“It’s the little things that matter, Emma,” Breigh said sweetly while reaching for Wyatt’s hand.
“I know… but I guess I never expected Cash to do the ‘little things.’”
I leaned back in the seat and looked out the windows, thinking about how Cash looked today. The way he looked earlier when he was sweaty, the way he looked talking to me under that tree. He cares for me; there is not a question in my mind. But did he care enough to really treat me the way I deserved?
I had hoped before, and that got me nowhere. I didn’t want to go down that road again.
Too bumpy for my liking.
I had heard a million times in my life that forgiveness is the most important part. To love someone is to forgive them… but what happened when your heart was so head over heels in love and your brain was alerting you like a weather warning across the bottom of your TV screen. I could almost hear the beeps. Do you forgive and move on or do you not?
12
CASH
When I got the news, there were two people I wanted to tell. Wyatt and of course, Emma, but I wasn't quite sure where we were yet so I waited on that one…in time, I told myself.
I pulled up to Wyatt’s station; excited to see him and tell him I was accepted. I couldn't help but think he had played a part in it, but I knew more than likely he would never admit it. That was just how he was. He liked to do for others and not expect a thing in return.
I was able to secure a parking spot in the front and walked in. The thought was not lost on me that I would be working in a station similar to this soon. Not the state police by any means, but a police station nevertheless.
Wyatt was standing at the large, tall desk, talking to another officer who was behind it. I stood behind him, waiting for him to conclude what he was talking about not to interrupt him.
“Thanks, Sarge,” Wyatt said. He turned and recognized me.
“Cash.”
“Wyatt.” I handed him the piece of paper I had just received. He unfolded it and smiled ear to ear.
He gave me a handshake then a hug, bringing me into him.
“I am really proud of you, Cash. This is awesome. I hope you know not everyone gets accepted on their first application. They must see something in you.”
I knew what they saw in me, my brother pulling strings, but I pretended as if that wasn't the case.
“If I were you, I would workout nonstop until you go in. You need to be in great shape, and be ready for anything. If you can’t pass the physical part, they will throw you to the curb, just like how you used to treat your g…”
“Seriously?” I smirked. Although we had been this way with each other as adults, I was hoping he wouldn't throw my past in my face. Trust me, I saw it when I looked in the mirror.
“My bad. That wasn't appropriate.”
“Thank you.”
“Maybe you can start going to the shooting range some and practicing. I have my backup revolver you can practice with.”
“I might take you up on that offer. I’m not used to firearms.”
“You will get that way. You just have to respect them and know what you can and can’t do with them.”
“I’m sure I’ll get there.”
“The fitness test will kick your ass so make sure you are prepared for it, plus the school part of it. There is a lot more than you think that you have to learn.”
“I’m all-in. I’m excited and committed. Anyway, I wanted to tell you first. Thank you for supporting me in this.”
“You bet. I really hope it all works out for you, Cash. If you would have asked me five years ago if you would be joining the academy I would have bet my life against it, but look at you now.”
“I hope I don't screw it up. There is only one other thing I have wanted in my life… hopefully they will both come true.”
“Keep your head on straight and that it will happen.”
“You sure about that?” I ask him, and from the look on his face he is connecting the dots.
“Academy, yes, Emma… possibly. You just have to earn it. You have to work for it…”
“If I only would have realized what I had before I screwed everything up…”
“Doesn’t matter now, does it?”
“I guess not.”
“I’ve gotta get back to work, but I’ll let you know when I am going to the shooting range, probably next weekend. I will text you.”
“Okay sounds good.”
I turned to walk toward the door with a smile on my face. It was ironic how I wanted his approval. I spent the majority of my life fighting him, angry with him, jealous of him, even when I didn't recognize it myself, and now I wanted to make him proud. That in itself was a huge undertaking.
Maybe losing everything was the best thing that happened to me.
13
EMMA
“I only agreed to this to get you to stop bugging me,” I said to my best friend, who was quickly getting annoyed with me.
“You can’t just sit around and mope. I know how you feel about Ca—”
“I am going to stop you right there. We are not doing this right now. I told you I would go on this date and that is what I am doing.”
She rolled her eyes at me.
“For God’s sake, Breigh.”
“Just go out on the date, and get your mind off Cash.”
I didn't tell her I didn't want my mind off Cash. That is where I wanted it, with him.
We had already excused ourselves to the ladies’ room, minutes after being at Payton’s Steakhouse. Wyatt was waiting for
