“He’s just better than all of them,” Annabelle finished softly. “I fought him for so long, fought the feelings I knew were inside me, but I don’t want to anymore.”
“Then don’t,” Macy said.
“He may not forgive me.”
“He will,” Branna said. “But you need to call him, Belle, and take the first step.”
They laughed and talked until the sun started to sink in the sky, and then they packed everything up and headed back to the house. The day that had started badly had ended so much better for Annabelle. Time with her friends had cleared her head and left her feeling happier.
Arriving home, she found Declan and Cooper in the living room, which was her first surprise, as he hadn’t left his room since arriving here. The baby was once again on her brother’s lap and seemingly content. He squealed when he saw his mother.
“Everything went well?” Annabelle questioned both men.
“Excellent, and your brother beat me at cards, which did not endear him to me, but I shall take it on the chin,” Declan said, getting to his feet.
While Macy gathered up Billy and said her goodbyes to Cooper, Annabelle walked Declan out to his car.
“Annabelle, your brother is getting stronger, but I understand that his moods are still uncertain?”
She nodded.
“You must be firm with him now, and not let him walk all over you, my dear. I understand your feelings of guilt. Rational or irrational, they are yours to bear, as mine are with Branna, but I beg you to remember that when Cooper heals you will have your life back.” He gripped her shoulders, turning her to face him. “And if your heart is now full, I would ask you not to walk away from that because Cooper is making you feel as if you must.”
“It’s like being torn in two,” Annabelle whispered. “As if to heal one, I have to turn away from the other.”
“It doesn’t have to be that way. Ethan is a man of great compassion and understanding, and one who I believe is the perfect partner for you.”
“I’m not sure how you know all this.”
“If you mean how I know not to turn away from the one you love, then you need only understand how I treated my daughter to understand where my words come from.”
She heard the sorrow in his voice. Even though they had been reunited, the guilt of what had happened still sat heavy on his shoulders.
“And as for Ethan, I know because I see it in you both, even though you take pains to hide it.”
Annabelle put her arms around him and hugged him hard and he returned the gesture.
“Thank you, Declan, and I promise to think about what you’ve said.”
“Then that is all I can ask,” he said before climbing into his car to drive away.
Macy left a few minutes later, and Branna followed, taking Annabelle’s hands in hers before she got into her car.
“Call him, Belle, and tell him you love him. Don’t wait, do it now… tonight.”
“I’ll think about it.”
Branna gave her a hug, then climbed into her car and drove away, leaving Annabelle alone once more with her brother.
“You want something to eat now or a drink, Coop?” she said, walking back into the house.
“I’m good, thanks. Declan and I ate some toast and eggs that he fixed.” He was still sitting on the floor with his back against the sofa. He reached out a hand towards her. “Will you sit with me and listen to what I need to say?”
She sat beside him on the floor, stretching her legs out in front of her.
“Nice shoes,” he said.
“Thanks. I got them in Brook a while back.”
