Page 49 of Mistletoe Misses
“Yeah, but early. Sadie and Carmen are caroling. Are you going?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Her hands rest softly on my elbows in a show of her motherly support. “I’m glad you and Carmen are working through things. No matter where you two end up, I hope you can lessen your grip on that stubborn heart of yours.”
“It’s a slow process, but I’m getting there.”
“I know, sweet boy. I know.” She pats my cheek, then huddles with Cooper and Izzie, who seem to have wrangled their emotions. “Catch up with Maddox,” she tells Cooper. “Izzie and I will finish up in the kitchen so we can all enjoy a meal together again. It’s been far too long.”
Izzie’s gaze lingers on Cooper over her shoulder, and he doesn’t acknowledge me until she disappears into the kitchen. “She’s glowing.”
“Only since you showed up. She’s been as pale and down on herself as I’ve ever seen her.”
“Damn. I hate that. She doesn’t deserve what that asshole did to her.”
“No one does. We’ll make sure she’s safe and keep him out of the picture.”
Cooper lowers to the couch, and I sit beside him. He looks like he could use a brotherly talk. “I’m going to submit my discharge papers.”
“Really? Because of Izzie?”
“Partly. I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. How can I stay in Texas while she’s in danger? She’s more important.”
“Than your service?”
“Always. She’s my best friend.”
“With the way you two acted earlier, it seems like there’s more between you.”
Cooper pauses, picking at the hem of his pants pocket before answering. “It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and she’s emotional.”
“Or you’re in denial.”
“You’re one to talk,” Cooper accuses, flipping the conversation to me. “You say you’re fine every time we talk, and you’re not. You know that, right?”
“I do.” No sense in denying it. Cooper knows me better than anyone and will see through any bullshit. Whenever I need someone to give it to me straight, he’s the first one I call, and vice versa.
“Good. What are you doing to fix it?” he asks, getting down to business like he’s planning for a mission.
“Starting at ground zero. I’m working on forgiving her.”
“How?”
“It gets easier to replace the negative emotions with others the more time we spend together. Although, it doesn’t help that I think about us—the way we used to be and the time we lost.”
Cooper nods. I must have passed the bullshit test.
“I’m not the only one with issues. What are you going to do about Izzie?” I ask.
“Support her, protect her. Whatever she needs.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Cooper’s eyes roll. “I can’t do what you’re suggesting until the asshole is out of the picture and she’s safe. That’s all that matters right now.”
Noticing the familiar wavering into unsteady territory in my brother, I change the subject. “What date are you expecting for discharge?”
“As soon as I can get the paperwork submitted and approved.”
“That soon?
