Page 118 of The Fighter who Needed Me
Brooks laughed and held out his arm to his mother by law. And with Persephone on the other, they walked down to the dining room.
Everyone was there. Aside from Aidan and Rhia of course.
But everyone welcomed her back and introduced Charlotte to everyone formally.
Rose was so happy and hugged Cabe’s arm at this announcement, and they all sat and ate.
Talking and laughing. Brooks sat back and watched the people who had become his family.
And he loved every single one of them.
Burk, for being his brother and the only person he had ever had at his side through thick and thin.
Cabe, for becoming like a brother on the ship and showing him what a true hero looked like.
Cole, for also becoming like a brother, and for loving his sister the way she deserved to be loved.
Aidan, even though he was not here, he also truly had become his family and was the best man Brooks had met.
Eden, his sweet sister with her huge heart that wanted to save the world.
Lily, for loving Burk and for becoming his sister and accepting him for his faults.
Rose, for being kind and calm. For being strong in the face of everything.
Rhia, for being one of the strongest and kindest women he knew.
Lydia for being so happy and loving even when she had the worst thrown at her.
Jacob, for never giving up and always pushing on. Even through the struggles he had gone through.
Nathaniel, for being a good man and for all he had done for Cabe and himself.
And for Charlotte. Who had done all she could to live and still loved.
He knew each person had their story. And yet they were all phenomenal.
He looked down at his wife. The most magnificent of them all.
She had gone through what no normal person had, and yet here she sat.
Loving, kind and perfect.
He kissed her head and she smiled up at him and went back to the conversation she was having with Rose.
He smiled and ate his food, talking to Cabe and Nathaniel.
Anneliese walked in the room, and Nathaniel dropped his fork on the plate, which made a loud clatter, making all conversation cease.
And then Brooks chuckled, knowing the look on Nathaniel’s face all too well.
He had the same one whenever he looked in the mirror.
Anneliese blushed and then she did a double take.
Nathaniel stood, and Anneliese let out a gasp of, “Nathaniel?”
He nodded and hurried around the table and lifted Anneliese from her feet and then kissed her.
Everyone laughed and cheered, and Anneliese was blushing when Nathaniel put her down.
They left the room to speak in private and Brooks wished them well.
Persephone’s mouth was hanging open in shock.
“Close that mouth darling. I want to kiss it.”
She shut it and laughed, and then everyone went back to their conversations.
It was perfect.
