Chapter 38
Her Happiness
Deja
Since that night Cole showed up at our place, we’ve been inseparable. At least when it comes to where we live, we have. I was a little miffed with him for resigning for me.
I liked my job, but I got over it as Cole promised he had something better suited for me. He has taken me to his parents’ place, and I got to spend time with Aunt Kara. Uncle Dougie has been traveling, so I haven’t seen him yet.
I’ve been spending most of my days with Kara and Kate, Cole drops me off with them when he goes to work. Blair and Callum usually tag along. It doesn’t make sense for them to hide in the shadows watching anymore.
I know why they are here. It feels weird knowing all this time they’ve been trained to watch over me. I had thought we were just learning together.
Today I’m excited because Cole says he has a surprise for me. He told me to get dressed up for a date. I’ve gone through everything in my closet and still can’t decide on what to wear.
“This is insane,” I groan and stomp my foot as I stand in the closet, still in my panties and bra.
All I did while working for Val was shop. I have more than enough clothes and shoes. Heck, the woman still sends me shoes and bags when she thinks of me.
My friend thinks of me often. When I’m not hanging out at the O’Brien home, I’m with Val and her adorable children. I love Vita, and the boys have me wrapped around their little fingers.
I can’t lie, now that I know about Shauna and who her parents are, I’ve been thinking a lot about having babies with Cole. I’m not rushing him to get married, but I can’t help wondering when that time will come so we can start our own family.
“Yer not ready? What are ya doing in here?”
“I can’t figure out what to wear. It’s our first date since I’ve been here. I wanted to look nice.”
“The way your drawers are all up in that ass, you could stay just like that. I wouldn’t complain.”
“Shut yer gob, Brooklyn,” I snap and roll my eyes at him.
He laughs and comes into the closet to wrap his arms around me. He then kisses the top of my head. I melt into his arms as his cologne surrounds me.
“Brooklyn? Mm. I don’t know how I feel about that,” he murmurs into my neck as he buries his face there.
“I’m the only one who calls you Cole besides your mother and siblings.”
“I know. I don’t think I want that to change. Not yet anyway.”
“Then behave. Or Brooklyn it will be.”
He sighs. “Let me help you. We need to go.”
“You’re going to help me pick something to wear, really?”
I pull a face and crane my neck to look back at him. He pecks my lips, then releases me to walk through the closet.
I watch as he fingers a few items then pulls a couple to look them over before putting them back. He then grabs a cute sundress that has an open back. Next, he grabs a denim crop jacket.
I take the items as he hands them over and hold them up. It’s a cute outfit. The dress is colorful. Pink, orange, and yellow, the jacket is a light-blue denim wash.
Putting on the dress and then the jacket, I wonder what shoes I should wear. Cole turns to me and holds up a pair of denim wedge sneakers that are perfect. I grin and take the sneakers from his hand.
It is in this moment I note he’s wearing light-wash jeans and a fitted T-shirt under a black leather jacket. Black construction boots are on his feet.
“Thank you. This is cute,” I say once I have the shoes on and I take a glance in the mirror.
Cole takes my hand and leads me out of the closet. I can’t help but wonder what this date is that he’s in such a rush. There’s something about his demeanor I can’t put my finger on.
Oh well, we shall see.
***
The drive here has taken some time. Cole won’t tell me where he’s taking me, no matter how many times I ask. Now that he’s parking, I’m totally confused.
We’re in a nice-looking neighborhood, from what I can tell, but there are mostly shops lining the lane. However, I don’t see a restaurant other than Chinese, but it looks more like a takeout place, not someplace to sit down for a date.
“Come on, get your ass out of the car,” he says with a smile on his lips as he opens my door.
I roll my eyes at him, but take his hand and step out. That’s when I see the awning. My mouth falls open, and tears burn my eyes.
Walsh’s.
“I couldn’t decide on a name at first. I thought of calling it DJ’s, but it’s an Irish pub. O’Brien’s would have brought too much attention, so I went with Walsh’s,” Cole says as he wraps his arm around my waist and leads me to the front door.
“What have ya done?” I choke out.
“It’s yours. You like working in pubs. I thought this would be a place that would make you feel at home.”
“Have I told ya how much I love ya?” I say as I leap into his arms.
“You’re adorable when you’re happy. This is nothing. Come on, I want you to see inside.”
He pecks my lips and gives me a squeeze. When we step inside, I’m in awe. The place is much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside. It immediately has a homey feel.
I might give him some slack on his accent because he nailed the Irish pub vibe with this place. I couldn’t have designed it better myself.
My heart fills as I realize Cole never fails to show me how much he loves me. I feel bad for not trusting him. I learned a lot about a loving, trusting relationship from being around Uri and Val.
I look behind the bar and smile when I see the bat he gifted me mounted to the wall. As I see it, I realize how long I’ve had that type of relationship.
“I love it. Thank you so much, Cole.”
“Anything for you, love.”
Brooklyn
I’m happy to give this place to DJ. The smile on her face made it worth it. Although it broke my heart when she saw the framed picture of her and her parents.
She broke down and sobbed in my arms. I wish I knew more about what happened all those years ago. I’ve had to swallow down that need to know because I’m not going to ask her.
I see how much pain it causes her. If I’m meant to know, the answers will come to me without me having to add to her hurt. All I want is to make her happy.
“That was delicious,” she sings as she finishes the meal the chef I brought in prepared.
I’m leaving the decision to open a kitchen here to her. Pubs with kitchens in this area do better. However, of the pubs I’ve seen her manage, they didn’t have one.
“We should christen the place,” I say with a grin.
“Ach, really? I just ate. Can I digest my food first?”
“I’m not talking about sex, butthead. Is that all you want me for?”
She laughs. “I think I would be a dickhead if you’re going to call me names and I do want you for more than sex. You’re my favorite dance partner.
“Queue the music. I think christening the place is a grand idea,” she says with a sly smile then sticks her tongue out at me.
Smart-ass, I should have known she knew what I meant. I go over to the stereo system behind the bar and find something for us to dance to. I smile when I find just the right song.
“I Know What You Want” by Busta Rhymes and Mariah Carey begins to play. I dance my way back to DJ and pull her up from her seat. I spin her around then bring her back to me by her waist, sticking my thigh between her legs as I hold her close.
I flex my fingers against the soft skin of her back as I dip to press my forehead to hers. She cups the sides of my face as a smile comes to her lips. Tilting my head to the side, I take her lips in a firm kiss.
Breaking the kiss, I pull back and allow her to turn her back to me. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tightly, still keeping the two-step sway in play. Splaying my hand over her belly, I lean in to kiss her shoulder.
At six-three, I tower over her, but she fits me perfectly. There has never been a woman who has fit me better. Closing my eyes, I press my nose into the back of her hair and inhale.
“I love you,” we state at the same time.
I kiss the back of her head and squeeze tighter. Things feel like they’re finally falling into place. This is all I ever wanted.
And then my phone rings.