Page 69 of Smitty

When I looked back at Brooke, there was something different in her eyes. The fear was gone and had been replaced with understanding. That meant a lot, because, without them, I wasn’t sure if I would’ve ever found my way back to her. “I’m glad you found them.”

“Me too.” I knew it was a long shot, but that didn’t stop me from saying, “I hope you meet them someday.”

“I would like that."

After that, we gathered up Anslee and headed back to her place. And over the next few days, Brooke and I fell into an easy rhythm. It was different than before, but just as easy. We’d talk while Anslee played, laughed about nothing, and every now and then, we’d stare at each other in a way that left no question that old chemistry between us was still there.

It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t complicated.

It was just us finding our way, and somewhere between the shared dinners and bedtime stories, I realized I wasn’t just getting to know my daughter. I was finding my way back to her—the woman who still owned my heart.

After a long afternoon of watching Disney movies and building towers upon towers, I grabbed my cut from the chair and started putting it on as I told her, “I’m gonna head out.”

“So soon?”

“It’s getting late, and you have work tomorrow…”

“I’m not ready for you to go just yet.”

“You sure?” She nodded, and I returned my cut to the hook. “Okay. I can stay for a bit.”

“Okay, good. Give me just a second.”

She slipped into the kitchen, and a few seconds later, she returned with a glass of wine and a cold beer. She offered me the beer, and together, we walked into the living room and settled on opposite ends of the couch.

For a few minutes, neither of us said a word. We just sat there in silence, and it wasn’t awkward or uncomfortable. It was just familiar, and it felt good sitting there alone with her.

But there was a big elephant in the room, one neither of us dared to speak of, but it had been days. There had been no mention of or any sight of Ryan. It was like the guy had up and disappeared. He didn’t seem to be the type to let a stranger linger in his home, especially with his girls, so I asked, “What’s the deal with Ryan?”

“He left.”

“What do you mean?”

“He isn’t here.” She let out a slow, defeated breath. “He was gone when I got home from work a few days ago.”

“Where did he go?”

“His brother’s place… He’s giving me some space.” She reached over and pulled a slip of paper from the drawer. “He left me this.”

I unfolded the note and read:

Brooke,

I love you. I love the life we’ve built, and I love that little girl more than anything in this world. I want to be with you both. I want the happily ever after, but I can’t keep going like this. I’ve always known that your heart belonged to someone else. I was just fool enough to think one day you might give us a chance.

I’m not ready to give up completely. I’m not sure I’ll ever be. I’m hoping you will see that I’m the one you should be with. But I want you to be with me because I’m the one you truly want, not because I’m the safe bet.

So, take the time you need. Be it a day, a month, or even a year. I’ll be here waiting if you decide I’m the one.

I’ll be at my brother’s. I’m just a phone call away.

I hope to hear from you. If I don’t, I wish you the best. I truly do.

Love,

Ryan

I folded it and offered it back to her as I muttered, “Damn.”