“What?”
“I also started baking. That was my job. I brought baked goods to a local restaurant, where Miller was the chef. And I didn’t even realize it until I saw you again…but…I think I did it because it made me feel close to you. Even though I’d let you go. It smelled like home. Matt, you smell like home.”
He cradled my face in his hands. “Let’s get married.”
I laughed.
“I’m serious, Brooklyn. I don’t want to waste another second of my life without you.”
“You haven’t even met my son yet. And I…I’m not ready.” I’d told Miller that years ago. Because I was mourning Matt. “I need to take this slow. My heart really hurts. And I…”
“It’s okay. I’ve already waited half a lifetime for you. I can wait a few more days.”
“Days?” I laughed.
“Weeks?”
I shook my head.
“Months?”
I shrugged.
“Years?”
“Hmmm.”
“Baby, please.”
I pressed my lips against his. “We’ll figure it out. But first…I really want you to meet my son.”
Exposed - Chapter 19
Sunday
Matt
It had been a really long time since I’d smiled this hard. Brooklyn baked to feel close to me. She kept all those notes I’d passed her in class. She still had my varsity jacket. She was still mine.
Her heart had been broken the first time we met too. And I knew how to make her feel better. It wouldn’t take years. Or months. Maybe weeks. Weeks of reminding her that it was okay to smile and laugh. I’d always been good at making her laugh.
But I knew the most important part about our future was meeting her son. And him liking me.
I watched as she pulled a pair of worn jeans up her hips to replace the pants I’d torn. She turned toward me with a smile. Like she loved catching me watching her dress.
“Ready?” she asked.
“I babysit Scarlett a lot,” I said. “And Sophie, Rob’s daughter. I’m good with kids. But I’m used to hanging out with little girls.”
Brooklyn laughed. “That sounded really weird.”
“Yeah. Sorry. I’m a little nervous to meet him. I am good with Liam too. But he’s just a baby. I…”
“It’s going to be okay,” she said. “But he’s a little shy sometimes. So don’t be offended if he hides from you. He’ll love that you coach football. If you talk about that…” She shook her head. “Sorry, I’m nervous too. Is it okay if I just tell him you’re my friend?”
“Of course.”
She nodded. “I’ll go wake him. Just give me one minute.”
