Page 59 of Mine to Love
Miles shook his head and watched his mom climb into her patrol car and drive away.
“She’s an interesting character.” Liberty leaned into his body and rested her head on his shoulder. “I can’t believe Gabriel walked all the way home. That’s like six miles.”
“It won’t be too long before the news of his return hits Charlie’s ears.” Miles wrapped his arm around Liberty. “He’s either going to come straight here or make a beeline for Palm Beach, or worse, the airport.”
She groaned. “And my father will be here in a couple of hours.”
“Come on. Let’s go check on Gabriel and then read those emails. My mom will need that information and I’d rather pawn it off on my dad before he even gets here. You’re as exhausted as Gabriel. I want you to nap before you see your dad.”
“That actually sounds amazing.”
Miles helped her to her feet and yanked her to his chest. “I want you to know that I care about you. A lot. It’s not a fleeting moment. Or a fling that will burn out in a few weeks. Whatever this is, I’ve never felt it before and I have no intention of going anywhere.”
“I know. But one thing at a time. Let’s deal with Charlie. Then my dad.” She sighed. “And then maybe we can finally go out on that date.”
13
Liberty sat in front of her laptop at the kitchen table. Gabriel had passed out minutes after Jameson and his friend left. Gabriel had been a little dehydrated but, otherwise, physically fine.
But the emotional scars would last a lifetime.
Miles stood behind her with his hands firmly planted on her shoulders, massaging gently. Somehow, he’d become her rock. There was no way she’d be able to handle any of this without his kindness or support.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard. She stared at her father’s email. The first one had an attachment from an email she used when she first met Charlie. But he talked her into getting a new one. A Livingston one.
The second email had an attachment from that email.
“Here goes nothing.” She opened the email and then the attachment.
“Dad,”she began reading out loud.
“I appreciate the money. Thank you. However, you should know I’m dating Charlie Livingston and things are serious. Interesting turn of events, isn’t it? Anyway, that doesn’t change what you did and I certainly don’t forgive you. Call me selfish,but I want that money. For Gabriel. However, I’ve moved and changed banks. Here is the new routing numbers. Please start making those monthly payments there. And know the money is going to take care of Gabriel. His education. His needs.
Liberty.”
“I never fucking wrote that.” She let out a long breath. “It doesn’t even sound like me.”
“Nope. It does not.”
“How could my father even think it was or that I’d need his money if I was marrying that fucking asshole?”
“Guilt makes people do and believe strange things. Trust me. We watched my parents behave in all sorts of weird ways while they lied to us about Jameson’s paternity.” Miles waved his finger over the screen. “Keep reading.”
“Liberty,
Wow. I’m not even sure what to say. Congratulations. Although, I’m shocked that you would have any kind of romantic involvement with Charlie Livingston. Besides you not wanting anything to do with that kind of lifestyle, the boy is a bit of an idiot. I can’t tell you how many times his grandfather or I have had to bail him out of a bad business decision, but maybe he’s grown up. It can happen. But I doubt it when it comes to Charlie because, well, you may not know this, but I own the majority of Livingston Development. Very long story that I’m not sure you’re ready for and if you were, I’d keep that information to yourself. Unless you need it to protect yourself and Gabriel. The money will start showing up in the new bank account next month. I’m sorry about what I did. But the note explained it all. If you ever want to talk about that, I’m here.
No matter what, I’ll always be your dad where it mattered.”
“What the fuck does that mean?” She glanced over her shoulder. As if being her father was more important in certain areas of her life than others.
“Unfortunately, I believe I know the answer,” Miles mumbled, pulling up a chair. “Is there any more in that email chain?”
“Just one stating that I will no longer be using that addy and directing him to a new one.”
“All right, open the next one.” Miles waved his hand over the keyboard.
She inhaled sharply, clicking on the next email from her father.
