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I waved a hand at the two of them. “You think that everyone can have what you share, but that’s not realistic.”
Cole took the filled bag of stuffed animals from Daphne. “Why not?”
“Because it doesn’t always work out. People want different things, or they’re in different stages of their lives. Or one person likes one more than the other.”
Daphne frowned. “Is that what you think happened? You liked him more than he liked you.”
“I was willing to follow him anywhere, and he obviously wasn’t.” He’d been very clear that day. There was no convincing him to do something different. He was determined to enlist and go it alone. He didn’t want me following him.
“I don’t want to break anyone’s trust, but there’re two sides to every story,” Cole finally said.
I huffed a sigh of frustration. “If he doesn’t tell me his side, how will I ever know? I’ll just assume that we weren’t right for each other.” That he didn’t want me. That was the truth that was the hardest to deal with.
My mother died, and he’d enlisted. I’d never felt so alone. I’d intentionally separated myself from my family so I didn’t have them for comfort, and they were all dealing with their own issues.
“I was over him a long time ago. We can work together without any of that coming up.” We’d already spent time together, and there wasn’t any awkwardness. There was that one moment in the kitchen when I thought he was going to move closer and touch me, but he hadn’t. I needed to stop looking for things that weren’t there.
There was some saying about believing people when they told you who they were. Aiden hadn’t wanted me, and nothing he said now would change that reality. He couldn’t go back and change the past.
“I think we need to pick up the pace if we want Izzy to sleep in her new bedroom tonight,” Cole said.
Daphne smiled softly at Cole. “I love that you allowed her to decorate it any way she wanted.”
“Why wouldn’t I? It’s her home now.”
I felt like I was intruding on a private moment. It was clear that Daphne was excited to move in with Cole. That this was a big step for their relationship, and she couldn’t wait to live with him.
“I for one, can’t wait to see how she decorated it. Let’s get a move on.” I moved quicker now that we weren’t talking about my love life.
I focused on packing and vowed to be a better big sister. I’d be there for my siblings. I’d just have to find a way to keep in touch with them when I was back at work.
I helped Cole carry out the boxes and bags to his truck, and Daphne went to her room to pack her clothes and toiletries.
I carried a box outside.
Cole took it from me and threw it in the bed of his truck. “We’ll need to make a few more trips. But this should be enough to have them settled for tonight.”
I leaned against the side of the truck. “I’m happy you’re in Daphne’s and Izzy’s lives. They obviously love you.”
He threw the last of the bags into the back. “I love them too.”
He’d defied his family’s wishes when he dated Daphne, since their families had an ongoing rivalry. But he’d stood by his love for Daphne and Izzy. I admired that.
He cleared his throat. “I don’t want you to think that love isn’t available for you. That you can’t have it if you want it.”
“You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not looking for love.” And most likely never would be. I’d bury myself in work. That had always been effective in keeping my mind off my personal life.
Cole opened his mouth as if to say something, but Daphne came outside with a suitcase and a duffle bag.
He pushed off the truck and took the bags from her. “Did you get everything you need?”
Daphne’s shoulders lowered. “We can come back and get the rest another day.”
Cole carried her bags to the truck, and Daphne stopped in front of me. “We’re having dinner tonight at Cole’s. I want to show everyone the house and my new kitchen. I’d like for you to come.”
“I’ll be there.” I didn’t expect that Aiden would need me to work on the movie theater today. It might take a few days for Heath to check out the space and write up an estimate.
Daphne exchanged a concerned look with Cole. “It’s just that Cole invited Aiden. They’re friends.”
