Page 45 of Love Me Like You Do

The hope that flared threatened to burst into flames, and she had to snuff it out. She just had to.

She was getting carried away in a fantasy.

He’s leaving the day after tomorrow.

There’s no happy ever after here.

ChapterNine

As Hailey hungframed photos in the hallway, she overheard the conversation between Cole and Paisley. They were talking about how Evvie had broken down earlier, and how she’d done such a good job comforting her little sister.

“I like the way you take care of her, but you know you can cry, too. I’ve got Evvie, but I’ve also got you.”

What a good man.

After they’d come home from the Leesons, they’d made cocoa and built a fire, and then they’d gone through the boxes. There’d been as much laughter as tears, but it had left her hopeful the girls would come through this all right.

While Cole had bathed the girls, she’d started hanging some of the family pictures around the house. Even if they were only here a few weeks, they should always feel the presence of their parents.

She reached for the next one on the pile and saw it was from the courthouse wedding. Happiness sparked at the sight of the happy couple, laughing with unfettered joy. Cole, the best man was laughing, too. Slightly hunched over, he was clapping and looking right at Hailey.

There wasn’t a hint of anger or resentment between them. They’d put aside everything to celebrate the marriage of this couple that had loved each other madly until the very end.

These two made it so easy to believe in happy ever after.

Cole reached the top of the stairs, carrying Paisley in his arms. “The princess is ready for bed.”

Quickly hanging the frame, she gave the girl a hug. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“’Night, Hailey.”

It was a shame he had to leave so soon. The girls were growing close to him.

And so am I.

A few minutes later, Cole came back. “Need a hand?”

“Oh, there’s only one more.”

“I got it.” He picked up the last one. “Where do you want it?”

She stepped back. “Maybe here?” She made sure they were low enough so the girls could actually see them. “Are they asleep already?”

“Evvie’s out like a light.”

“Well, aren’t you just the child whisperer?”

Tapping a nail into the wall, he chuckled. “That girl lives hard, and then she conks out.” He set the hook on it. “This is a good idea.”

“I hope so. I thought about checking with Deborah. Like, will it hurt them more to be reminded of their loss? Is it too soon? But it just seems worse to shut them off from the life they had less than two weeks ago.”

“That makes sense to me.”

“I know Lindsay wanted to save those blankets, but I put them on their beds anyway. Seems more important than preserving them.”

“I agree.” He seemed distracted.

“Today was tough, huh?”