The Billionaire's Island Bride (South Shore Billionaires 3)

“Brooklyn. Maybe you can work things out. Because I do want you to be happy, Cole. Don’t wait to be my age to share your heart with someone.”

His throat tightened and he swallowed. “Well. I think this is the deepest conversation we’ve ever had.”

“And long overdue.” She smiled again and reached for her coffee.

“I’m happy for you,” he said, meaning it wholeheartedly. “And I know you probably are planning some elaborate trip for your honeymoon, but you and Edward are welcome to stay on the island if you want. I have a couple who are working as caretaker and housekeeper there, and all it’ll take is me sending word and they can have things readied for you.”

“Does this mean you’ll come to the wedding?” she asked, leaning forward, her voice hopeful. “Because I thought you’d be angry with me for marrying again.”

He shook his head. “Dad’s gone. Why would I want you to be alone and lonely? If you’re happy, then I’m happy for you. Simple as that.”

Tears filled her eyes. “We were such cold parents. I don’t know where you got your big heart.”

“Not everyone sees it,” he assured her, chuckling. “Just a select few.”

“Like this Brooklyn woman?”

He shook his head again. “Maybe before, but not now. She kind of handed it back to me.”

“Then she’s a fool.”

“Maybe. Maybe not. She was pretty clear that we’re over.”

“I’m sorry, Cole.”

“Me, too.” He clapped his hands together and stood. “Let’s change the subject. Clearly, this is an event that calls for more than coffee. I think you should call Edward, and we can set up a lunch date and all go out together. Have some champagne. What do you say?”

She stood, as well, her face beaming with approval. “Oh, that would be lovely. I’ll call your assistant so she can coordinate it with your calendar.”

That one line told him everything he needed to know about his mother’s relationship with his father, and with him, thus far. He shook his head. “No, Mom. You call me. You don’t have to have a relationship with my assistant. You’re my mother.”

“You’re a better son than I deserve, but I’m not going to say no. Thank you, darling. I’ll call you in a few days.”

She moved forward, as if to buss his cheek, but she hugged him, too, an awkward thing but welcome just the same. “Thank you,” she whispered and stepped back. “And don’t give up if you love her, Cole. It’s a rare thing. At least try to talk to her again, and listen to what she has to say.”

He walked her to the door and said goodbye. And then went back to the sofa and sat down. He put his head into his hands and sighed. He missed Brooklyn. He loved her. And he wasn’t sure how to go about fighting for her. How could he leave Abbott behind forever? It was a huge responsibility, but one he wanted. It motivated him to get up in the morning, gave him a purpose. He’d be on the island for a month and then be bored out of his mind and miserable. His mother had just shown him what happened to a person who was miserable in their life.

And yet living without Brooklyn was a painful thought. And he could see no way to do both. Brooklyn had been very clear about her needs, and he also didn’t want to be the reason she ventured into a life she didn’t want and was unhappy.

Maybe she was right. Maybe they were from two different worlds that couldn’t be reconciled.

But damn, it hurt.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

BROOKLYN LET MARVIN off his leash and watched as he ran down the beach, spinning up sand, as if his whole ordeal had never happened. She’d been a diligent nursemaid to him, checking his incision, keeping his activity low, cooking him fresh chicken and rice until his stomach had healed. It had almost kept her mind off Cole.

Almost, but not quite.

The words he’d said to her that day still echoed in her head and made her question everything. Was she avoiding life? Hiding away on the island because it was safe and secure? Was she afraid to take a chance on them because she couldn’t control the situation or the outcome?

Control. That was what it all came down to. To her, control equaled safety. Because for a very few moments one spring day, she’d had absolutely no control and she’d been in horrible danger. She didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out. Her mind skittered back to the night they’d spent at the Sandpiper. He’d known, even then, hadn’t he? Because he’d told her that she was in control of what happened between them. And she’d been the one to take the lead.

She and Marvin were nearly at the end of the beach when she saw two people heading down over the bluff. Dan and Raelynn, holding hands, and her heart warmed at the sight of them. It was a little bittersweet, watching their happiness. One night not long ago, she and Cole had walked down the same dune, hand in hand in the moonlight.

Marvin ran up to the couple, begging for pats as was his usual style. Moments later Brooklyn caught up to everyone. She hadn’t spoken to them since Cole left. Dan had taken Cole to the mainland in the boat, and Raelynn had gone along to do some grocery shopping. They’d stopped at the house to see if Brooklyn needed anything, a truly neighborly gesture. She’d awkwardly declined.

Raelynn gave her a hug. “Oh, it’s good to see you. And Marvin. He looks fully recovered.”