A Heart Reborn

by BK Harrell

  Harry took the present and shook it and had a confused look on his face at the featherlight box. Harry tore open the package and found the letter from Santa.

  Dear Harry,

  I know you asked for something special from me for Christmas. I know you aren’t ready for that present just yet, but when the time comes have your mother give you this envelope.

  Santa

  Harry stared at the letter and the envelope in the box. He really wanted to open the letter, but he did as was requested and handed the letter to his mom.

  Sarah took the letter, and said “I’ll make sure you get this when the time is right. You trust me, don’t you?”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “I know you want to rip it open now, but it’s not the time.”

  Sarah took the envelope and went upstairs to hide it in her room. She hoped that she was doing the right thing. Only time would tell.

  Back downstairs, Sarah helped her mom finish up lunch. They all ate sharing stories from the past year and what they were looking forward to the next year. As Sarah looked at Harry, she couldn’t help but think she had done a good job of raising him, but where would she be without her mom’s help.

  After lunch, they continued their Christmas tradition of going to the movie. They went to see Saving Mr. Banks. Sarah enjoyed watching the movie about Walt Disney. It made her remember their recent trip and the fun they had. Even though they ate a big lunch, they gorged themselves on popcorn and candy. What a great day. Another wonderful Christmas.

  After getting home, Sarah was sitting in the family room reading. A luxury she rarely had time for during school and her residency. She was trying to finish the third book in the Kathleen Brookes Bluegrass Brothers Series Acquiring Trouble. She had come across the first book by accident, but had been sucked into the series and looked forward to each new release. She loved the romantic suspense that the series offered, and the Rose sisters always cracked her up. Sarah wished she could write like that. She could write a book about her life and no one would believe it was non-fiction.

  Just as she was reaching the climax her phone pinged with a text message. She looked down to see that Coop was letting her know they arrived okay and that he would call her later. Sarah smiled but went back to reading about Miles Davies and Morgan Hamilton. She wished her life could be that simple, boy meets girl, girl goes away and then when she returns they fall madly in love. Of course she could do without the attempted murder and drama, but the other part was nice.

  Having gotten up so early, Sarah found herself drifting off as she tried to finish the book. She finally gave up and headed to bed. Just after she changed clothes and got in to bed, her phone rang with a Facetime call. She smiled seeing Coop’s name pop up then his gorgeous face.

  “Hey,” she said after swiping the screen to life. “How was your trip? I forgot to ask where you are staying?”

  “Hey yourself. The trip was fine. No long waits at the airport, and we’re staying at the Bellagio. Mom and dad went to gamble, and I wanted to call you before I head over to Casa Fuente for a cigar and scotch. I wish you were her with me.”

  “Me too, but you need some time with your parents before the season starts. I’m enjoying my time laying around reading, and not doing much of anything else. It’s nice not to have any responsibilities for a couple of weeks. What about you, aren’t you going to miss working out for a few days?”

  “Nah, I need a break every now and then. I have to watch what I eat or else hit the gym here at the hotel. I plan on sleeping late and not doing a whole lot. I’ll probably do a little shopping, but we’ll see what else comes up. I’m taking mom and dad to a couple of Cir du Sol shows. We are skipping Zumanity, because I just don’t think I could sit through a show about sex with my mom. Her comments would be totally inappropriate.”

  Sarah laughed. “I love your mom. She lacks a filter sometimes, but has no trouble speaking her mind.”

  “I seem to know someone else like that too. She’s the woman I’m in love with.”

  “I’d like to meet her sometime. We could never be friends, but I’d still like to meet her.”

  “Why do you do that to yourself. You’re one of the strongest women I know. Look at everything you have accomplished in life. I love how strong you are.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not as strong as you think I am. I meant to ask you if you got your tux cleaned for the New Year’s Eve party or did you need me to take it to the cleaners?”

  “Shit, thanks for reminding me. Could you stop by and take it to the cleaners? I should be able to pick it up when I get back.”

