Page 47 of Healing Hearts
“Impossible to resist,” I quip, leaning down to press a soft kiss to her forehead.
“I get that you wanted to keep your life separated from your author life. But you’re passionate about it, aren’t you? You should follow that passion. Trust me, I know what it’s like to wish you had.”
Her head tilts curiously. “What do you mean?”
I lean against the railing, a sheepish smile tugging at my lips. “You know that jazz CD you’re always playing at home?”
Her brow furrows. “Yeah?”
I grin. “That’s me. I’m the saxophonist on that recording.”
Brooke’s jaw drops. “No way.”
“I played in New Orleans while I was at Tulane, and it helped to pay for med school,” I explain. “The Velvet Note, Bourbon Street, you name it. I even sold CDs at the bar to make some extra cash.”
Her mouth forms an “O” as realization dawns. “That’s where I got it! I went to The Velvet Note with friends one weekend in college and bought your CD. You were amazing.”
I chuckle, the coincidence making my chest warm. “Small world, huh?”
She nudges me playfully. “You’ve been holding out on me, Dr. Jacobs. You could’ve been serenading me all this time.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I love music, but I didn’t have the courage to pursue it full-time. So, I became a surgeon instead. I have no regrets about what I do…actually I love it, but I’ve always wondered what could’ve been had I tried.”
Brooke softens, her fingers brushing mine. “You’re still following your passion in a way, though. You save lives, Trevor. That’s huge.”
“And you write stories that make people feel alive,” Icounter. “That’s huge too. And just because you love working with kids doesn’t mean you have to stop. Why not combine the two? Do a children’s storytime at the hospital, or the library, or even at the bookstore? You can have the best of both worlds, Brooke.”
Her eyes widen as the idea takes root. “You really think I could do that?”
“Absolutely,” I say firmly. “You’re incredible, Brooke. You can do anything.”
She leans into me, her expression a mix of relief and something deeper.
“And as for Vivian,” I add, a sly grin forming, “there’s no way she knows who you are. She’s bluffing. Honestly, I’d love to see her make a fool of herself in front of everyone at Hooplas tonight.”
Brooke hesitates, then laughs. “You’re terrible.”
“Maybe,” I admit, pulling her into me as I rest my chin on the top of her head. “But it’ll be worth it. What do you say? Let’s go watch the drama unfold together.”
Her laughter turns soft, her arms winding around my waist. “You’re impossible.”
“That I am,” I quip, kissing her forehead.
As the harbor lights glimmer around us, I feel something shift. The weight of secrets has lifted, and for the first time in a long time, everything feels… right, and I decide to confess one more thing.
“Brooke, I love you. I think I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you trying to eat my burger that first night.” I hold up my hand as she’s about to say something. “Wait…before you say anything, I just want you to know that your secret is safe with me. I won’t say a word to anyone…not until you’re ready to tell the world. But I will tell you, and scream it from the rooftops if I have to, that I love you, Brooke Edwards.”
“Are you done?” She asks and I nod. “Good, because I love you, too, Trevor Jacobs.”
I pull her into my arms, holding her close. For the first time, I feel like we’re on solid ground—no more secrets, no more walls. Just us. And as I look into her eyes, I know without a doubt that I’m all in.
Chapter 19
Brooke
The moment we step into Hooplas, the energy is electric. The bar is packed, laughter and conversation mingling with the clinking of glasses. The warm light casts a golden glow over the crowd, and the scent of grilled food wafts from the kitchen. Despite the chaos, the bartenders manage to keep the drinks flowing, and the air buzzes with anticipation.
Trevor’s hand finds mine as he leans down to whisper, “If this is how the town reacts to drama, I can’t imagine what the Christmas Tree Lighting looks like.”
