Page 54 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

COLE

"Another contract in the bag." Nick drops the files on his desk with a satisfying thud, flashing me that signature confident smirk of his.

I nod and lean back in my office chair, the leather creaking beneath me.

The familiar scent of coffee and paper fills the air – another successful day at Brown & Walker Enterprises.

A small knock breaks through the quiet, followed by a distinct voice that never fails to brighten any room. "Daddy, are you done with work?"

Nick's entire demeanor transforms at the sound of his daughter's voice.

The shrewd businessman vanishes, replaced by a doting father as he makes his way to the door.

I twist in my chair, catching sight of Charlotte standing there, her small arms wrapped protectively around a metal box.

The uncannily warm smile she sends her father could melt ice, but when her eyes land on me, they light up with pure excitement.

"Uncle Cole!" She bursts into the office, practically bouncing with each step. "I made something for you!"

My eyebrows shoot up as I straighten in my chair. Charlotte's enthusiasm is contagious, her whole face glowing as she stops beside me. She rocks back and forth on her heels, extending the box with both hands like she's presenting a treasure.

"For me?"

"Yes!" Her chest puffs with pride. "I made them with Mommy. They're for Samantha, Alisha, and you."

"Oh, can I open it?"

"Yes!" she chirps, practically vibrating with anticipation.

I lift the metal box's lid, and the sweet aroma of fresh-baked cookies hits me first. My lips curl into an instant grin as Nick places his hands on Charlotte's shoulders, both of us peering at her handiwork.

"These are for Samantha," Charlotte announces with all the authority of a museum curator, pointing to perfectly shaped piano cookies. Her small finger moves to the next batch. "And these are for Alisha because she calls you a bulldozer."

A deep laugh rumbles through my chest, matched by Nick's booming chuckle. The cookies are unmistakably bulldozer-shaped, complete with tiny chocolate chip wheels. My mind flashes to Alisha's teasing voice, the way her eyes sparkle whenever she uses that nickname.

"And these," Charlotte giggles, saving what's clearly her masterpiece for last, "are for you." She points to cookies shaped like high heels, meticulously covered in red sprinkles. "Mommy said you love it when Alisha wears red heels."

Our laughter echoes off the office walls, and Charlotte beams, clearly pleased with her success at making the adults laugh. The joy radiating from this little girl is pure magic.

God, this girl is golden.

"I love them, Charlotte. May I taste one?"

She shrugs with an adorable attempt at nonchalance. "Sure."

I select one of the heel-shaped cookies, taking a careful bite. The crispy texture gives way to a perfect blend of cinnamon and vanilla, clearly Emma's expert touch combined with Charlotte's loving effort. "Hmm, these are amazing."

Charlotte's face lights up even brighter – if that's possible. "I heard Mommy and Daddy say that you were sad." Her voice softens, taking on that uniquely childlike mixture of wisdom and innocence. "Now, when you're unhappy, you can eat one of these. They will make you smile."

The thoughtfulness behind her gesture hits me square in the chest. This little girl, with her big heart and observant nature, saw right through my carefully constructed walls.

Without hesitation, I place the box on Nick's desk and open my arms. Charlotte launches herself forward, wrapping her small arms around my neck in a fierce hug that speaks volumes.

The hug is interrupted by Charlotte's sudden question: "You're sweet, Uncle Cole. When are you and Alisha going to have a baby?"

The innocent query hits like a sucker punch. I lean back, staring at her earnest face as she blinks those big, expectant eyes at me. My throat tightens – this kid has an uncanny ability to ask the most disarming questions.

Nick clears his throat, running a hand along the nape of his neck as he chuckles. In one smooth motion, he scoops Charlotte off the ground, saving me from having to answer. "Hey, Smarty, how did you come up with that question?"

She turns her attention to her dad, her little face scrunched in serious thought. Despite my lingering unease, I can't help but grin at her response.

"Liam will need a best friend when he grows older," she explains, as if it's the most logical thing in the world. "And since you and Cole are best friends, I thought that if Alisha and Cole have a baby, he and Liam can be best friends too."

Nick plants a kiss on Charlotte's cheek, his eyes meeting mine briefly with understanding. "Don't worry about your little brother, Smarty. He will make friends, and right now, he's a baby who loves having his big sister around."

