Chloe by J.H. Cardwell

Author:J.H. Cardwell [Cardwell, J.H.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 22

It was time to face the music…that would be the scratchy, hideous melody of his parents. His dad wasn’t doing well at all, and was in a top-notch rehab facility undergoing therapy of sorts. From what I understood, they had stopped all treatments and were on strictly palliative care. I wanted to feel sorry for John’s dad for all that he was going through, and for the dark future that plagued him. But John was so cold and calculated every time he spoke to his dad or about his dad that it was hard to.

Mr. Rider senior had sent a request for us to come and visit him. I knew it was to discuss our marriage. I’m sure he really didn’t approve. I wasn’t anywhere near the pedigree I’m sure he wanted for John. While I would have my bachelor’s degree soon, I had no plans for further education and my family tree didn’t yield gold branches. Needless to say, I was nervous to be visiting this dying man.

“Chloe?” John broke my reverie and reached over grabbing my hand, encasing it in his warmth. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll be standing with you the entire time. I won’t let him get to you, okay?”

I only nodded. I knew John would try his best, but he couldn’t control what came out of his father’s mouth, or what condemning thoughts he would have of me.

“He’s going to love you for merely your gorgeous looks if nothing else. He always has been a ladies man.” John turned to me and our eyes locked. “I don’t care if he was nearly blind, it would be hard for him to miss your perfection.” He cleared his throat and looked back out the window. I knew then that he was nervous too. His sweaty palm was another dead giveaway.

Pulling up to the curb at the center, his driver dropped us off with promises to wait and pick us back up when John called for him. I wanted to say ‘please wait right here in case I come running back’. Instead, I longingly looked at the car and let John lead the way for our visit. I was hoping that visit would be just a few minutes.

After locating his father’s suite - not just a room, but a remarkable lavish, humongous, suite – we both took a moment to compose ourselves before walking in. John squeezed my hand tight when I tried to pull it free.

“Now Chloe, Chloe. How quick you forget. We’re doing this together, remember? I’m not letting you go.” His eyes held mine for several beats, the depth of his gaze making my mind feel…hopeful? Don’t Chloe! But, I did. I think deep down I was hoping that saying had a double meaning.

Walking in, I saw John let out a deep breath. Seeing his father for the first time in weeks had to be shocking. The man lying in the bed looked nothing like the strong, handsome, man I had seen in photos.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.