Page 172 of Rules

Brook cries until there are no tears left to shed. I hold her the whole time, my heart aching for the broken girl in my arms.

“Shhhh,” I murmur over and over again, my lips pressed against the crown of her head.

After hearing all of this, the guilt I’ve been feeling is stronger than ever. I did this to her, to us. If I hadn’t acted the way I did, if I hadn’t thrown her out, she wouldn’t be so completely alone. She probably wouldn’t even have thought about getting an abortion, much less almost go through with it.

“How am I supposed to look my baby in the eyes?” Brook hiccups softly. “How am I supposed to be his mother, knowing I almost killed him?”

Her words make my knees go weak. I close my eyes, taking one deep breath in, before pulling her away so I can see her face. My throat is stiff, the words barely getting out from all the emotions going through me. “But you didn’t go through with it. Even when you were facing one of your biggest fears, even when you knew it would be easier that way, you didn’t go through with it.” My hands cup her cheeks, thumbs wiping away the tears. “That’s why you’re going to be an amazing mom, Brook. You’ve seen the worst of it, and you’ve survived it. And this baby will be the happiest baby in the world knowing it has you to love and protect it. You and me both.”

“Max, you don’t have to…”

I press my finger against her lips. “This doesn’t change anything.”

“How can it not?”

“Because I want you, Brook. I wanted you before, and I want you still. What I said earlier doesn’t change. This.” I look down at her still visible bump. My fingers itch to touch it, but I hold back. “This doesn’t change anything. When we were driving here, Andrew asked me why I was coming. Was it because of you or because of the baby.”

Brook gasps, her mouth falling open in surprise.

“We knew. Josephine went to Andrew’s house demanding to know where you were. She found the test, and she was happy to rub it in their faces. So we knew coming here that you might be pregnant. At the time, I didn’t have the answer. How could I choose really? I love you, but I also loved that baby. Real or not, I loved it. But when I saw you standing on that staircase as beautiful as ever and not really looking pregnant, to be honest, I knew it was you. Whatever happens, baby or no baby, it doesn’t matter. I’ll always choose you. Because I love you, Brook Taylor. I love your stubbornness, and I love your smart mouth, although most of the time it pisses me off. I love that I’m one of the rare people who can make you laugh. I love that I know parts of you that you hide from everybody else. You see the guy that’s hiding behind the mask and aren’t afraid to call me on my bullshit. I love how you challenge me and make me want to be a better man.”

“Max…” Another tear slips down.

“Come home with me,” I urge. “Come home with me and let me show you how good it could be. How goodwecould be.”

“It’s not that easy.”

“Why not?”

“Brook Taylor died when I left, and it was for the best. I don’t know what’s happening with Josephine, but I’m sure she didn’t return the money she owed. Hell, she took my money and spent it on more drugs instead of paying off her debts. If I go back, people will come knocking on my door asking for it, and I don’t have that kind of money. Besides, I promised Andrew’s dad that I’d disappear if he gives me the money.” Her throat bobbles as she swallows. “Then there is Lia. I messed up pretty big with her before I left.”

“Lia wants you back, Brook. We all do. And as for the rest… screw John Hill.” If I ever saw the bastard, I’d probably strangle him with my own hands. “He doesn’t get a say in this. He should have never let you leave. And the whole Josephine mess? We’ll give the guy money if necessary and get it over with.”

Brook shakes her head, pulling away. “She’ll always want more. She’ll always get in some kind of trouble, and I’ll be left cleaning it up.”

“I won’t let it happen.” I take a step forward, placing my hands on her shoulders. “But that’s not what’s bothering you, not really…”

“I’m scared,” Brook admits, looking away. “I’m scared that something will go wrong and I’ll have my heart broken again.”

Cupping her cheek, I make her look at me. “I can’t promise I won’t mess up, but I’ll try my best not to. What Icanpromise you is that I’ll do my best to make you happy. You and this baby will always be loved, always have a family and a home. Give me a chance, Brook, please. Give me a chance to prove to you what we could be together.”

“You’re going off to college come fall.”

“How do you feel about Boston?” I smile, brushing her cheek. “Because I sure as hell hope to have you come with me.”

“Max, I…”

“If you don’t know, it’s okay. Or if you don’t want to go. It’s your choice, and whatever you decide, I’ll support it. Come with me to Boston or stay in Greyford. I’ll do my best to be there. I can do my year at BU and try to transfer somewhere closer so I can be with you. There are possibilities, and you can choose whatever you think will make you happy.”

“I think…” Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and I can feel my body react to the movement. “I think I need time to think. It’s all too much.”

“Then that’s what you’ll have,” I say, although it pains me. But she’s right. We came here today and put it all on her. It’s not right to demand she gives us all the answers now. “But please, come back with us. Come home.”

I can see her uncertainty, her fear. It’s alive, almost palpable. She’s not blinking, not breathing, and neither am I as I wait for her to make a decision. To take a chance on me, on us. I know if she gives me a chance, I’ll do everything in my power to show her what we could be.

Finally, she nods. It’s small, barely visible, but with my eyes glued to her face, there is no chance I could miss it.

A smile spreads over my face instantly. Not waiting another second, I bend down and press my lips against hers. Something I’ve been dying to do since I saw her.

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