Shot at Love (Lauderdale Knights) by Kat Mizera

Author:Kat Mizera [Mizera, Kat]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-08-08T00:00:00+00:00

TEN

Adam

“Dad, what the hell is going on?” Vaughn demanded as we moved into the hallway.

“Not now, son.” I was tired, scared, and conflicted.

“She’s going to be okay.” His tone softened. “Juliet said it was a minor TIA and the doctor isn’t worried.”

“The doctor may not be worried, but I am.” I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. “I should have seen how tired she was, how⁠—”

“Okay, stop.” Vaughn eyed me. “This type of thing happens, and you know damn well she would never have admitted she didn’t feel well.”

“She was popping antacids like crack,” I muttered. “And not sleeping. I⁠—”

“Dad. Focus.” Vaughn stood in front of me. “Tell me how you’re married to my mother-in-law.”

“I fell in love with her.” I had a lot of complicated shit to think about, but my feelings for Maria were simple. “Look, I know it’s tricky for you to think about me as a man and not your father, but I’m fifty fucking years old. Your mom, the love of my life, died. Same with Maria’s husband. We are not related. There’s no biological relationship between in-laws. I wasted too much time in life already, so I wasn’t going to let her go. Not even for you.”

Vaughn seemed to take it all in, breathing deeply as our eyes remained locked. Finally, after what felt like an hour but was probably only about twenty seconds, he nodded. “That’s fair. You love her. She loves you. You want to be together. So why not just talk to us?”

“Because of that.” I jerked my thumb in the direction of Maria’s room, where Mario was still with her. “What the hell is he even doing here?”

Vaughn rolled his eyes. “Young new girlfriend, wanted to impress her with a long weekend in Vegas.”

“Figures.”

“What can I do?”

“Nothing. I appreciate the support.”

“Did you think I’d be upset?”

“I wasn’t sure,” I admitted.

“I’m upset you didn’t trust me with it, but I’m happy for both of you.”

“Thanks.” I clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Now. Go back to Phoenix. Maria’s on the mend, Juliet will be here soon and⁠—”

“You think I’m leaving before I have a chance to kiss my wife?” he asked glibly.

I chuckled. “Fair enough. You want to sit?”

Before I could answer, Mario came into the hallway, hands in his pockets. “We need to talk.”

“Okay.” I sank into the nearest chair, and Vaughn sat beside me, but Mario remained standing. “Say what you need to say.”

“Look, I know you think you’re in love,” Mario said quietly. “But the truth is, she vowed to love, honor, and cherish one man. My father. Maybe she married you, but she didn’t do it in the eyes of God. No matter what she said to you, her faith is important to her. So if this was about sex or⁠—”

“Don’t do that.” I interrupted him, though I kept my voice quiet. “Say what you need to say but keep it respectful because I can and will knock you out.”

“See? That’s what I’m talking about.

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