Page 110 of The Love Syllabus

I want to show up, especially for the ones who are still here. For my mother, who never once blamed me, who still looks at me like I’m one of her greatest accomplishments. And my brother, who carried his own grief but never let it turn into resentment against me.

And Tiara. My wife. My first love. The woman who spent her last breath asking me for one thing—to be present. And that’s my solemn swear to her, to our daughters, and Kerry.

To be here. Fully. For the love that still surrounds me. For the future waiting to be built. For the life I refuse to let slip through my fingers again.

Chapter 29

Kerry Kind’s Got A Man – Kerry

Igot a boyfriend! And he is sexxxy! He really loves me! And wants to marrrrryy me.??—Wait. Scratch that last part. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

After a long, emotional weekend full of drama, tears, and mind-blowing sex, Vic and I are officially dating! No more faking. No more holding back our emotions. We’retogether, together, and I couldn’t be happier. And I think he feels the same.

I mean, the man willingly shared his deepest pain with me this weekend, opened his heart, let me into his world, and I accepted it—all of it. All that he is, all that he’s been, and everything we can grow to be together.

So, yeah. I have a boyfriend.

And not just any ole’ boyfriend. My man is Victor Grimes. The Mr. Grumpy, no-nonsense, bossy chef himself. The same man who, as we speak, is knocked out, sprawled across the plush leather seat of his private plane, lookingrealpeaceful.

I bite my lip, trying not to grin like a fool. I did that.Me, Ms. Not So Inexperienced Anymore.

Because, ladies and gentlemen, I reverse-cowgirled that man until we came together, and rode off into the sunset, and now he’s out like a light.

But while Vic enjoys a deep, satisfied sleep, I, of course, amstressingbecause that’s what I do. And because reality is waiting for us back home. Therefore, I need to know what happens now?

I shift in my seat, peeking over at him. “So… what do we tell the girls?”

He groggily stretches, flexing those ridiculous muscles and wrapping an arm around me before groaning, “We just tell the girls we’re in love and we’re gonna live happily ever after like one of their fairy tale stories.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m serious, Vic! Do you expect us to fake it at home? Like business as usual?”

Vic smirks, tilting his head. “Kerry, be real. Did weeverdo a good job faking it?” I scowl, but before I can argue, he grins. “You drool every time you see me.”

“The lies you tell! You findeveryexcuse to pull aPR stunti.e. take me out on a date.”

He chuckles. “Okay, fair. We’ll sit them down when we get home and have a talk, but since we’re on the subject of rooms…” He shifts, turning fully toward me.

“Actually, we weren’t on that subject, and I’m keeping my room during the weekdays.”

His jaw drops dramatically. “But what if I wanna— But what if I need— Dammit, Kerry, at this point, it’s legally mandatory for me to be inside you every day. And I want you in my bed…ourbed.”

“You’ll survive.” I smirk, shaking my head.

He lets out a heavy sigh, “Barely.”

The remainder of our plane ride is fun, flirty, and filled with business. Vic is deep into restructuring Grimes Hospitality Group, talking about some “major changes” he’s planning for his empire. Meanwhile, I’m planning the girls’ school week, checking my emails—okay, mass deleting emails about myself.

Articles, tags, posts about my mugshot, theories about my so-called rap sheet, and statements from Cory’s little minions trying to paint me as the villain.

Surprisingly, however, I don’t really give a damn. Not even a little. So much so that I finally decide to put an end to Cory’s nonsense once and for all.

I send a group text to my friends and family, letting them know it’s time.

Vic glances at his phone, reading the message, and I feel his eyes on me. He looks proud. He nods, squeezing my hand, silently telling me he’s got my back.

Beverly Mills-Greer Crew

Me:We’re touching down soon, and I’m determined to enjoy the rest of my life in peace, love, and happiness. So… let’s put this shit to rest (sorry, Mom and Dad, for the language). Leak the recordings.

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