  “No problem. I’ll water the plants while I’m there. I realize it’s still early for you, but I’m exhausted, so I’ll talk you tomorrow. I love you.”

  “Love you, too. Good night.”

  Sarah quickly fell asleep dreaming of her night to come with Coop.

  ***

  The next few days went by fast and before Sarah knew it, she was at Coop’s house getting dressed for their New Year’s Eve ball. Coop had surprised her with a Black Versace ball gown and matching Louboutin Stiletto heels. Sarah had her hair in a complicated chignon exposing her long slender neck. She wanted to give Coop as much exposed skin as possible for his lips to explore. Sarah was sitting at the vanity applying the last bit of makeup, and after a swipe of mascara and a coat of Siren Red lip gloss she was ready to go. She felt, rather than heard Coop come in behind her. The atmosphere literally changed when he walked into a room. Goosebumps appeared on her arms as Coop’s hands skimmed up her bare arms and came rest on her shoulders.

  “You look beautiful. I can’t wait to show you off tonight. You know Rhett and his wife, and Skip. You’ll know Lincoln, Nicole, Cole, and Marcie. I think Jennifer and Aubrey will be there. So, don’t worry about not knowing anybody. We’ll have a great time.”

  Coop led Marcie downstairs and out to the Limo. They enjoyed a tame ride to the stadium and the 755 Club. Apparently, Lincoln was feeling nostalgic and wanted to have the party where he and Nicole had their first date. Coop smiled to himself, thinking about that. Lincoln was incredibly romantic and took care of Nicole like she was his queen. He hoped that Sarah saw him in the same light.

  The driver dropped them off at the entrance and they followed the red carpet into the elevator and the club.

  Sarah was amazed at how they had transformed the club into a Manhattan playground. They had a champagne fountain, along with a full bar, servers wondering around with horderves, and a swing band. Coop led her to their table, setting her clutch down before finding Nicole and Marcie. As she made her way across the room, Coop introduced her to his teammates and their dates. She also got to meet the few new members of the team that they added in free agency.

  Sarah found Nicole and Marcie and admired their dresses. They all hugged each other and made small talk while they waited for their men to join them. The atmosphere was festive and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

  They had a silent auction set up to benefit their foundation. Coop led her over to look at the items up for auction and Sarah was amazed at the things that had been contributed to them. She figured out that Lincoln was responsible for the golf packages and the weekend in Aspen. Sarah saw a stunning diamond pendent necklace in the shape of a baseball. She thought about bidding on it, but the starting bid was ten thousand dollars and that was more than she was willing to part with. She did bid on a few of the smaller items including a dinner party for ten people.

  As the night continued, Sarah found herself feeling a little tipsy from all the champagne, and a lot horny from dancing so close to Coop all night. At midnight, they kissed and popped the cork on more champagne. As Sarah stood in Coop’s arms he reached into his pocket and pulled out the baseball diamond pendent necklace and slipped it around Sarah’s neck.

  “I saw you admiring this necklace, and I thought it would look beautiful around your neck.”

  “Coop, you shouldn’t have, but I’m glad you did,�
� Sarah said as she kissed Coop.

  With the festivities winding down, Coop led Sarah back to the limo for the ride back home. Coop supported Sarah’s weight as they rode back to his house. He was sure that they weren’t going to make love tonight, but he had high hopes of morning sex. By the time, they arrived home, Sarah was lightly snoring as she was nestled against Coop’s side. He smiled at the cute little sounds coming from her as she slept. Not wanting to wake her up, Coop gently scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside. He set her down on the bed and swiftly removed her dress and shoes leaving her in a stunning bustier and thong. His mouth was watering and with a desire to taste her. Coop looked at the thong that bisected her perfectly formed cleft and decided what the hell. She was either going to sleep through it and think she was dreaming, or she was going to wake up and ride his face like a wild cowgirl. Coop quickly unhooked the bustier and freed her breasts, allowing her to sleep more comfortably. At least that’s what he told himself. Then he slid her thong off her hips, enjoying the musky scent of her arousal that was permeating the air. With her thong off, her knees naturally fell apart inviting him to a tempting feast.

