Love Rents A Room
Chapter 148: To Keep A Promise

Chapter 148: To Keep A Promise

Philip let out a soft, breathy chuckle. "He tossed me into his truck like a sack of potatoes—strong man for someone so lean—and drove me to his farm. The whole truck reeked of moonshine and pine... and yet, I’ve never felt safer in my life."

Christina listened, speechless, her breath caught in her chest.

Philip’s smile faded into solemnity. "They followed us. I saw their car not five minutes behind. But Sean—he wasn’t even worried. There was fire in those eyes. He knew men like that. Knew how they thought, how they hunted. He used to run with a mob, back in the day—before he walked away from that life."

He drew a breath, voice quiet but steady. "That night, he made calls. Friend of a friend, old ties. Arranged a meeting. He talked directly to the boss who wanted me dead. And somehow... somehow, he convinced them I wasn’t worth killing. Just like that, the bounty was gone."

Philip paused, gaze distant. His voice lowered, thick with wonder.

"He did all that for a stranger. I don’t think I even gave him my full name. He just... helped me. Fed me. Gave me a place to sleep. No questions. No favors owed. Just... kindness. That house, that night—it felt warmer than any place I’ve ever stayed. Still does."

He turned to Christina, his eyes gentle. "I owe him my life, Chrissy."

Christina lifted a trembling hand to her mouth, overwhelmed. All these years... and she had never known. All the quiet reverence Philip held for a man she once saw as little more than a drunk farmer—it made sense now. More than sense. It humbled her.

Her heart ached under the weight of it—the danger Philip had faced, the gratitude he’d carried, and the shame she now felt for not understanding, for not asking.

"I’m so sorry," she whispered. "I should’ve trusted you then. I should’ve stood by you completely. If I’d known... if I’d just asked..."

Philip shook his head gently and brought her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "You’re here now," he murmured. "That’s what matters."

She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder, holding on tightly as if to say she’d never let go again. The summer breeze stirred around them, lifting the scent of roses and warm earth, rustling the leaves above the gazebo.

The half-finished green sweater sat forgotten in her lap.

A bond that began in blood and fear had grown into something rare—something beautiful. A quiet thread woven into the foundation of their family, reaching forward through time.

It continued the day Joanne Smith saved Jeffrey’s life.

And maybe... just maybe... that’s why their grandson had found his way to Sean Smith’s granddaughter.

Fate, after all, had a long memory.

"I visited Sean when he was sick," Philip said softly. "His only worry was his granddaughter. He knew she’d be heartbroken after him..." He let out a sigh. "Even then, he didn’t breathe a word about the debts. That stubborn man... Lived and died on his own terms. An inspiration."

Christina’s smile wavered a little. What wife would be thrilled to hear her husband call dying inspiring?

Philip turned to her, gentler now. "I want to keep that promise, Chrissy. Whether Jeffrey and Joanne stay together or not, I want my family to honor what I gave my word on. Will you do that for me?"

She reached over, her fingers curling around his. Her throat ached. He was speaking like this was the beginning of a farewell, and she hated it.

Still, she nodded. She would remember. She would carry it forward, even if he couldn’t.

"So... you’ve met Sean’s family?" she asked, nudging the topic to safer ground. "You knew Joanne’s father?"

Philip chuckled. "Oscar? He was a good lad. Asked me all sorts of questions about logistics... Wanted to start his own business. Smart boy. Strong, kind—he had his father’s fire. It was a tragedy, the way fate took him so early."

His expression softened into something fonder. "But he left behind a beautiful legacy. Poppet’s got all the best of both of them."

"You mean Joanne’s company?" Christina leaned forward, surprised. "It was her father’s idea?"

Philip nodded. "That’s the one. And our Jeffrey’s there now, trying to help her save it."

Christina’s eyes lit up. "How wonderfully full circle that is..."

Philip laughed, pride glimmering in his voice. "I thought he was just being stubborn when he insisted on staying with her... but now? That boy’s finally growing up."

Christina felt her heart lift at the joy in his voice. It had been so long since he’d looked proud of Jeffrey. Her chest swelled seeing it now.

"Poor child has suffered a lot lately," she murmured, thinking of Joanne. "Good thing Jeffrey’s there. He didn’t ask you for help?" Christina asked, mainly to talk proudly about her grandson. He always had the potential to be great, he just lacked the conviction. Just by being with Joanne Smith, he had gotten that conviction. She knew she didn’t have to worry for him again.

"No," Philip shrugged lightly. "I don’t know if he’s assuming I’m the safety net or if he’s finally ready to stand on his own two feet. But it’s good—he’s taking responsibility. And he has Joanne by his side. I can’t wait to see what they build together."

Christina leaned back with a long, contented sigh. "Wouldn’t great-grandbabies be grander?" She liked the idea of them facing troubles and overcoming them, building the company or whatever, but... Babies bring more joy than anything else.

Philip choked out a laugh. "They’re not married yet, Chrissy."

She gave him a long, pitying look. "Darling, which century are you living in? Those two are under the same roof. Sharing a bed, I’d bet. You think they’re just talking about spreadsheets?"

Philip snorted, amused but still caught in his old-fashioned sensibilities.

Christina tilted her head thoughtfully. "Still... a wedding would be fun."

Then her face brightened with a sudden spark of inspiration. "Why don’t you invite her—for something like a hunting trip? I want to get to know her better..."

Philip raised a brow. "That’s a good idea..."