6. I Can't Marry Your Mother

“Spending time with Mommy is not a waste, Sir. Mommy is a wonderful woman. You can talk to her about anything. She knows everything! If you two are talking, I promise not to disturb you. I can play in the yard by myself. Besides,” Summer took a deep breath.

“Didn’t you two use to be best friends? I heard that you used to play and go on vacation together. I think Mommy would be very happy if you guys could relive the good times. Even now, Mommy still talks about it often. She really enjoyed your friendship. With Aunt Emily and Uncle Russell too!”

Louis fell silent for a moment. The times Summer had mentioned flashed through his mind. But in the blink of an eye, he buried them again.

“Sorry, I don’t have time for that. Besides, it’s all been a long time. Even if I did it again, nothing would change. I still can’t marry your mother. The one I love now is Grace Evans. She’s the one I’m going to marry.”

Summer pouted. Her eyes were suddenly thick and shadowy. Before she could express her annoyance, Louis had already grabbed the backpack on the table. Summer immediately jumped down, and protected the bag under her tiny body.

“Sir? Why are you going through my bag? That’s not nice! Besides, you’re not an airport official.”

“I can’t let you stay here. You have to go home immediately. Don’t you feel sorry for your mother? She’s worried about you. Now, return her passport.”

Summer’s lips pursed again. “You don’t have to worry about me, Sir. Even though I’m still little, I’m independent. I can take care of myself. Besides, I’m here with you. What are you afraid of?”

“Your mother is afraid that you will trouble me, and in fact, that has already happened. Therefore, you can not stay here for long.”

Louis pulled out the fully loaded backpack. Summer tried to stop him, but he was too fast.

“Where did you hide your mother's passport?” he asked with more emphasis.

Summer folded her arms across her chest. Her puffed cheeks made her face look rounder.

“Do you think I hid it in my backpack? Then keep looking. Even if an elephant can talk, you won’t be able to find it.”

Louis stopped rummaging through the small backpack. “You didn’t bring it?”

“What for? Mommy won’t be able to come here if I bring her passport.”

Louis sighed tiredly. He returned the small backpack to the table. There was no passport as far as he could see. Summer only brought clothes, a lunch box, a water bottle, and basic equipment for an adventure.

“Why are you going this far, Little Human? Do you realize that your act is harming others? You are making my life difficult,” Louis said, sounding desperate.

“How many times do I have to tell you, Sir? I want you to marry my Mommy,” Summer blurted out as she packed her bag.

“Why? Why me? Why don’t you find another guy? I’m sure your mother has a lot of friends. You said she’s a nice person. There must be someone out there who loves her and wouldn’t mind marrying her. Why are you forcing me? I already have a girlfriend, you know? Grace Evans and I are getting married soon!”

All of a sudden, Summer fell silent, her face dimmed. After closing her bag, she turned around. That's when Louis could see her eyes starting to fill with tears.

“I heard that people get married because they love each other. Mommy loves you, Mr. Louis Harper. Can’t you love her too? I would be so happy if you two got married.”

Louis' chest unexpectedly felt tight. Summer's small voice had shaken his heart. However, remembering Grace, who was waiting for his promise, he cleared his throat.

“Summer,” Louis bent his knees, holding her shoulders, “listen to me carefully. Marriage requires love from both sides. It can’t just be one-sided. That’s why I can’t marry your mother. I don’t love her. It would just be a one-sided love.”

“Why don't you love Mommy? She is a kind, beautiful, great mother. Why don't you just love her?”

Louis took a deep breath. Summer's sad gaze almost numbed his senses. He nearly told her the truth.

“Do you love Grace Evans?” Summer interrupted as Louis was thinking of an explanation.

"Of course," he answered in a thin voice.

Summer pouted. “Why? What makes you love Grace Evans? What makes her different from Mommy?”

Louis' gaze drifted away. The corners of his lips rose as his brain reviewed his lover.

“You know what? I am the number one bachelor in L City. To maintain my reputation, I have to find a comparable wife. Grace is the best choice.”

Summer furrowed her eyebrows. "What's a comparable wife?"

“A wife whose abilities are equal to mine. She has to be beautiful, smart, attractive. Grace has those criteria. Although sometimes, she speaks a bit coldly and curtly, her heart is kind.”

“Mommy is also beautiful, smart, and attractive. She is kind, and never speaks curtly.”

Louis’ lips turned stiff. “Yes, but I’m looking for someone who has the same background as me—a great businessman. Grace is the leader of a big company.”

“Mommy is also a leader. She often leads travel groups to various places. I think Mommy is also a great leader,” Summer nodded firmly.

Feeling amused, Louis ruffled her hair. “Yes, your mother is indeed a great leader.”

“Then why don’t you just marry Mommy?” Summer snapped.

Louis took a deep breath. He was starting to get confused about how to make the toddler understand.

Not getting an answer, Summer spoke again, “Sir, have you ever heard of it? People say that we laugh more when we are with the one we love. Can Grace make you laugh as much as Mommy does?”

Louis' mouth suddenly opened without a word. His vision was clouded, covered by the past. Sky's laughter, that used to shake his heart, now rang in his memory. Usually, he would laugh every time he heard it or at least, smile in admiration.