Taking Chances (7 page)

“Chloe is the best.”

My heart soared, but I wanted Patrick to let her finish.

“—and her being… may cause you both unnecessary trouble. I mean, I just don’t understand why you’d put yourself through that.”

“Because she’s worth it, and besides, times have changed. I don’t know if you heard, but there was this little thing called the civil rights movement.”

“Fine! I’m glad you’re having fun with this and making a joke out of my concerns.”

“That’s because they’re ridiculous. Does Dad share these concerns?”

“Oh, you know your father. He’s a romantic. He doesn’t realize that people will think—”

“What will people think? What? That I have a girlfriend who’s smart, sexy, funny, beautiful, and good to me? Yeah, I can see how that would worry you.”

“Okay, Mr. Wise Guy. What about your children? Have you thought about that?”

I suppressed a laugh, but Patrick was unable. “Mom! Are you serious? We just started dating.”

“You live with her, Patrick.”

“That came first, you know that. We didn’t expect for it to happen. You can’t help who you fall for.”

“You’re in love with her?”

I could hear Mrs. Murphy’s sharp intake of breath. It wouldn’t have been surprising to find she’d sucked all of the air out of the room.

“I don’t know. I could be. Do you need to sit down?”

“I just want you to be careful and to be sure. I love you, and life is hard enough without adding extra obstacles. I want you to be happy.”

“Chloe is not an obstacle.” I could hear Patrick take a deep breath. “If anything she has made it easier for me to deal with things. You have no idea.”

“Why don’t you tell me?”

“Well, for one thing I’m not the child you need to be worried about.”

“What does that mean?”

“We need to talk. All of us.”

I didn’t need to hear any more. I made my way back to the family room to inform Paul I’d be more than happy to take the ride with him. I had a feeling Patrick and his family wouldn’t even notice I’d gone.

The love story of Chloe and Patrick continues in book five, which will be available for Kindle download in time for Christmas.

How will Patrick’s family take the news about Charlotte? Will he get the role on
Shining Moments
? And will a tragedy bring Chloe and Patrick closer together or tear them apart? Find out when book five is available by December 23
rd
.

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Sharing Space
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