Page 98 of Bleeding Hearts Duet

She smiled through the tears, but I wasn’t entirely convinced.

“Did you know that this machine was his moms?” she asked.

Something swelled inside my chest as I swung my gaze to the vintage sewing machine. “It was?”

“Yes. That’s why it’s so perfect. It’s like she meant for you to have it.”

“I can’t believe Ryland let me use it…”

“I couldn’t think of anyone who would put it to better use,” Nicole said softly. “And I want to help you with this project.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” She nodded. “I mean, I can’t sew. But I want to help find a use for these. Like a charity or something.”

“That would be nice,” I hedged. “But what do you think Ryland’s going to say about all this?”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged. “And honestly, I don’t care either.”

I stared at her, shocked by her bluntness.

“He isn’t the only one who lost them,” she ranted. “And everybody grieves differently. While he’s running around plotting revenge to get him through, I have nothing. And I want to do this. I want to remember the good parts of their lives.”

The passion and fire in her eyes as she spoke made the decision for me. I hadn’t seen Nicole look so determined the entire time I’d known her. And right now, this was exactly what she needed.

“Okay,” I agreed. “Then we’re really going to do this.”

“Yes.” She smiled. “Ryland doesn’t even have to know.”

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