Chapter 102

Hailey tucked the twins into bed while Cole, on the balcony, took a business call. Returning to the living room, he found Debbie on the couch, engrossed in her phone. He approached her.

“Oh, hi,” she smiled, looking up from her phone.

“Hi. You have a few minutes?” he asked, sitting opposite her.

“Sure!” she replied, setting her phone aside.

Cole pocketed his phone, fiddling with his fingers, unsure how to begin.

“You okay?” Debbie asked, noticing his nervousness.

“Yes! I just want to thank you for everything you’ve done for my family, especially before I arrived.”

“Really, you and Hailey need to stop thanking me. Hailey’s my best friend, and I’d do anything for her. The twins are the most adorable boys I’ve ever met. What’s not to love?”

“You’ve done so much. It may seem insignificant to you, but it means the world to me. Thank you.”

Debbie shrugged. “You’re welcome, and yes, I’d do it all again.”

Cole nodded. “I also want to ask something.”

“Sure!” Debbie encouraged, sensing his intense nervousness.

“I’m blessed to know Hailey, and I can’t imagine life without her. I’ve invited her on a getaway this weekend,” Cole said softly, scratching the back of his neck. “You’re her best friend, and I’d love your blessing. I’m going to ask her to marry me, and your approval means a lot to me.”

“No.”

Cole stared, shocked. Her response was sharp, her expression equally rigid, making his heart pound.

“No?” he repeated, hoping he’d misheard.

“No,” Debbie replied sternly. A glass of wine sat on the table; she took a sip.

“Why?” Cole’s voice trembled.

“Hailey cried a lot because of you, and I’ll never forgive you for that.”

Cole ran his fingers through his hair. “I’m truly sorry, Debbie. I deeply regret it, and though we all suffered, I can’t change the past. That’s why I’ll do anything to make things right. I promise to spend my life making it up to her.”

“How do I know you’re sincere?”

“I’m a man of my word.” He stared at her earnestly, hoping she saw his sincerity. “There’s no way to confirm that.”

“Please, Debbie. Trust me. You’re free to do whatever you want if I ever break my word.”

Debbie shook her head.

Cole sighed, at a loss for words.

“You got the ring already?” The unexpected question made Cole nod.

Debbie took another sip of wine. “That’s sad. Because there’s no way my friend would have anything to do with you.”

“I thought you cared about her happiness?”

“I do. And that includes protecting her from getting hurt.”

“I’m not a bad guy.”

“Still not convinced.”

Cole remained silent.

“What will you do if she says no?”

Cole paused. “I haven’t thought about that, but I’m hopeful. Even if she says no, I won’t stop trying. Life without Hailey is meaningless.”

“On one condition.” Debbie set down her nearly empty glass.

“Name it.”

“You’ll put it in writing that I have the right to have you jailed if you ever hurt my sister.”

“Done!” Cole answered immediately.

Debbie chuckled. “You can’t wait to walk down the aisle with her, can you?”

Cole blushed.

“It took you long enough. I’ve always wondered when you’d propose.”

Cole, relieved, tried to hide his blush. “I always wanted to. I was just waiting for the right time.”

“I had to tease you to confirm your intentions. Thank you for talking to me. It means a lot. I’m rooting for you and Hailey, and I wish you both happiness.” Cole smiled. “Thank you. Your approval means so much.”

“Do you know where her mother is buried? I’d like to visit her grave to ask for her blessing.”

Two days later…

“Babe, my love,” Cole whispered in Hailey’s ear.

She moaned, nuzzling closer.

“We’re here?”

“Already?” she mumbled, eyes closed.

“Yes, my love.”

“How is that possible? We just left the airport.”

Cole chuckled. “Yes, babe. It’s been forty minutes.”

Hailey slowly opened her eyes. Looking out the window, she saw a gorgeous apartment. Cole got out, went around to her side, opened the door, and offered his hand as the driver took their luggage.

“This is so beautiful,” Hailey murmured, taking in her surroundings. Though dark outside, the interior lights illuminated the apartment’s beauty.

Cole smiled, leaned closer, and kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you like it, my love.”

“You must be hungry!”

She smiled and nodded.

With his hand on her back, Cole led her inside. Hailey stopped, facing him. A smile played on her lips. “This smells so good! Is anyone staying with us?”

“No. Just the housekeeper, in the staff quarters.”

“I smell my favorite dish. Did she make it?”

Cole smiled, shaking his head. “I hired a chef.”

“Can we eat before the tour? I know I ate on the plane, but I’m starving.” She pouted, making Cole smile wider.

“Of course, babe. Anything for you and our little one.”

Hailey happily took his hand, and Cole led her to the dining room.

“Okay? What’s going on?” She smiled sheepishly at the romantic setting for two. The table was laden with her favorite foods: fried rice, chicken, delicious desserts and appetizers, orange juice, fruit wine, flowers, and candles.