What am I going to do?
37
COLE
"Another contract in the bag."Nick drops the files on his desk with a satisfying thud, flashing me that signature confident smirk of his.I nod and lean back in my office chair, the leather creaking beneath me.The familiar scent of coffee and paper fills the air – another successful day at Brown & Walker Enterprises.
A small knock breaks through the quiet, followed by a distinct voice that never fails to brighten any room."Daddy, are you done with work?"
Nick's entire demeanor transforms at the sound of his daughter's voice.The shrewd businessman vanishes, replaced by a doting father as he makes his way to the door.I twist in my chair, catching sight of Charlotte standing there, her small arms wrapped protectively around a metal box.The uncannily warm smile she sends her father could melt ice, but when her eyes land on me, they light up with pure excitement.
"Uncle Cole!"She bursts into the office, practically bouncing with each step."I made something for you!"
My eyebrows shoot up as I straighten in my chair.Charlotte's enthusiasm is contagious, her whole face glowing as she stops beside me.She rocks back and forth on her heels, extending the box with both hands like she's presenting a treasure.
"For me?"
"Yes!"Her chest puffs with pride."I made them with Mommy.They're for Samantha, Alisha, and you."
"Oh, can I open it?"
"Yes!"she chirps, practically vibrating with anticipation.
I lift the metal box's lid, and the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies hits me first.My lips curl into an instant grin as Nick places his hands on Charlotte's shoulders, both of us peering at her handiwork.
"These are for Samantha," Charlotte announces with all the authority of a museum curator, pointing to perfectly shaped piano cookies.Her small finger moves to the next batch."And these are for Alisha because she calls you a bulldozer."
A deep laugh rumbles through my chest, matched by Nick's booming chuckle.The cookies are unmistakably bulldozer-shaped, complete with tiny chocolate chip wheels.My mind flashes to Alisha's teasing voice, the way her eyes sparkle whenever she uses that nickname.
"And these," Charlotte giggles, saving what's clearly her masterpiece for last, "are for you."She points to cookies shaped like high heels, meticulously covered in red sprinkles."Mommy said you love it when Alisha wears red heels."
Our laughter echoes off the office walls, and Charlotte beams, clearly pleased with her success at making the adults laugh.The joy radiating from this little girl is pure magic.
God, this girl is golden.
"I love them, Charlotte.May I taste one?"
She shrugs with an adorable attempt at nonchalance."Sure."
I select one of the heel-shaped cookies, taking a careful bite.The crispy texture gives way to a perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla, clearly Emma's expert touch combined with Charlotte's loving effort."Hmm, these are amazing."
Charlotte's face lights up even brighter – if that's possible."I heard Mommy and Daddy say that you were sad."Her voice softens, taking on that uniquely childlike mixture of wisdom and innocence."Now, when you're unhappy, you can eat one of these.They will make you smile."
The thoughtfulness behind her gesture hits me square in the chest.This little girl, with her big heart and observant nature, saw right through my carefully constructed walls.Without hesitation, I place the box on Nick's desk and open my arms.Charlotte launches herself forward, wrapping her small arms around my neck in a fierce hug that speaks volumes.
The hug is interrupted by Charlotte's sudden question: "You're sweet, Uncle Cole.When are you and Alisha going to have a baby?"
The innocent query hits like a sucker punch.I lean back, staring at her earnest face as she blinks those big, expectant eyes at me.My throat tightens – this kid has an uncanny ability to ask the most disarming questions.
Nick clears his throat, running a hand along the nape of his neck as he chuckles.In one smooth motion, he scoops Charlotte off the ground, saving me from having to answer."Hey, Smarty, how did you come up with that question?"
She turns her attention to her dad, her little face scrunched in serious thought.Despite my lingering unease, I can't help but grin at her response.
"Liam will need a best friend when he grows older," she explains, as if it's the most logical thing in the world."And since you and Cole are best friends, I thought that if Alisha and Cole have a baby, he and Liam can be best friends too."
Nick plants a kiss on Charlotte's cheek, his eyes meeting mine briefly with understanding."Don't worry about your little brother, Smarty.He will make friends, and right now, he's a baby who loves having his big sister around."
He tickles her then, and Charlotte's squealing laughter fills the office.But as I watch them together – this perfect picture of father and daughter – something dark and heavy settles in my chest.My jaw clenches against the familiar surge of anger and loss.I should have had this with Samantha.Should have been the dad who picked her up from school, taught her to ride a bike, read her bedtime stories.Fifteen years of moments stolen because of one person's selfishness.
