Page 35 of The Rules We Broke
I glanced up at him and spoke, voice low. “Is your brother really okay with his daughter being with me?”
Brady didn’t hesitate. “I told you—things have changed, Ellie.”
“No, they haven’t,” I said, not bothering to hide my frustration. “You should’ve seen how your bank manager treated me today. And the stares when we walked out together?”
Brady’s ears turned red—just like they always did when he got upset. “I’ll talk to her.”
“Brady, don’t. I don’t want you to talk to her. I’ll be gone soon anyway.”
His eyes locked onto mine. So full of emotion, it made me catch my breath.
I’d seen that look before. Right before the last time he ever kissed me.
He leaned in—close enough to feel his breath dance across my skin—but didn’t kiss me. Instead, he whispered, “Maybe you’ll change your mind.”
Goosebumps surged through me.
I opened my mouth to respond, to tell him I wouldn’t, but I didn’t get the chance.
Caroline came bouncing back, cheeks flushed and eyes wide with Santa magic.
Brady stood up straight, gave my hair a gentle tug, then lifted his niece and spun her in the air.
He turned to me, still smiling. “Where to, Ellie?”
I pulled out Aunt Lu’s absurdly long list and held it up like a scroll.
Brady laughed.
“You didn’t know what you were getting into when you lied to get me to come with you this afternoon.”
He shrugged, a boyish glint in his eye. “I only bent the truth.” Then, without ceremony, he hoisted Caroline onto his shoulders.
I looked up and smiled at her. “Well, Miss Caroline, I need help picking out a dress for church tomorrow. You think you can handle that?”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said, voice crisp like a boot camp salute.
I gave Brady a glance. “Follow me.”
“With pleasure,” he replied, trailing behind me like I’d given him orders he’d waited years to receive.
We walked toward one of my favorite boutiques. Shopping for church clothes with Brady felt bizarre. But I didn’t need Aunt Lu to have a full-blown fit tomorrow.
Caroline bounced beside me, her eyes scanning the racks like a color-scouting expert. She was on the lookout for anything bold, with polka dots and bows.
I preferred sleek lines, muted tones, and understated elegance. Still, I didn’t want to hurt her feelings. So, I took her picks to the dressing room, along with a few of my own.
Brady took a seat with Caroline, joining the parade of men waiting like seasonal decor. All waiting for wives or girlfriends. Part of me wished I fit the bill.
I came out first in Caroline’s selections. She squealed. Brady smiled politely and shook his head above hers like a silent judge with an amused verdict.
Then came the mint sheath dress—long sleeves, knee-length, every inch soft confidence. It hugged just right. Nothing too clingy. Nothing too loud.
Brady’s face shifted. He didn’t say a word, but I knew. He liked it. More than liked it.
Caroline gave me two thumbs up. Thank goodness. I wasn’t ready to be polka-dotted.
Outside the store, Brady leaned down, voice warm. “I’m looking forward to church tomorrow.”
