Before I could think too much about it, Brooke appeared behind Donna. She was holding Ava, and missing a coat. “Grab your coat. Get one for her too.” I nodded at Ava. Brooke’s forehead crinkled. “A car carrier for her too.” I rocked back on my heels.
“I’m not big on surprises,” Brooke mumbled.
“We’re going for a drive. Not a surprise.” I smiled. “Hurry up. Car’s running.” She disappeared for a moment, and then reappeared holding Ava’s car seat. It had some fluffy cover over it that was zipped up under her chin. Brooke was wrapped in a winter coat and some Uggs.
“Is this ok?” She glanced from me to the ground as she motioned to herself.
“Perfect.” I held out my hand and attempted to extract the baby carrier. “I can buckle this in.” I smiled at her.
“Oh, ok.” She released it, and followed me to the car. “Is this yours?” She opened the passenger door as I opened one of the back ones.
“Yeah. I don’t drive much because I live close to the hospital.” I clicked the seatbelt over Ava’s carrier, tugged it to make sure it was snug, and then closed the door. “Hop in.” I held her door as she slipped inside. After closing it, I jogged around to the driver’s side.
“This is nice.” She shivered against the cold as I put the car in drive.
“You haven’t seen anything yet.” I grinned as I pushed a few buttons to turn on her seat warmer. After a few moments, she shifted in her seat. “Feels good, right?” I glanced at her as I maneuvered through traffic.
“Un huh.” She leaned back and sighed before turning to stare out the window. “Where are we going?”
“Not far,” I mused. I know she said she didn’t like surprises, but I didn’t want to ruin what I had planned. “Just trust me, ok?” I looked over quickly, before making a turn to head out of town. ooooooooo
Brooke
I didn’t like surprises. I told him this, but he wouldn’t give. My heart thundered in my chest as we drove farther away from town. Part of me was scared out of my mind. If something happened, I was too far away from anyone or anything that I knew. The other part of me said this was Blake, and he’d never hurt me. As much as I wanted to listen to that part, the scared part was winning. I just didn’t know what to make of the situation. Ava was sound asleep in the backseat, completely oblivious to everything around her.
“We’re almost there. I promise.” Blake made another turn, this time onto a gravel drive. Signs for Macadown Beach appeared along the road as we bumped along.
“The beach?” I furrowed my brow as the road ended in a gravel parking area.
“I thought it would be nice to get away from the city for the day.” Blake smiled and then his face fell in defeat. “Is this a bad idea?”
“No. I’m just surprised is all.” I stared out the windshield at the gray sky. Gulls flew sporadically and waves crashed in the distance. It was a gloomy day for the beach. “It’s kinda cold.” I wrapped my arms around myself.
“I’ll keep you warm.” Blake pushed open his door, and climbed out. I sat there staring for a moment as he unbuckled Ava’s carrier and came around to my door. He had blankets draped over one arm and Ava on the other. It was actually sweet the way he was trying to do everything.
He set the carrier down as he opened my door. “If you’re not enjoying yourself within a few minutes, we can leave.” His face looked sad, like he was disappointed in my reaction.
“It’s not that I want to leave, I’ve just never had anyone do anything like this for me.” I smiled as I stood up and pulled my coat tighter.
“It’s empty this time of year. We’ll have the beach to ourselves.” Blake picked Ava back up, adjusted the items in his arms, and then reached for my hand. “Stop worrying for a day. Let me show you what life can be like. Just let go. I’ll be your safety net.”
The fear seemed to leave, but was replaced by something else… hope, maybe? My heart sped up as he helped me over the dunes and the sight before me took my breath away.
Chapter 16
Brooke
Blake had already been here. He’d planned this out. Sitting on the sand, a few feet in front of us was a plaid blanket. There was a basket in the middle holding it in place. He led me closer before setting Ava’s carrier down on the corner beside him. When I gave him an odd look, he brushed me off.
“I’ll watch her for now. She’s sleeping, and this morning is about you.” His head dipped as a smile started to form. “Hungry?” He opened the basket and started lifting things out. “I’ve got bagels, scones, and croissants. I wasn’t sure what you’d like.”
“A bagel is fine,” I murmured. I’d never had a man prepare any breakfast of sorts.
“What do you really want, Brooke? Fine is not my goal here. I’m looking for ‘great’.” He laughed as he stared at me. “Take your time and think about it.”
I pressed my lips together as thoughts of Warren floated through my head. He’d always criticized me when I ate. He’d tell me to eat less, or I’d get fat. He portioned my food when we were first married until he ‘taught me’ how to eat.
“Whatever you’re thinking about, stop.” He gently touched my arm. “What do you want to eat?”
I swallowed. “I’ll take a little of each, please.”
“I can do that.” Blake chuckled as he lifted a paper plate out of