He tickles her then, and Charlotte's squealing laughter fills the office.

But as I watch them together – this perfect picture of father and daughter – something dark and heavy settles in my chest. My jaw clenches against the familiar surge of anger and loss.

I should have had this with Samantha. Should have been the dad who picked her up from school, taught her to ride a bike, read her bedtime stories.

Fifteen years of moments stolen because of one person's selfishness.

The thought of children used to make me cringe, set my teeth on edge.

But Samantha changed everything. Now, watching Nick with his kids, an unfamiliar yearning tugs at my heart.

My mind betrays me, painting a vivid picture of Alisha, radiant and pregnant with our child.

My heart rate kicks up, and questions I've never dared consider start flooding my brain.

A piercing cry cuts through my thoughts like a knife, making Nick set Charlotte back on her feet. The wail grows louder, and Charlotte covers her ears, giving me a knowing look.

"Liam is awake," she announces with big-sister authority, "and he's hungry."

Nick laughs, the sound warm and natural. "Yep, my little man is insatiable."

"Daddy, I'm going to Liam's room," Charlotte announces with all the importance of a royal decree. "He always stops crying when he sees me." She darts out the door, her footsteps pattering down the hallway.

Emma's voice drifts in moments later, tinged with that particular mix of exhaustion and amusement only mothers seem to master. "Nick! Can you get our son out of bed?"

"Yep, I'm on my way." Nick shoots me an apologetic shrug. "Daddy duty calls."

"And that's my cue to leave." I stand, carefully gathering the cookie box. The simple act of holding it – this tangible proof of a child's love and thoughtfulness – makes something shift inside me. "You have an amazing family, Nick."

My friend's smile softens as he nods. "Yeah, I'm a lucky bastard." He places a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm and grounding. "But you, Alisha and Samantha? You've built something beautiful too."

I scratch the back of my neck, mulling over the word family .

It's always felt like a loaded gun pressed against my temple, heavy with expectations and potential for pain.

But when I connect it to Alisha and Samantha, something different unfurls in my chest – something that feels dangerously like hope.

"You've got two kinds of family," Nick says, his voice taking on that rare serious tone.

"The family you're born into, and the family you create as you grow older – your partner, children, friends.

Focus on the one that makes you happy, my friend.

What happened in the past? It's out of your control.

It happened. You can't change it. But you can choose to focus on the people who fill your life with love and happiness. "

His words resonate through me like a piano string struck just right. I pat him on the back, managing a genuine smile. "Thanks."

"No problem. That's what best friends are for." A mischievous glint enters his eye. "And speaking of my girl's question – wouldn't it be cool if our kids became best friends?"

I roll my eyes, falling back on humor to deflect the surge of emotion. "Brian and I keep our heads in the game. Even during mind-blowing sex."

Nick's laughter follows me as I say goodbye to Emma and Charlotte. Walking out of the office, his words echo in my mind: Focus your attention on the people who enrich your life.

Alisha's face fills my thoughts – her bright smile, the way her eyes dance when she laughs, how she sees straight through my walls to the man I'm trying to be.

The urge to see her hits me like a physical force.

An idea pops into my head as suddenly as corn exploding into popcorn. I'm going to surprise her.

With renewed purpose, I navigate through Boston's busy streets, searching for that particular store I noticed last week. When I spot it, I pull over, a plan already forming. It's time to show Alisha exactly what kind of future I'm ready to build with her.

* * *

Watching the last customer leave with their purchase, I can't shake the nagging feeling that I'm about to make a mistake. Brian's warning echoes in my head as I grab my purse from behind the counter.

"Okay, we can talk at the coffee place across the street," I tell Carmen, glancing at Amanda. "I'll take my break if that's okay with you?"

Amanda nods, concern flickering across her face. As I pass Brian, he catches my arm gently. "Don't do it, Alisha," he whispers, his voice tight with worry. "She doesn't deserve it, and Cole will be livid when he finds out."

I meet his gaze, seeing the same protective instinct that Cole often shows. "Everyone deserves a chance to explain." The words sound noble, but my stomach churns as I stride out of the store.