Total pages in book: 134
Estimated words: 131209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 437(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131209 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 656(@200wpm)___ 525(@250wpm)___ 437(@300wpm)
I looked over at the clock and it read twelve twenty.
“Merry Christmas,” I said to myself. I was about to take a sip of my drink, when I heard the light knock on my door.
I looked around the room confused that anyone would be at my door that late. Never did I imagine who would be standing on the other side…
Awaiting me with open arms.
<>B<>
It had been a month since he walked out of my life. I threw myself right back into work, pretending as if he had never come into my life to begin with.
I wish I could tell you it was easy.
I wish I could tell you that I didn’t think about him.
I wish I could tell you I didn’t care.
But again…
I would be lying.
It was Christmas Eve and I got dressed for a Christmas party at my parents’ house. I wore a black pencil skirt and a red button down blouse, with my black Louboutin shoes. I curled my hair and framed it all around my face.
Hiding.
My father and I had not spoken since that day at the restaurant. He had left several messages, but I had ignored each and every one. I was nervous to see him again, but I knew he wouldn’t try to talk to me in front of all his guests. I was safe. I still didn’t know how I even felt about the situation.
By the time I made it to my parents’ house, the same one I grew up in, the round circular driveway was packed with cars. I grabbed the bottle of Cabernet that I brought with me, and asked the hostess at the door if they could get the Christmas presents out of my car. They quickly obliged.
I was greeted with a glass of champagne that I took down in one gulp, and grabbed another. I found my mother first.
“Brooke baby, I have missed my girl,” Mom said, pulling me into a hug.
“Hi, Mom,” I greeted, hugging her back.
“Let me see you.” She pulled away, grabbing me by my shoulders. “You’re so beautiful. I’m so happy you’re here.”
I smiled.
“Your father is around here somewhere and your sisters are by the bar.”
“Okay.”
“I love you, baby.”
“I love you, too, Mom.”
She hugged me one last time before I walked into the living room and was pulled in all sorts of directions; hugging and greeting everyone.
“Hey, sis,” Courtney addressed with April standing beside her.
“What are you two lushes doing over here?”
They laughed. “Wait until you have kids, Brooke, you will have a glass of wine every night,” April said.
“But they’re so cute to make up for it.”
“They are. Have you seen them?” she asked.
“I think I did, they were playing with some other kids that I didn’t recognize.”
“Hey, Brooklyn, long time no see,” Jeff, Courtney’s husband interrupted.
“Hey, doll,” I replied, kissing his cheek.
“Do you mind if I steal my wife from you. I would like to take her to the dance floor.”
Courtney lovingly smiled. “He’s just trying to get laid.”
“Well, you have three kids, I’m pretty sure he gets laid often. By all means.”
“We will catch up later.”
“Of course.”
“How have you been? I feel like I haven’t talked to you in months,” April said, as we watched them walk away.
“You know me… a little of this, a little of that. I’m all over the place.”
“You always were, even when we were kids. You always had to march to the beat of your own tune.”
I nodded, laughing.
“God, look at them,” she noted, nodding toward our parents. “Can you believe they’re still that happily married?”
They were holding each other close, dancing. Dad caught our stare and he sadly smiled over at us, but I knew it was meant for me.
“I’m going to go find Greg, and our kids who seem to be lost somewhere.”
“Sounds good.”
She cocked her head to the side. “Are you okay, Brooke?”
“Yeah…. why wouldn’t I be?”
“You just look different. You sure you’re okay?”
“Absolutely.”
“Alright. I’ll find you in a bit.”
I nodded. I asked the bartender for a whiskey neat and then watched couples dance; everyone mingling and having a great time. Except for me. I walked onto the patio and looked up at the full moon, remembering the last time I saw one. I was in Devon’s arms and I was happy.
I was blissfully, contently happy.
“You’re still one of the most beautiful women I have ever seen,” a voice said from behind me.
I closed my eyes, silently praying that I imagined it.
“It’s been a long time, Brooke, too long.”
I didn’t have to turn to know who was standing behind me.
Landon.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
<>B<>
I took a deep breath and turned to face him. He looked older, but still handsome. The front pieces of his hair fell into his face, and he was wearing a black suit. He appeared taller and broader than I remembered, but still had the same look about him.