Page 126 of Cole

“Yes. He and Benji came down just as I was bringing you your tea.”

A sigh escaped Annie as she held the mug close. “I can’t believe we’ve reached a point where Dad is willing to let us be together.

“Well, that young man is quite special,” Elizabeth observed, her tone lightening. “And I think your father sees that, too. The way Cole looks at you…”

Heat swept into Annie’s cheeks as she smiled. “He is special. I love him, Mom.”

“Oh, darling.” Elizabeth leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “I’m so happy for you both. And now I’ll leave you to get ready for your day.”

Once Elizabeth had gone, Annie didn’t linger in her bed, eager to see Cole.

She showered quickly and pulled on her most comfortable jeans and a soft green sweater that Cole had once complimented. Her long hair was still damp, so she left it loose, thinking it should have time to dry before they had to leave for the rink.

Once she was ready, Annie headed downstairs with Nyla padding faithfully beside her.

The scent of coffee and bacon led her to the breakfast room, where she found Cole and Benji deep in conversation about basketball stats, plates of food in front of them. The buffet against the wall was loaded with food warmers and baskets of muffins, croissants, and bagels.

Cole looked up when she entered, his face brightening in a way that made her heart flutter.

“Morning, love,” he said, rising from his chair to meet her. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “Sleep well?”

“Better than I expected,” she admitted, leaning into him briefly before heading to the buffet to get some food. “What time are we leaving for the rink?”

“Probably around eleven-thirty,” Cole said as he sat back down. “Wilder texted that they’re planning to head there around eleven, so we have plenty of time. They’ll have food there too.”

Annie turned from the buffet, her plate only half full. “Should we bring something too?”

“I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Frowning, Annie returned to filling her plate. “Maybe I’ll text Lexi and ask.”

“We really don’t need to bring anything, but if it will make you feel better, I’ll ask my mom. She’ll probably know better than Lexi.”

“I’d appreciate that,” Annie said as she set her plate down at the seat next to him. “Do you want a top up of your coffee?”

“Sure.”

Taking his mug when he held it out to her, Annie made her way to where the coffee station was set up. She made herself a mug, then poured more coffee into Cole’s.

She’d barely finished saying a silent prayer of thanks for her food when Julian came into the breakfast room. The three of them watched as he walked right over to the coffee station, seemingly oblivious to the others in the room.

“Not eating?” Annie asked when he sat down next to Benji with his mug of coffee and nothing else.

He wrinkled his nose. “Not yet.”

“You look rough, Jules,” Benji said.

“Thanks, Benny.” Julian lifted his mug in his brother’s direction.

Annie sighed, wishing that Benji wouldn’t needle Julian. The two never seemed to get along.

“Do you want to come skating with us today, Julian?” Cole asked.

Julian’s brows lifted. “Ice skating?”

“Yep. My family has reserved the rink at the resort for the day for all of us.”

He dragged a hand down his unshaved chin. “I’m not sure I’m up for that, to be honest.”

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