  Coop knelt on his knees and placed Sarah’s legs on his shoulders providing him a wide-open view to her perfectly manicured womanhood. The arousal was dripping off her engorged lips, begging him to feast on her sweet nectar. Coop couldn’t wait any longer, he kissed Sarah’s inner thigh starting at her knee and worked his way up to her glistening petals. The first swipe of his tongue must have woken her up as he felt her hands pull his face in tightly. He continued his oral ministrations driving her higher and higher until she finally exploded on his tongue drenching him with a musky honey sweet nectar. Crawling up her body, Coop kissed her lightly before Sarah pulled him in to deepen the kiss. As he lay nestled between her thighs, he felt her hand wrap around his shaft and guide the head to her womanhood. With a thrust of her hips, Coop was home. As he slowly made love to Sarah, he felt her slim fingers roaming over his back in an act of love that nearly had him undone. He could feel her love with each stroke of her hand. Finally, Coop felt her tighten around him and her nails dig into his biceps as the wave crested sending them both in the beautiful, peaceful abyss.

  Coop rolled over, pulling Sarah into his chest. He kissed her forehead and brushed the hair away from her eyes. “I love you, Sarah Buckley.”

  “I love you, too, Harrison Cooper.”

  Before Coop fell asleep, he had the strangest sensation that this would be the last time they were together for a long time. Coop tried to shake it off, but finally fell into a fitful sleep holding Sarah as close as he could.

  Sarah awoke the next morning feeling warm and safe. She lay their watching Coop sleep, praying that this was not the last time they would wake up like this. She was irrevocably in love with him, and it would ruin her to not be able to have him. Her heart clenched in her chest at the thought of them not being together. Three days and she would know the truth. Sarah already felt like she knew the truth. The question was how was Coop going to handle the truth. Sarah felt Coop stir and looked into his beautiful sleep eyes as they peered down at her.

  “Good morning, beautiful. Did you have fun last night?”

  “The party was fun, but the after party blew my mind. I wish we could spend the day together, but I’ve got a lot to do before I’m on call tomorrow. I’ve really enjoyed our time together.”

  “Why does that sound like a goodbye?”

  “I mean, I’ve enjoyed our time during my vacation. Not a goodbye. More like a so long for a few days.”

  “Okay. First, before you leave, I need to make sure I send you home squeaky clean.” Coop said as he scooped Sarah up and carried her to the shower.

  A long shower and a few orgasms later, Sarah was sated and hungry. After getting dressed, she kissed Coop bye, and kissed Coop bye again before she was able to drag herself through the front door. Looking back at Coop, she couldn’t shake the feeling this maybe her last time as an overnight guest. From now on, it might very well be to drop off Harry and pick him up. Sarah got in her car, and with one last look back and a wave, she drove home.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Sarah’s first day on call for the new year went about as she expected. Combine that with the karma of coming back from vacation, Sarah didn’t hardly sit down all day. They had fourteen deliveries, including six C-sections. Sarah walked out of the hospital after morning rounds wanting her bed and a long nap. Her stomach was in knots because she knew the time was coming for her meeting with Coop. Between the lack of sleep and the anxiety, Sarah felt like she was ready to blow chucks in the parking garage.

  Sarah stopped for a biscuit on the way home and felt marginally better when she dragged her ass upstairs and fell into bed.

  Sarah awoke about the time Harry got home from school with a migraine from lack of sleep and stress. She tried to spend some time with her family, but the medicine she took did her in, and she was back in bed by eight o’clock. She tried to go back to sleep, but she couldn’t shake the feelings she had concerning her morning meeting. Sarah hoped that she didn’t screw up rounds in the morning because her mind was in a different place. She finally fell asleep after midnight and was awake before the sun rose.

  Rounds thankfully were uneventful, and she was back in the office by nine. As she was going to her office, an arm grabbed her elbow and pulled her to the side. She was glad that it was Marcie. She needed a friendly face this morning to help calm her nerves.

