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“You’re a man who came from a hard place and built something out of it. You protect your people. You take care of your sister. You show up for me and everyone, literally. You love me in a way that makes me feel the most secure I’ve ever felt. That’s not a thug, Brooks. That’s a provider. A leader. A man with presence, with power, with purpose.”

“Don’t put me on a pedestal, Taylor.”

Her voice dropped, but the conviction in it deepened. “You’re not what people expect for me is what I was going to say. You’re more. More than what I thought I wanted, and everything I didn’t know I needed.”

Brooks stared at her, his confidence fading. He clenched his jaw, trying to hide his emotions. He had plaques on his office wall. People clapped for his wins, celebrated his business moves, talked about how smart he was. But that was surface. That was respect rooted infear, or admiration from a distance.

What Taylor gave him just now was personal. Deliberate. She saw the man underneath all the structure and strategy and said you are worthy. Not for what you do. For who you are.

He didn’t need it, he didn’t live off compliments or praise. You don’t applaud a fish for swimming. A man handled his business. Period. Her words landed different. And just like that, something in him, some guard, some scar, some buried piece felt set free.

Taylor wasn’t just in his life.

She was in his spirit. In his bones.

“I know,” she whispered, lacing her fingers with his. “And I meant every word.”

“Good,” he murmured against her skin. “Because I got something to ask you.”

Taylor pulled back slightly; curiosity piqued. “What’s that?”

Brooks glanced around, then guided her a few steps away from the crowds still milling about after service. “So there’s this gala next weekend,” he began. “For the winners of the city contract and Best of Coupeville.”

“I heard about that,” Taylor said, watching his face.

“Yeah. Black tie, fancy venue, all that stuff I could do without.” He shifted his weight, something almost nervous in his expression. “I’ve been nominated. For Best Towing Service and Community Impact again.”

Pride bloomed in Taylor’s chest. “Brooks, that’s amazing!” She reached out, squeezing his arm. “Congratulations.”

He shrugged, but she could tell he was pleased byher reaction. “I need a date. This other woman said she can’t make it.” His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Taylor laughed, shaking her head. “Is that right? Does this other woman have a name?”

“Mmm-hmm.” He stepped closer, his voice dropping. “Milk Marie I can’t bring her out for an event like this. All she knows how to do is act bad.”

“Why are you like this?” She asked with a giggle. The night he’d taken her to the strip club he gave her that name as her stage name when she couldn’t think of one.

“Just wanna see you smile. Blake and Emon will be there too. He’s up for something with his community work.”

“Sounds like a big night for both of you.”

Brooks caught her hand, his thumb tracing circles on her palm, uncaring of the churchgoers still filtering past them. “So, you gonna be my date or what?”

Taylor smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. “I’d be honored.”

His grin was blinding, he couldn’t wait to have her on his arm, looking good enough to eat, supporting him. “Good. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

Taylor glanced at her car, parked a few spots down, then back at Brooks. “Are you heading home now, or...?”

“Got some business to handle first,” he stated, though his tone made it clear he didn’t want to leave her.

She stepped closer, hand resting against his chest. “Brooks that nomination is yours You earned that. And you know I’ll be standing there, front and center, when they call your name. You deserve to be recognized andcelebrated.”

His jaw flexed just slightly, his hand catching hers. “We both earned that. You gave me the ammunition, Tay. Without that Premier file, I’d still be fighting uphill. You did that for me.”

She kissed his cheek, soft and certain. “It mattered to you so it mattered to me.”

As Taylor walked to her car, she glanced back once more. Brooks was still there, hands in his pockets, watching her leave like he didn’t quite want the moment to end. She waved, and he nodded once.