by Lisa Edward
Cole’s chest trembled against my face and I looked up to see the tears streaming down his cheeks. He looked over my shoulder, extending his hand. I turned, still in his arms, to see Riley standing there, watching us.
Cole stepped forward, his hand still extended. “Thank you,” he said huskily, his voice deeper than usual. “Thank you so much.”
The two men shook hands while I watched on curiously. When I’d floated the idea of inviting Riley over for drinks with our friends, Cole had said he would kill him if he came near me. Now, only a few hours later, I smiled as Cole stepped in and wrapped his arm around Riley’s shoulder. Riley hesitated for a split second, and then with a smile in his eyes, he hugged Cole back.
Christmas lunch with our friends at Songbirds was fast becoming a tradition, and this year was no exception.
Cole was up with the sparrows, waiting for Tori to wake. It was our first Christmas together as a family, and he was like an excited child the morning after Santa had shimmied down the chimney. He bounced around the apartment singing carols as he cooked a special breakfast and made coffee in his CK boxers.
“Good morning,” he said quietly as he came in the bedroom with a breakfast tray. “Merry Christmas, babe.”
The tray was placed on the side table and I felt the side of the bed compress as he sat beside me. I’d been up with Tori for half the night and my eyes did not want to open, but the aroma of coffee was so tempting.
“Hey.” He nudged me. “Are you awake?”
A groan was the extent of my response, and I felt the bed shake as he chuckled.
“I made coff-ee,” he said in a sing-song voice, giving me a little shake.
Cracking one eye open, I looked at the nearly naked Cole perched on the edge of the bed.
“Are you jumping back in for a cuddle?” I croaked, pulling the sheet down beside me.
He was back under the covers within the blink of an eye. “I don’t need to be invited twice,” he joked, rolling me into his arms.
I snuggled in, wrapping my arm across his broad chest. This was my favourite place to be in the entire world. To be wrapped in Cole’s loving arms, my face resting against his chest while I listened to his heart steadily beating. If there were no gifts for me under the Christmas tree, this present was enough.
“I can’t believe the year we’ve had,” Cole whispered into my hair. “Do you think we can have a quiet, non-eventful year this year, please?”
I chuckled. “Where’s the fun in that?” So much had happened in the last twelve months. Some terrible things, but so many that were amazing. The burlesque show, and finding out that Riley was alive, not to mention having Tori … I really felt blessed that after everything Cole and I had been through, we were here together at this very moment.
Tori woke up, her gurgling getting louder through the baby monitor.
“Finally,” Cole said as he jumped up. “I have to introduce her to her pony.”
I laughed and he gave me a cheeky wink, but I knew full well that while the pony was a joke now, in a few years it would be a reality.
Rolling over to bask in the last few minutes of lying in bed before I needed to get up, I smiled as I listened to Cole chatting away to Tori over the monitor. I really didn’t know how much she understood yet, but she could definitely pick up on our moods, and Cole’s cheerful tone of voice as he changed her had her smiling happily by the time he brought her in to me.
Cole lay back down in bed with Tori on his chest, then pulled me in on the other side.
“Best Christmas ever,” he said, kissing my head, then kissing Tori’s. “I’ve got my girls with me—that’s more than I could have ever asked for.”
After sitting up and lifting the tray onto my lap to eat my Eggs Benedict, we got up and went out to the living room. The lights on the tree were twinkling brightly, catching Tori’s attention. We stepped over the mound of gifts piled around the tree and sat on the couch, ready to begin opening them. Present after present was opened for Tori, the excitement more for us then her as she was too little to really know what was going on.
When all of hers were unwrapped, there were only three gifts left.
“I know what one of them is, but what are they?” Cole asked, his eyes gleaming. “Did you get me two presents?”
Laughing, I picked up the first gift-wrapped box and handed it to him. “This is for you, babe, from me. Merry Christmas.”
He ripped off the paper, dropping it to the floor before opening the box.
