Page 103 of My Damaged Protector

Yeah, I know that will be hard. But like I told him, I don't doubt his abilities. He can get this done.

“I have to go,” I say when I start to hear my aunt's voice singing alongside Ian's baritone voice from the dining room.

“Yeah, me too. Call me when you're there. And oh, fair warning, hire some cleaning staff on your way over so they can get the place ready for you before you get there.”

“Can't you do that for me?” I ask him. I'm not familiar with the town yet. “Just tell the realtor I need help. I'll pay for the extra charges.”

“Fine. Looks like I have to do everything for you,” he grumbles as he ends the call, but I know he means no offense. He's just being himself.

When I drop the phone, I finish getting dressed and walk out of my room to the sound of my aunt and Ian singing together. I didn't even know my aunt could sing until now.

Have I heard her murmur along to some lines of song over the years? Yes. But I didn't think she could sing.

Not like this anyway.

“Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way…“

They both sing together. My aunt uses tenor, Ian bass. I don't announce myself yet, not wanting to interrupt them.

I know the song they are singing. It's not a favorite of mine, but I have to admit, it's an enjoyable sound. The lyrics speak to me more whenever I hear it.

“Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all, and I stood tall

And did it my way…“

They both continue singing alongside the song blasting from the radio.

“Wait, I'll do this next one and you do the one that follows,” my aunt says excitedly. Ian gives her the go-ahead with a thumbs up.

Is it me, or have they bonded more in the past hours since I've been asleep?

They look so in tune it makes me wonder if things would be better for him and me if I wasn’t so much younger. My aunt starts to sing, distracting me from my thoughts.

“I've loved, I've laughed and cried

I've had my fill, my share of losing

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