Page 122 of The Love Syllabus

Vic watches us with a soft expression, then he cups my face gently, his thumb stroking my cheek. “Kerry, you can have any and everything you want. You don’t have to choose.”

I search his eyes, feeling overwhelmed in the best way possible. “What do you mean?”

Vic slightly leans back, shifting his gaze to the girls before returning to me. “Well, this has been quite a year, an amazing one,” He starts. “More than I ever could’ve imagined. I never thought I’d meet you.” His eyes soften. “I never thought I’d have a superstar soccer player for a daughter in Ari or a future dance star in Syd. I certainly didn’t predict they’d make so many friends.”

“Bestfriends!” Syd eagerly interrupts.

Vic chuckles. “Right. I wouldn’t have thought any of us would be this happy again. And it’s all because of you.”

My lips part, but he keeps going.

“I’d selfishly love for you to keep homeschooling the girls,” he admits. “But I know you miss your old school, and they definitely miss you.”

I tilt my head, curious. “So… what are you saying?”

He smirks. “What if… the girls enrolled in school, too? That way, all three of you could still see each other throughout the day, every day.”

The room goes completely still for a second before the girls gasp in unison.

Ari nearly jumps off the couch. “I get to see my best friends every day? OMG! Thank you, Dad!”

Syd is practically bouncing in place. “I can’t wait to get in trouble.”

We all burst into laughter.

Then, Vic turns back to me. “What do you think, babe? I want you to do what you love, and not just for the girls, but for all the kids in town.” He pauses, his eyes locked onto mine. “But only if it’s what you want.”

I don’t hesitate. I reach for him and press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. “I think… it’s a perfect idea.” I say, my voice full of certainty.

Syd and Ari practically explode with excitement.

“We have the best family ever!” Syd declares, throwing her arms around both Ari and me.

And I know, deep in my soul, that she’s absolutely right.

~~~

Steam curls from the shower as I step out and wrap myself in my plush robe while toweling off my damp curls, humming to myself, but my tune falters when I step into the bedroom and see Vic, my normally unshakable, take-no-prisoners, silver-tongued Chef, pacing back and forth with a stack of papers in hand.

His brows are drawn, and his jaw is tight. He’s so lost in his thoughts that he doesn’t even hear me approach.

“Victor Grey Beard Grimes!” I call out with my hands on my hips.

His head snaps up, and his eyes flicker from the documents to me like he’s been caught red-handed.

“If you don’t stop worrying and start getting dressed, we’re gonna have a problem,” I warn, stepping closer.

Vic groans and tries to sit and relax to no avail. Rubbing the back of his neck, he confesses, “Tonight isn’t just about the restaurant, Kerry. It’s about everything. The business. Our family. You and me. The life we’re building starts now.”

I hear his unspoken fears creeping in despite all the work he’s done to get to this point. I climb onto the bed behind him, then slide my hands over his broad shoulders and knead the tension from his muscles.

“Vic,” I look into his eyes, my voice steady and sure. “Tonight will be perfect, and everyone will be so proud. It’s the beginning of everything you ever wanted.”

His shoulders drop, and his body gives in to my touch, but before I can finish another slow stroke down his back, his hand shoots up, grabbing my wrist mid-massage. I barely have time to react before he pulls me forward, guiding me onto his lap, his hands anchoring me in place as his eyes hold mine.

His face is pure sincerity—raw, open, vulnerable. “Thisis everything I want, Kerry.” His voice is deep and unshaken. “The beauty you are. The joy you bring. The love that’s been reawakened in me.” He tightens his grip around my waist, like letting go isn’t an option. “I want tonight to be the beginning of our lives together.”

His lips crash into mine. Our kiss is deep and urgent as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, tasting and claiming me. A slow, desperate hunger builds between us, and I sigh against him, my hands sliding into his waves, tugging and needing more.

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