“Oh, wow, babe. It’s beautiful,” he said in awe, taking the watch from its holder. It was a Breitling, with a blue face and silver band. It was something different to the old watch he’d been wearing, but I thought it suited him perfectly.
“Turn it over,” I told him, watching his face.
On the back I’d had an inscription engraved. It read, Our love is timeless.
Cole grinned at me. “Yes, it is, and every day it grows stronger.” He clipped it on straight away, and admired it on his wrist before leaning over and planting a big kiss on my lips.
“This one is also for you,” I told him as I handed him a second gift. “It’s from Tori.” It was a novelty gift, a coffee mug in a box, but I knew it would become his favourite present of all time.
He opened it and then read it with a tear in his eyes. On the cup was a photo of Tori with the words, World’s Best Dad.
“That’s my aim,” he said, his eyes glassy as he read it again.
“Well, you’re well on your way there already,” I told him, smiling as he placed the cup on the coffee table.
Now there was only one present left under the tree and I waited, legs jiggling impatiently, as Cole rose from the couch.
“Well, I guess we should get ready now,” he said, as if he were heading into the bedroom to get dressed.
“Hey!” I exclaimed. “What about me?”
Cole laughed, and bent down to fetch the beautifully-wrapped box before handing it to me, and sitting back beside me.
The ribbons were tied with so many loops and twists that I didn’t want to spoil them, so I slipped them off gently. Opening the box slowly, I let out a gasp as I laid eyes on a stunning antique, diamond-encrusted heart-shaped locket.
“Oh, Cole, this is magnificent.” It was without a doubt the most beautiful piece of jewellery I’d ever seen.
“We had the same idea with the inscription,” he said, smiling. “Turn it over, then open it.”
We had indeed had a similar idea. On the back was inscribed, Forever and always, you have my heart.
Tears welled as I opened the locket. Inside were two photos, one of Tori, the other of Cole. It was perfect.
“I love it so much,” I sniffled, throwing my arms around Cole. “This is the most amazing gift. I’ll wear it forever.”
Tori was dressed in one of her new Christmas dresses, a red and white gingham cotton frock. It was so much fun shopping for her, but I had to keep reminding myself that she would grow out of the clothes in a few months. Little tiny socks were put on her feet and a cute little bow in her hair. She looked just like a doll with her pale skin, dark hair and blue-green eyes.
I’d been shopping for myself too. Still not quite able to get into my pre-pregnancy clothes comfortably, I’d bought a gorgeous slinky red dress that crossed at the chest and tied around my neck, especially for our lunch today.
Cole came into the walk-in wardrobe just as I was slipping on my favourite red shoes. He looked mouth-wateringly good in his white shirt, jeans and new shiny watch. Wrapping his arms around me, he squeezed me tight before giving me a playful slap on the backside.
“I don’t know if I can let you leave the apartment in that dress, young lady. You look way too hot.” His eyes scanned my body, the corner of his mouth tipped up in a sexy half-smile. “If only we had more time.”
We were the last to arrive at Songbirds, bearing only a few gifts. We had decided between us to do a Kris Kringle this year, as the group seemed to have gr
own, and buying for everyone was too expensive for some. We would, of course, all buy for the kids, plus I was buying for Nicole, and Cole had drawn Jay’s name from the bowl.
Nicole had been easy—massage oils and lingerie was always a winner. Cole’s gift for Jay was something more unusual. During the time we had been apart, the guys had written some great songs, and Cole had sent off a demo CD to a number of record labels. He’d heard back almost instantly from one. It was a small indie label, but they seemed really keen to work with The Sons so for Jay’s present, Cole had framed the letter from the record label, offering them a recording deal.
Riley had stayed in Melbourne for the week and was enjoying his time getting to know Noah. Kelli had loved having him stay, too. It was someone that she could talk about Cooper with, someone who knew him almost as well as she did.
