She stares into space, processing."Where is he now?Do they have his address?His number?"
I cover her trembling hands with mine."Honey, they can't give out that information without his permission."
Her bottom lip quivers as understanding dawns."He...he doesn't want to see me?"
I pull her close as the tears start."We had such a connection, Dad," she whispers against my chest."He understood me, made me laugh.I know you didn't like that he was older, but we never did anything wrong.He just listened, gave me advice about adjusting to Boston."
"I'm sorry, sweetheart."
She pulls back, staring into her tea.After a long moment, she sighs."Okay.I'm glad he didn't betray me, that he helped find you both.But I guess it's time to let go."She wipes her eyes."Mind if I call Rachel?"
"Go ahead."
I watch her leave, then glance at Alisha still curled up on the couch."Time to get sleeping beauty to bed," I murmur, lifting her carefully into my arms.She nuzzles against my chest as I carry her to our room.
The moment I lay her on the silk sheets, her eyes flutter open in panic."Cole?"
"Right here, babe."I kick off my shoes and slide in beside her.She immediately wraps herself around me, drifting back to sleep.
Perfect time for a siesta with my love.I watch her peaceful face, breathe in her sweet scent.My mind wanders, but when my gaze falls on our bedroom door, an idea sparks that makes me smile.
A few months ago, I never imagined being here, having these particular thoughts about the future.But life is full of surprises.Time to make plans – plans that will hopefully make everything even better.
45
ALISHA
I twist and turn in front of the full-length mirror, studying my reflection with growing frustration.
"Okay, enough.Spill it, girlfriend."
"What?"I shrug, meeting three pairs of knowing eyes in the mirror.
My best friends lounge on the black ottoman, watching me with matching smirks.They've cleared their busy schedules for this surprise shopping spree – Emma leaving Nick with the kids, Amanda having a friend cover Venus, and Bella taking a day off from painting.Just to help me through whatever funk I'm in.
"You've been sulking since we picked you up," Amanda points out.
Bella chuckles, glancing at the others."What do you think is bugging our girl?"
They huddle together in mock conference.After a moment, Emma speaks."What did the bulldozer do?"
A deep sigh escapes me as I fidget with my red dress."Nothing and everything!"
"That's a vague, contradictory description."Emma taps her lips."How can that man do nothing and everything at the same time?"
"Simple.With everything, I mean Cole's been doing the laundry, dishes, even grocery shopping these past four weeks."
"Okay, but where's the nothing part?"
I cross my arms, shaking my head at their cluelessness."Before we left the hospital, the doctor said I needed to take it easy.Cole's taken that advice to the extreme.He's been dodging or refusing sex of any kind for weeks!"
Laughter explodes through the boutique.Amanda snorts while Bella clutches her stomach.Only Emma maintains some composure, though her lips twitch as she approaches.
"Girl," she says, squeezing my shoulder, "you two have been through hell.The fact you got injured has brought out his protective side."
I flip my hair over one shoulder, smoothing my hands down the dress."Okay, but it needs to stop.That man is driving me nuts.He even refused a goddamn blowjob!"
More laughter erupts from my friends.
