Page 171 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Cole, over here.”

I spotted Mr. and Mrs. Bennet walking toward me. “How’s our girl this morning?” Ash asked.

“Still sleeping. The nurse just woke me. She said the doctor will be doing rounds soon.”

“Good. The sooner we know the plan, the better.”

“I’m glad you’re here, Cole.” Mrs. Bennet smiled at me. “And congratulations on the show last night. You were very good.”

“Thanks, Mrs. B.”

“Mya.” She smiled. “You’re family now.”

My chest swelled, her words hitting me right in the feels. “Do you guys want coffee?”

“Why don’t I trade places with you?” Mr. Bennet suggested. “And you and Mya can head on back up to Sofia?”

“Don’t forget my extra shot.” She leaned in to kiss her husband and he chuckled.

“Almost twenty years of marriage. I think I can remember how you take your coffee, babe”.

“One day I might change my mind, I like to keep you on your toes.”

I watched them. So much love and trust between them. They were a team. Partners. Equals.

“Come on,” Mrs. Bennet laced her arm through mine. “Let’s go see if our girl is awake yet.”

Fuck, I loved that.

Loved how easily they’d welcomed me into the fold. For the first time in my life, I felt like a part of something. A family who loved and looked out for each other.

“I bet she was happy to see you last night.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

Mrs. Bennet chuckled. “So humble. You know, I remember what it was like, to be in all-consuming love. How easy it is to get wrapped up in another person. Just promise me, Cole. If it ever gets to be too much for you, if you need some space to—”

“I won’t,” I said firmly. “I love your daughter, Mrs.— Mya. And I have no plans on going anywhere. No matter how tough things get.”

“She’s lucky to have you.” She peered up at me.

“I’m lucky to have her.”

“I always knew I liked you.” Her smile was warm and reassuring. A silent blessing that made me stand a little taller. “Your father is a foolish man if he can’t see how great his son is.”

“Thanks, I really needed to hear that.”

“You can always talk to me and Ash. About school, college, your father, Sofia. We will never judge you, Cole. Treat our daughter right and you will always have us to lean on.”

We reached the elevator, but she didn’t get in. Instead, she pulled me into her arms and hugged me.

“Thank you, Cole. Thank you for loving her even when she was so adamant she didn’t want you to.”

“I wore her down in the end,” I laughed, trying to disguise the emotion in my voice.

“You did. But something tells me she didn’t need that much convincing.”

CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE

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