Linc had been upstairs preparing lunch for everyone while Tyler ran around the bar, keeping Nicole on her toes. Finally the lunch was ready, and we all made our way up to Reds. I hugged Linc and thanked him for volunteering to cook. He just shrugged, happy that he had a “family” to cook for instead of spending Christmas with Tyler, thinking about his late wife.
We sat down to a feast and showed each other the gifts we’d already received. It felt strange showing off my locket with the photos and inscription while Riley was sitting at the table. He knew that Cole and I were together, but I still didn’t want to rub his nose in it, or make him feel uncomfortable. Cole picked up on my unease, spending his time cuddling Tori instead of how he would usually sit, with his arm draped around my shoulders.
“Everything okay?” he asked, grinning knowingly at me as he leaned in. “Bit awkward for you, isn’t it?”
“Just a little bit,” I joked. “I’m sure Riley’s well and truly over me, but still …”
“Hmm, I don’t think so.”
I followed Cole’s gaze to Riley. He was watching us, and smiled when I caught his eye.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” he asked, leaning forward so I could hear him.
I went to go over to sit by him, but he got up and started heading for the stairs, back down to the bar. Looking over my shoulder at Cole, he just shrugged, so I followed Riley down.
“I bought you something, and I just wanted to give it to you without a fuss,” he said, pulling a little wrapped package from his pocket and handing it to me.
I didn’t know what to say. I hadn’t known he was coming to lunch until the day before, and I hadn’t bought him anything.
He waited, hands pushed deep into his pockets while I opened it. It was a charm to add to my bracelet. A shiny, beautifully-crafted feather.
“I saw the other day that you still wear the bracelet I bought you, so I wanted to get you something to add to it.”
“I wear it every day.” Tears spilled down my cheeks. “It’s still very special to me.”
He smiled, and bit his top lip as his eyes became glassy. “The lady in the store told me that feathers symbolise new beginnings.” He took the charm from the pouch while I held my wrist out so he could clip it on. “You have a new life now. I want this to represent that I’m happy for you, and the life that you’ve built for yourself.”
A sob escaped as I tried to dry my eyes. “Thank you, Riley. That means a lot to me.”
He shrugged. “Maybe we could try this friends thing. I’d like to be kept up to date with how Tori’s doing, and everyone else.”
I nodded and gave him a hug.
“Just go easy on the Cole stuff. I don’t need to hear about how awesome he is.”
Laughing through my tears, I agreed to write and send photos of Tori as she grew up. He would always be a part of our lives, a member of our close-knit group. I wanted Tori and Noah to get to know him, too, and learn of all the brave things he had done, and to never forget the connection he had to Cooper. There would be stories that only he could tell Noah about his dad, and it was really important for Noah to know just how special Cooper was.
“I still have your engagement ring. Did you want it back?” I asked awkwardly. It never seemed to be a good time to bring it up, but I knew he’d be leaving in a few days to go back to Afghanistan, and that I might not see him again for a while.
He frowned. “No, it’s yours. I bought it for you. Besides, what am I going to do with a diamond ring over there?”
“You could sell it. Get your money back, maybe,” I suggested.
He took my hand in his, gazing down at the pink diamond sparkling on my finger. “I know it’s tiny compared to this ring, but it still means the same thing. I couldn’t sell it, and I would never give it to someone else. I’ll never feel about another girl the way I felt about you—the way I still feel for you, Tara.”
“I love the ring you gave me, Riley, and yes, it was just as special to receive as this one.” He met my eyes and I just hope he knew how important he would always be to me. “I’ll hang onto it for you. If you ever want it back, just ask.”
We made our way back upstairs to a few curious glances. Sitting back down beside Cole and Tori, I showed Cole the charm and told him what Riley had said. He looked over at Riley and gave him a smile and a nod, which was returned in kind. That was the only exchange between them on the subject, but that was all that was needed. After all this time they had come to an understanding, a truce, as such. They weren’t friends just yet, but maybe in time they could be.
Our glasses were filled with champagne and Marcus stood to make a toast.
“Every year I look around this table and reflect on the year that’s passed. How each of us has changed and grown. The amazing things that have happened, the struggles we have faced.”
