“Life is short. I don’t think it’s good to let her dwell in the past. Let’s find a way to help her move forward. The baby is a huge loss. I’m not saying forget her, just learn to live without her.”
“That’s easier said than done. You saw Brooke tonight.”
“She’ll work her way out of this. I think having something like a wedding to look forward to will help settle her.”
“She never said she’d marry me. In fact, she said she wouldn’t.”
“You surprised her. I think that’s good. Keep her on her toes, but make it clear you really do love her. After all this time, Cody, it’s hard for her to believe you mean it. It’s what she’s always wanted, but this isn’t the ideal circumstance for her to get what she wants. She’s going to have a hard time believing you aren’t doing this because of what happened.”
“I don’t know how to convince her.”
“You don’t need to convince her. Just love her. She’ll see it. She’ll feel it. And soon, she’ll respond to it. She won’t be able to deny it. She loves you, and she wants to be loved by you. Give her what she wants. You know how.”
He wished he had Susanne’s confidence. Right now, he could use even a little of it. “I have no idea where to begin with her.”
“You’ve been her best friend for the last ten years. That’s a good place to start.”
He looked past her at Brooke, sleeping peacefully in bed. Right where he wanted to be.
“I’ll say goodnight. Sleep well, Cody.”
He stepped into the room and sat on the bed next to Brooke as she whimpered in her sleep. “Hey, Brooke, you’re okay,” he whispered, hoping to soothe her without waking her.
“Cody,” she called out, her eyes flying open.
“Yeah, baby, it’s me. You’re okay. You’re safe.”
She sucked in a ragged breath and let it out. “What time is it?”
“Nearly eleven. Go back to sleep.”
She turned to him. “Lie with me. Just until I fall asleep.”
“I’ll stay as long as you like.”
He shifted and settled in beside her on his side so he could see her beautiful face. “I’ve missed you so much, Brooke.”
“I missed you, too.” She bit her lip. “I’m sorry about what happened with Kristi.”
“That’s over. We don’t have to talk about her ever again.”
“But you loved her.”
“Maybe once. It’s hard to tell now. What I do know is that I love you more than anything or anyone. I knew it six months ago. I know it now. And I’ll spend the rest of my life making up for letting you go. I won’t make that mistake again, Brooke. I promise.”
“What do you think she would have looked like?”
“When I think of her, I see you. A pretty little girl with your slightly up-tilted nose, green eyes, sweet smile, and dark hair.”
She quirked her brow. “Not blonde?”
“Maybe light brown hair. A shade between yours and mine.”
That earned him a soft grin. “And her eyes are blue, not green, and filled with your certainty and strength, with a little mischief mixed in.”
He choked up at the thought and how much he loved lying here with her, talking about their little girl. “She’s got your kind heart and laugh. She giggles like you did when you were young and laughed at all my jokes.”
A tear slipped past her lashes and rolled down her cheek. “And she’s smart as a whip, like you.”
