“Yeah, apart from him.”
“And your shared history.”
“Okay. That, too.”
“And the fact you’re both clearly itching for each other. Every time you’re together I can practically hear the fireworks exploding.”
Brooke sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Has the shine worn off you and Lucas? Are you so bored you’re looking for romance when it’s not there? Maybe I should call him and suggest he visit a certain, um, website. Spice things up a bit.”
“Well since you ask…” There was a smile in Ember’s voice. One which made Brooke sit up straight and take notice. “There’s another reason I called you.”
“What reason? What’s happened?”
“Lucas asked me to marry him. And I said yes, of course.” Ember’s words tripped over themselves in a breathless tangle. “It was so romantic, Brooke. He got down on one knee in the sand as the sun was setting out over the water. You should see the ring, in fact you probably can see it, it’s that big. Look out the window and you’ll see the moon reflecting on it.”
Brooke laughed. “I’m so happy for you.” She really was. The warmth enveloping her had nothing to do with embarrassment this time, and everything to do with pure delight for her friend. “You and Lucas are such a great couple; you’re made for each other. Do you know when you’re going to do the deed?”
“I’m thinking over winter break. That will give us enough time to have a short honeymoon too. And of course I want you and Ally to be my bridesmaids.”
“Does Ally know?”
“Yes. I was worried I was stealing her thunder, since she isn’t getting married until next year. But she promised me I wasn’t.” There was a pause. “I’m not, am I? I don’t want to upset anybody.”
“Of course you’re not. Ally and Nate always said they wanted a long engagement. They aren’t going to rush anything because of Riley, remember. Whereas you and Lucas don’t have to worry about any children…” Brooke trailed off, a thought occurring to her. “Unless there’s something you’re not telling me?”
“I’m not pregnant, you goof.” Ember chuckled. Brooke could picture her shaking her head. “Not yet, anyway. Maybe some time.”
“You’ll make awesome parents. I can picture it now, Lucas will probably get your children surfing before they can even walk.”
“We’re talking about Mr. Safety here. I don’t think he’ll ever let them surf.” Ember’s voice was warm as she talked about her fiancé. “Oh, Brooke, I’m so happy. I didn’t think getting engaged would change anything but it has. It’s made me feel more in love with Lucas than ever. No wonder Ally always has a smile on her face.” After another pause, Ember added, “I wish you could have this too.”
“Hey, I’m happy enough. I have my work, and Nick. That’s all I need.”
“Is it?”
Brooke blinked, thinking over her friend’s question. A few months ago she would have answered ‘yes’ right away. Her life was on the up. She’d finish her degree soon and be able to work as a veterinary technician. Nick was settled and enjoying school. Independence from her family was only a breath away.
But now? She felt like the ocean after a rare storm – full of sand and water all mixed up and murky. She couldn’t see through it, but she had to keep swimming, hoping for the best. It would be stupid to pretend Aiden wasn’t a big cause of her confusion. Having him back in her life was such sweet agony.
“Yes,” she replied to Ember.
“Oh honey, when are you going to do something about Aiden?” It was as if Ember was completely ignoring Brooke’s words, only concentrating on the tone underlying them.
“I’m not, I can’t.”
“But he’s gorgeous and he’s available and he’s into you,” Ember blurted out.
“Look where that got me last time.” Her phone beeped, alerting her to another call. Frowning, she pulled it away from her ear, glancing at the screen to see who it was.
“Ember, Aiden’s calling. I need to take it. Nick’s with him.”
“No problem, I’ll talk to you later.”
* * *
“Is he okay?” Brooke was breathless when he opened the door. “I got here as soon as I could.” She hadn’t needed to knock or ring the bell, the sweep of her headlights across the darkened room as she pulled in was enough to alert him to her presence. And now she was standing on his front step, wearing an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt that was way too big for her, her hair pulled away from her face revealing freshly scrubbed skin. She smelled of summer fruits – sweet and edible – as though she’d stepped out of the shower.
“He went back to sleep.” Aiden grimaced. “I swear he was inconsolable. Kept talking about his nightmare and the sharks eating you. He wouldn’t rest until I called you.”