Page 142 of My Destiny

“How awful for them.”

“I know.” She sighs. “They feel partly responsible for his death like I do.”

“What?” I’m shocked that she feels in any way responsible for what happened. She’s the victim here. “You’re not the bad guy, Brooke. You had no control over what he did. You’re—”

She cuts me off. “Can we change the subject?”

“I don’t want you to feel responsible. None of that was your fault.”

“I know, but I can’t help feeling I could’ve done more.”

I release a long breath, trying to calm myself. The last thing I want is to get into a fight with her over this. Scooping up the box, I hold it out to her once more. “Open it.”

“You spoil me, Mr. Cavanagh.”

“And that will never change.”

“I feel bad that I have nothing for you.”

“Your love is more than enough. It’s all I’ll ever need.”

“You say the sweetest things.”

“It’s the truth.” I didn’t expect her to get me anything. “I know some terrible things happened to you that night, and I’m in no way trying to dismiss any of that. I’m just trying to focus on the positive things that came from it.”

“Not everything about that night was bad. I met you, didn’t I?”

I release a long breath. “My heart broke so much for you that night.”

“You were so kind to me,” she says, bringing her face forward until our lips meet. She’s smiling when she draws back.

“Are you ever going to open your gift?”

Her eyes widen the moment she removes the lid and sees what’s inside. “Hot Stuff,” she breathes, making my smile grow. The earrings were custom made for her, along with a few other pieces that I plan to give her over the coming days. “They’re exquisite.”

“Not nearly as exquisite as you, my love.”

Her fingertip lightly glides over the earrings. “I love that the diamonds are heart shaped.”

“It’s so every time you wear them, you’ll be reminded of how much I love you.”

“Not a moment passes that I’m not thankful for your love.”

I place a soft kiss on her nose before throwing back the covers. As I climb out of bed, I reach for her hand. “Come.”

“Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you out for the day.”

“Look at you,” I say, pausing in the doorway to admire her.

“You like?” She does a small turn.

“I love.” Stepping into the room, I close the distance between us. “The emerald green suits you.”

“It matches your eyes,” she says, sliding her arms around my waist.

“You look beautiful.”