Page 90 of The Rules We Broke
He raised a brow. “I kept the original. It’s at my place.”
I laughed softly. “Have I mentioned lately how much I love you?”
“Every time I passed that swing, I thought of us. I thought maybe it was all I’d ever have. So, I took it.” He paused. “But this—us—I like better.”
“Me, too.” So much.
In the children’s ward, the tension from earlier melted away. We greeted the kids who could join us in the playroom. I read to them; some knew my books and were giddy just to meet me. But Brady—Brady became their hero.
While I read, he animated the scenes with voices and gestures, cheering and gasping, helping the kids giggle and shout. By the time we handed out books and dolls, I decided he was coming to all my future readings.
One little girl, Rosie, couldn’t leave her room. Six years old with leukemia, sweet as sugar. Brady took dolls to her bedside and pantomimed the story as I read. Her smile lit up the room.She asked for an extra doll and book for her little sister. I would’ve given her the moon if she asked.
On the way back toward the elevator, neither of us spoke. The joy, the ache—it sat heavy, but not unkind. We rode the elevator alone.
Brady looked at me and said simply, “I love you.”
“I love you.”
I think when you experience what we just experienced, you realize how short life is, and you need to tell the people you love how you feel about them.
As we exited the elevator, Brady flashed a grin. “It’s showtime, darlin’. Watch and learn.”
“You really think she’s going to call you Brady before we leave today?”
“Yep. I hope you’ve been looking at wedding dresses.”
Truth was—I had. Just yesterday, I’d created a Pinterest wedding board for the first time. I’d always avoided the topic; it felt too painful. Why plan something you weren’t sure would ever happen?
Olivia, my agent (and digital shadow), saw it instantly. She called, probing gently. I gave her the most noncommittal overview imaginable. She didn’t push. That’s why our personal and working relationship worked—we knew when to give space.
I’d found a few dresses I liked—simple, elegant. Aunt Lu would want to be involved when the time came. I wasn’t ready to plan anything without her. She’d earned the experience. I was her only child, and this was her only wedding to help plan.
We stepped quietly into her hospital room and found her sleeping.
I leaned down and brushed a kiss across her forehead. She stirred, opened her eyes, and smiled softly at me. Then glanced left—and harrumphed.
Brady stayed unfazed. “You would have been so proud of Ellie today. The kids adored her—and her books.”
“I’m proud of Ella Lu every day,” she snapped, eyes never leaving him.
Brady didn’t blink. “Another thing we have in common, Luanne.”
Okay. He was fearless.
I jumped in before her soap opera glare got sharper. “Brady was amazing, too. The kids loved him. You should’ve heard his Aunt Calliope and Jane impressions.”
She turned toward him with those eagle eyes.
“I’ve had plenty of practice,” Brady said. “I’ve been reading those books to Caroline for the past two years. You know Caroline—Kendra and Benjamin’s daughter.”
Her brow tightened. “Of course I know who Caroline is,” she said, with a trace of bite. Then softer: “She’s a darling girl.”
Progress.
“Brady and I are taking her to the movies tonight,” I added. “Apparently, they have a standing Friday night date.” I was trying to think of anything to help her see that Brady really was wonderful.
She didn’t respond, but she didn’t scoff either. That was probably a win.
