Coop gave her a watery smile. “You look beautiful.”
Nodding, it took a moment before she could speak past the painful lump lodged in the back of her throat. “So do you.”
“I’m sorry, baby.” He shook his head slowly, more tears falling when he blinked. “I’m so sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.”
“Yes, I do.” Coop’s heart-stricken eyes locked with hers. “I promised you our story was just beginning. I lied.” His voice cracked.
Mac’s chin began to quiver, but she forged on. “It wasn’t a lie. We had a beautiful story. For a while, at least.”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t give you the fairytale ending you deserved.”
“I never wanted a fairytale,” she told him truthfully. “I only wanted you.”
“Baby…”
“Can I give him a hug?” she begged Henry. “Please.”
His hardened eyes actually appeared to have softened some. Almost as if he regretted what he planned to do.
“One hug.”
Mac rushed to Coop, hugging him so tightly she nearly knocked him over. With her hands wrapped around his restrained arms, she prayed for a miracle. She prayed for him to be spared.
“The team’s outside,” she whispered low enough only he could hear. “Limited access and too big a risk to come in like this. I’ll do what I can. I’m so sorry, Sean.” Then because it might be her last chance to ever say it, she whispered, “I love you. I’ve always loved you.”
“God, Mac.” Coop leaned into her embrace. “I love you, too.”
Their blood and tears mixed together as Mac held her cheek against his. She closed her eyes, ignoring the tears pouring down her face as she took in every last second they had together.
“I want to hold you so fucking bad right now.” He jerked against the unyielding cuffs.
Though it was the last thing she wanted to do, Mac pulled away. With a soul-deep stare, she looked into the eyes of the man she loved.
“You are holding me, Sean.” She patted her chest above her heart. “Right here.”
His handsome face started to crumble, but he regained control and nodded. “Always.”
