love and power 242
Alessia nced toward the breakfast table, where a bowl of warm soup and a few pastries sat, still fresh–it looked like someone had only just set them out.
“After we eat, I need to head to the office for a bit,” she said. “<i>You </i>were up eventer than I wasst night, and now you’re awake so early. Go back to bed and get some rest once I leave.”
“I should stop by thepany, too,” Cole replied. “There’s business with A&C Entertainment and A&P that needs my attention. The Whitley Group is in good hands with Larkin, so you’re the one who should really take it easy for once. I’ve already taken a month’s leave from school, so let me handle things at the office for now.”
They were always like this–each putting the other first, never themselves.
Neither was willing to back down, so theypromised. Each promised not to let work take over their lives.
Living together wasn’t as charged with romance as people might imagine. Instead, their days unfolded with the quietfort of a couple who’d been together for years. Sometimes, Alessia would reach for something only to find that Cole had already handed it to her before she even asked.
By day, they were both busy, each lost in their own responsibilities. But in the evenings, it became a ritual: the two of them would settle onto the porch swing in the garden, arms around each other, gazing up at the sky inpanionable silence.
Now and then<i>, </i><i>one </i>of them would feel tears prick at their eyes, but after a deep breath, they’d pull themselves together. They both cared too much to let the other see their sadness, and they knew that those who loved them wouldn’t want them to live in grief forever.
Still, sometimes they wondered–would it be so wrong to be a little less brave every now and then?
Even if it was just their fingertips, they wanted to reach for each other again. So they kept moving forward, just as they had two years ago, hoping that, in their dreams, they might find themselves as they were when they were young: lying with their heads in each other’sps, a gentle hand brushing stray hair from a cheek.
Before they knew it, the first snow arrived.
12:36
As always, they were curled up together on the porch swing. Cole tucked Alessia’s hand into his coat pocket, while with his free hand, he fumbled for something in the other pocket.
After a moment, he pulled out a small box.
“I picked this up for you when I was out on that project. It took a bit longer to arrive because it had to be custom made–I meant to give it to <i>you </i>after the sports event.” He left the rest unsaid and opened the box. Inside was a slender silver bracelet, delicately crafted, its surface etched with tiny motifs. On the inside, if you looked closely, the letter A was engraved.
Alessia held out her hand in silent anticipation.
Cole took the bracelet and fastened it around her wrist, careful and gentle.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
She smiled softly. “I do.” Cole dropped his gaze, tracing his thumb across her palm until he felt the warmth rise in her skin, then let go.
“Your hair’s gotten long,” Alessia said, brushing a stray lock from Cole’s forehead.
“Mhm. I’ll get it cut tomorrow<i>.</i><i>” </i>They slipped back into their quiet, easy closeness.
“Remember when we both dyed our hair that ridiculous parrot color?” Alessia’s lips curled at the memory.
“My dad nearly had a heart attack. And just when you finally went back to your natural color, my mom went and dyed hers, too.”
“Ms. June was always spoiled by Mr. Whitley–free–spirited and yful, just like a kid,” Alessiaughed.
“If only I’d met you a little sooner…” Cole murmured, his voice tinged with longing.
“All I want is for us to stay together,” Alessia replied, resting her head on his shoulder as she admired the bracelet on her wrist.
Cole turned and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. He didn’t need to say another word–his answer was clear in the way he held her close.
<i>212 </i>
12:36
Chapter <b>243 </b>