Page 23 of Before We Say I Do

“I understand why you felt you needed to keep your visits a secret. I wish you hadn’t, but why didn’t you tell me about my father-in-law?”

Her mouth opened, and her thoughts shuffled.

“I don’t know. I didn’t think about it, really. I was filled with thoughts of what I could do to help him.”

His brows furrowed, and he nodded, pulling her close to him. His arms slipped around her shoulders, and she dropped her head against his chest.

“I think we should postpone the wedding.”

London’s head lifted, her eyes lurching. “No! Why?”

“This is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. We can’t get married when there’s unresolved issues in your family that affects you.”

“But, baby, I love you. I don’t want to postpone the wedding.”

“I love you more. And it won’t be long, just to give your father and Dexter enough time to have a much-needed conversation.”

London shook her head vigorously. “No.”

“We have to.”

“No!” Her eyes watered. “This is not what I want. Do I get a say?”

His heart broke, seeing her distress.

“Borboleta.”

Tears ran down her cheeks.

“Please don’t cry. I’m not talking about days, but hours. Leave it to me. I’ll fix this.”

“How?”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll make sure to get your father and Dexter in a room. Where’s your phone?”

London reached in her jean pocket and retrieved her iPhone.

“Call Carla.”

She dialed Carla’s number and handed Kyle the phone. A second passed, then, “Ms. Jones.”

On the other end, Carla glanced at the caller ID, then put the phone back to her ear.

“Kyle?”

“Yes.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Can you come over and sit with London?”

“Of course. Where is she? What’s going on?”

“She can explain when you arrive. How long do you think it’ll take you to get here?”

“Um,” Carla fumbled the phone, almost dropping it to the floor as she raced out of the kitchen to grab her coat. “Fifteen minutes, I guess.”

“We’ll see you then.”

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