  “Morning, Sarah. You ready for your big meeting?”

  “Would it sound bad if I said no? I already know the answers. I can feel it in my heart, but the second part of the meeting is what worries me the most. I just don’t know how he is going to react to the news of having a son. If you hear things crashing on the wall and yelling, just know Lincoln and Cole will be there for me.”

  "I’d say everything will be okay, but I just don’t want to lie to you. Just remember, no matter what happens, we’ll all be here for you. Have you told Harry yet?”

  “No. I don’t want to tell him if Coop is going to be an ass about it. He deserves better than that. I did make Coop a photo album so that he could see Harry at his various stages starting with me being pregnant. I hate to run, but I need to cram a bottle of Tums down my throat and get ready for the meeting. Thanks for your support. I’m sure I’ll need wine night soon, if not tonight.”

  “You’re family. We protect our own. Stay strong.”

  Sarah walked to her office and downed a cup of coffee and several Tums trying to settle her stomach. When nine-forty-five rolled around she made her way to the conference room wanting to arrive early. When she walked into the conference room, she smiled when she saw Lincoln and Cole already seated. She gave each of them a hug before taking a seat.

  “Cole, how was your honeymoon? Marcie looked like she was still glowing”

  “It was awesome. Australia was a lot of fun. How was your vacation?”

  “Good. Coop and I had a lot of fun getting to know each other again. I just don’t have a good feeling about this meeting though.”

  Lincoln smiled at her. “Don’t worry. We’ve got your back.”

  Sarah smiled but not for long, as the atmosphere changed and the electricity charged the air when Coop walked into the room. He smiled at her and Sarah smiled back hoping this portended of good things to come.

  Lincoln sat up straighter as Coop took his seat and started the meeting. “Harrison, you requested this meeting with Dr. Buckley. Cole and I are here solely as observers. We aren’t here to give our opinions or intervene on either parties’ behalf. Any questions?”

  “No, sir.”

  Sarah spoke up before they could go any further. “Lincoln, could you and Cole leave us alone please. We need to have this discussion in private. If it will make you feel any better, you can hang out with Marcie. Is that okay Harrison?”

  Coop nodded his head.

  “Are you sure?” Lincoln asked.

/>   “Yes. I’m sure.”

  Sarah watched Lincoln and Cole leave the room before she sat down across from Coop.

  “Thank you for getting us alone. I didn’t mind them being here, but this is a conversation better had between the two of us.”

  “I agree. You asked for this meeting, so you have the floor.”

  “We’ve been back together almost two months, and we have avoided this conversation, but I need to know what happened ten years ago, that drove you away from me?”

  Sarah contemplated the question that Coop had asked. “Before I answer that question, I need to know one very simple thing. Do you have any children?”

  Coop imagined a lot of things, but this was never one of them. Why would she think that? “No. I don’t have any children. Why would you ask?”

  “Because I was young and naïve, and believed what I was told. That last night at the party, that cleat-chasing piece of sorority trash told me that you were her baby’s daddy. As I stood there in shock, all I could think was that meant that you would’ve had to cheat on me with her to get her pregnant. I didn’t know any better, and was so angry that I ran and shut you out. It was the second biggest mistake of my life. I should’ve talked to you, but I didn’t know how to or what to say.”

  Coop sat across from Sarah in shock. Now he knew what Tracey actually said to Sarah. He knew she was a scared rabbit in their relationship because of her inexperience. He had tried to show her how he felt to make her more secure, but the one place he couldn’t see was in her head. “I hate that she said that to you. I wish I had known then, so I could’ve tried to fix it. Better yet, I’d have had the team haul her ass to your apartment, apologize and ensure you that it wasn’t true. I can’t fucking believe that little tramp kept us apart for ten years. Maybe my mom was right, when she told me that it wasn’t our time, and that we would find each other again. We can fix this. Hell, we have fixed this. We did find each other.”