Page 140 of The October Arrangement

“Dad, stop. Mom.” She looked at Bella.

“Simon, don’t ask questions you don’t want the answers to. We talked about this.”

“Okay. Thanks for helping me, but you two can go home now,” Olivia said.

“Excuse me?” My brow arched.

“I love you, baby.” Bella walked over and hugged her. “I want all the college gossip.”

“Don’t worry, Mom. I promise to tell you everything.”

This moment. The one I’d been dreading since they found out they were accepted into Harvard.

“Daddy.” Olivia wrapped her arms around me. “Thank you for everything.”

“You’re welcome, princess.” I hugged her. “Before I leave, I have something for you.” I reached into my pocket and pulled out an envelope.

“What is this?” Olivia grinned.

“Open it and find out.” I smiled.

She opened the envelope, took out the piece of paper, and unfolded it. Instantly, her brows furrowed.

“Simon,” Bella said in a warning tone. “What is that?”

“Business, Bella. This is between my daughter and me.”

“Mom, it’s a list of ten rules. Do something.”

“Give me that.” Bella walked over and took it from her hand.

“Rule One. Answer your phone. If I have to call three times and there’s no answer, I’m already on my way.

“Rule Two. Never get into a car with someone who’s been drinking.”

“Rule Three. Your drink never leaves your hand.”

“Rule Four. No boys in your dorm. NO EXCEPTIONS.”

“Rule Five. Trust your gut always.”

“Rule Six. Don’t walk alone at night.”

“Rule Seven. You are to call us every day.”

“Rule Eight. You will come home once a month.”

“Rule Nine. School comes before anything else.”

“Rule Ten. There’s nothing you can do that will make me stop being your father.”

“I think these are very reasonable rules,” Bella said.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” I smiled.

I took the list of rules from her and pinned it up on Olivia’s bulletin board.

“There. Now you’ll be reminded of them every day,” I said.