to me—”

“Bella, come, let’s swing,” Aaliyah interrupted and grabbed my hand, and I stood up with her so she could lead me to the swing.

I helped her sit and gave her a gentle push. Her laughter grew louder as the summer breeze blew around us, matching the singing of the birds in the surrounding trees.

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