“Thank me?” He pointed to himself. “What did I do?”
“You made me see this tree differently. I don’t really know how, but seeing the joy you had while decorating it made me see the simple beauty. I’m making progress. I’ll get there.” I offered a half smile.
“God, you’re beautiful.” He sighed as he lifted his head and craned his neck to get closer. “I don’t think you even know how beautiful you are, and how beautiful what you just said is.”
When his lips touched mine, I sighed with acceptance. I was expecting it this time, and let myself enjoy it for what it was, a kiss. A kiss from someone who really seemed to care. A kiss that wasn’t given with the expectation of more.
We laid there in each other’s arms in the quiet of the night with only the tree lights and fire illuminating the room. The fire crackled and spread its warmth throughout the room. I don’t remember when we fell asleep, but I know it was the first night I didn’t dream of Warren. He didn’t invade my dreams, he wasn’t torturing me, I wasn’t afraid. Blake made me feel safe and loved; he was showing me what I had deserved all along and it was this night that seemed to change things for us.
Chapter 22
Brooke
“Brooke,” Blake’s whispered voice invaded my sleep, “Brooke.” It was more insistent this time, and came with a slight shake. “Ava’s crying.”
My eyes sprang open as I stretched. “I’m awake. I’m sorry.” I scrambled to get up. My limbs were tangled with Blake’s and there was a blanket over us. Did we sleep all night here?
“It’s ok, she just started.” He yawned as a goofy grin began to pull at his lips.
“What?” I glanced down at my skewed clothes.
“You’re cute in the morning. I should have woken you the last time.” He chuckled lightly.
I shook my head at him before rushing away to get Ava. I’m sure she was hungry and probably wet too. “Hey, pretty girl,” I cooed as I lifted her out of her crib. She kicked her feet and smiled at me, all tears stopping the moment she saw me. “You ready for breakfast?” She smiled and opened her mouth as if she was trying to suck on something. “Let’s get this wet diaper off, and then we’ll get a bottle.”
I laid her on the bed, and quickly changed her while listening to her attempt to talk to me. She was getting bigger now, and doing more than just sleeping and eating. She had good head control, and was trying to babble. There were some days I’d just lie on the bed with her, and pretend to have a conversation with her.
“Everything ok?” Blake’s head peeked around the door. His hair was sticking up, and his bare feet were peeking out from under the legs of his jeans. He shifted back and forth like he was waiting for an invite.
“She’s fine.” I smiled. “Just wet and hungry.” I snapped up her pjs and lifted her in my arms. “Let me get a bottle and I’ll meet you back in the living room.”
After mixing a bottle, I settled into the recliner in the living room. Blake was in the process of putting on his shoes. He sat up and glanced over at me before attempting to straighten his clothes. “She loves her bottles, huh?” He laughed lightly.
“When she first wakes up, yes.” I grinned at Ava. “You’re hungry in the morning, huh pretty girl?” Ava smiled around the nipple and kicked her feet.
“I was wondering if you and Ava would want to come over for dinner tonight?” Blake fidgeted. “I thought maybe I could cook, and we could watch a movie or something.” He shrugged as if it wasn’t a big deal, but in fact it was a very big deal. I’d never been to his place.
“Tonight?” I lifted my eyes to meet his.
“That was the plan, but if tonight doesn’t work I could do tomorrow, or the next day.” He slowly stood and made his way over to where I was standing. “I want to spend more time with you, and her.” His head dipped toward Ava. He lifted his hand and rubbed her soft hair with his palm. “She’s getting so big.”
“I know. I can’t imagine anyone not wanting someone so perfect.” I sighed as I watched her close her eyes. She was getting milk drunk, and looked as if she was going to go back to sleep.
“I have to go to work, but I’ll come by and pick you up this evening on my way home.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Ok. See ya.” I smiled, first at Ava, then at Blake.oooooooo
Blake called when he was leaving the hospital to let me know he was on his way. When he pulled up to the house, Amy was watching out the window. “He’s here.” She clapped like a fifteen-year-old.
“Relax. It’s just dinner.” I shook my head at her. The truth was, I was so nervous I wasn’t sure I’d be able to eat dinner. All I kept thinking about was that we were going to be alone in his apartment. I had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t even sure how to dress for this. Ava was sound asleep in her carrier. I’d bundled her up, and covered the carrier with a blanket.
“He’s getting out.” Amy’s forehead wrinkled.
“Amy!” I scowled as I lifted the carrier into my arms. I’d already put my coat on. I just had to slip on my boots.
“Hey.” She giggled as she opened the door right as Blake was getting ready to knock. His hand was in midair, and the look on his face was priceless.
“How do you do that?” He stared at Amy.