We all nodded in agreement as each of us thought about our own year.
“Since the first year we gathered together as a group of misfits with nowhere else to spend Christmas, so much has changed.” He looked over at Kelli. “We lost Cooper.”
I squeezed Kelli’s hand as she blinked away a tear.
“But look at what we’ve gained. New friends—” he indicated to Linc and Tyler. “—and new loved ones.” He looked over at Richard, who had joined us with Jason, and of course Nicole who was a permanent fixture in the group. “But the most exciting thing for me to see is new family, a new generation with Noah and Tori. It makes me feel like we really are a family.”
Cole kissed Tori’s head as she slept peacefully in his arms. “We are a family,” he whispered.
“So, here’s to another year of being the luckiest group of misfits, because we found each other.”
Cole—one year later
“ARE YOU ready for our last New Year’s Eve in this apartment, babe?” I called to Tara as she finished doing her hair in the bathroom.
“I guess so,” she called back before poking her head out the doorway, her hair half pinned up and half cascading curls. “I’ll be sad to leave, though. I love it here.”
I loved it here too, but the timing felt right. We’d spent the last twelve months meticulously renovating Pops’ old Tudor manor, and with the finishing touches complete it made perfect sense to move.
The record company The Sons had signed with had turned out to be a godsend. They agreed to let us use the recording studio in the basement at Pops’, so we’d been spending more and more time there cutting our second CD.
Still, I wanted Tara to be happy. That was more important to me than anything else.
“We don’t have to go,” I told her as I entered the bathroom to watch her fuss with her hair. “Are you wearing your hair up or down? Or is this a new style for the indecisive?”
Her eyes flashed at me in the mirror, but the adorable smirk on her face told me I wasn’t far off the mark.
“It’s my new indecisive look.” She beamed, turning to face me.
Leaning up against the second sink, I watched, amused, as she unpinned the side that was up so the curls came tumbling down her back.
“Down?” she queried, eyebrows raised.
�
�I like it down,” I told her casually with a shrug.
I wanted it down, and I wanted more than anything for her to wear the dress I’d bought for the occasion, but I had to play it cool. I’d spent months organising this evening, and I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. After all, it wasn’t every day you married the love of your life on the beach at sunset. Nor was it every day that the bride didn’t know about the wedding, which in itself was a logistical nightmare, because Tara usually knows about everything that’s going on.
I left Tara to finish getting ready while I went to the living room to make sure everyone knew their part. As soon as I walked in the room, Tori came toddling over and grabbed hold of my leg.
“Up, Daddy,” she said in that cute little-girl voice, tugging on my pants leg, and on my heartstrings.
Picking her up, I smoothed out her pale mauve dress and straightened the bow in her hair, just as the elevator dinged with the last of our guests.
It was Riley, but he wasn’t alone. There was a young, petite blonde girl with him, clutching his arm nervously.
“Hey, buddy.” I shook his hand while balancing Tori in the other arm. “Glad you could make it.”
He smiled. “Thanks for inviting me.” He turned to the girl. “This is Gabby. Gabby, this is Cole.”
She bit her bottom lip and gave me the usual once-over, but then her eyes went to Tori and she smiled broadly. “She’s adorable. Looks just like Tara, from what I remember of her, but there’s no mistaking who the father is with those green eyes.”
That was curious. “How do you know Tara?” I asked.
“Oh, we met in Afghanistan when Riley was in the hospital in Tarin Kot. I was his nurse.” She beamed at Riley.
Hmm, bit of nurse-patient action going on there. Very interesting.
“Well, glad you could come along. Just remember, Tara doesn’t know what’s planned.”
I showed them into the living room where they greeted everyone, and Riley introduced Gabby around. Tara still hadn’t come out, so Tori and I went up to see what was taking so long.
“Hey, babe, everyone’s here,” I said as I entered the room, looking around for her. From the bathroom I could hear noises. It sounded like she was throwing up.