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“Right back at ya,” Bryce says.
He’s back in her good graces.
“You sacrificed yourself for that poor family,” Mom says.
“Their kids require medical attention. I could survive on rice and beans. I couldn’t live with myself if those kids couldn’t get the treatments they need.”
Mom reaches for my hand. “You have a kind soul, mi hija.”
“I have a kind soul, too,” Ciara pipes up.
“Oh, shut it!”
Mom purses her lips in discontent.
I amend my statement. “Good for you.”
Mom shakes her head. “I should’ve had sons.”
“I figured Cassie was well-off with her designer wardrobe, but I thought she was a trust fund baby—”
“Ciara, her profession doesn’t make her a bad person.”
“I never said that.” Her tone is defensive.
I shoot her a pointed stare. “I want to make sure it’s clear.”
“Crystal.”
“Good.”
Dad clears his throat. “Bryce, it appears… I owe you an apology. I might’ve jumped the gun.”
Bryce lifts a hand. “You’re protective of your daughter.”
He nods. “I am.”
“I get it. I’m as protective of her.” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “I’ve been in love with your daughter since our trip to Paris, but a corporate scandal kept us apart. Had it not been for that drama, I would’ve been in New York sooner, and it wouldn’t have taken this long for me to declare my love for her.” He leans into me and presses a soft kiss to my lips.
My face is the color of a stop sign.
Mom swoons.
Ciara oohs and ahhs.
My father pumps his chest out. “I like this man, Sofia.”
“So do I,” Ciara says. “I like him a lot.”
“It’s official, you’ve received the seal of approval,” Mom winks at Bryce.
Thank you, God.
“You won’t hear me complaining,” he says.
“Let me get you some dessert, Bryce,” my mom says, standing up.
“Thank you, Julia.”
