Page 26 of Broken Heart
“Where?”
She shrugged. “Well, I don’t know if it’s possible, but I was hoping we could put it near the food court, perhaps right after people disembark from the chocolate-making tour ride.”
My mind immediately ran through all the possible options for accomplishing this task for Jules. It would be no small undertaking. “It’s going to be a lot of work, Jules,” I told her.
Nodding, she murmured, “I understand. I know you have a lot on your plate right now, especially with helping Liam in the oversight of the amusement park expansion. That’s why I thought it might help to ask you about it now. But I realize there’s only so much you can do.”
I could feel the crease form between my brows. “Why does it sound like you’re disappointed?”
Shaking her head, she pressed her lips together. Following a beat of silence, Jules answered, “I… I… it’s nothing. It’s just that I was really excited about this.”
“You should be,” I told her, my eyes darting around the room again. Noting the concerned looks on everyone’s faces, I asked, “Do you guys think I’d ever decline doing this?”
Relief swept through them, and the heaviness I hadn’t even noticed was in the air suddenly lifted.
“I knew you would,” my mom said softly, pride written all over her face.
“Of course, I will,” I confirmed, bringing my focus back to Jules. “I’d be honored to play a role in helping you realize your dreams. And I’ll do what I can to make it happen by the time you’re done with your program.”
Without a moment of hesitation, Jules lunged forward and threw her arms around me. “Thank you, Coop.”
“You’re welcome,” I replied, hugging her back. “But we’re family, Jules. Don’t ever doubt that I’ll always be here for you, no matter what you need.”
Her arms tightened around me briefly before she loosened her hold and stepped back. “I won’t.”
I offered a smile in return. “Good.” My eyes slid to the side where Tate was standing, and I said, “I can only assume you’ve worked up a whole plan for this?”
He nodded. “We have.”
“Get whatever you’ve got over to me, and I’ll review it,” I told him.
Tate’s expression matched my mom’s from just a few seconds earlier. “Will do.”
“You know, it blows my mind that any of you thought I wouldn’t do this for her,” I declared.
“We knew you had a lot on your plate, son,” my dad replied.
“That doesn’t matter. You’re all my family, and I’m never not going to help any of you whenever you need me,” I argued. “I might bitch about it, but I’m still going to do it.”
Through his laughter, Wyatt said, “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Alright, am I good to go here? I’ve got to get back to work.”
“We’re good,” Dad confirmed.
Before I could turn to walk away, I felt my phone vibrate against my leg. Pulling it out, I saw the name I’d been hoping to see all morning long and felt something move through me at the sight of it.
Skye had responded to my text, and she’d replied exactly how I’d expected.
SKYE
I’d love nothing more than to answer your question, but I have no idea what you are talking about.
Recognizing she had her phone on her and might have a few minutes to talk, I quickly tapped out a response.
Us. Do you think we’ll be believable at the charity event?
SKYE