After All (Cape Harbor #1)(69)

“Because I wanted to kiss you like that,” he said as he pulled away. His forehead rested against hers, and his breathing was labored.

“You can kiss me anytime you want.”

“Thank God, because I can’t get enough of you.”

His words made her heart dance. She, too, couldn’t get enough of him and knew she was already falling in love with him. She knew love was dangerous, though; it led to heartbreak and turmoil.

He opened another door, and they stepped out into the lobby. There were a few people sitting by the hearth, and some were sitting in rockers by the large window overlooking the ocean. Austin led her through the lobby, where the desk clerk smiled at him; through the dining room, where staff were setting small round tables; and into the kitchen, where a dark-haired woman in a white coat barked orders.

“Mom.” He said her name only once. His mother turned, and her face lit up. Seeing their connection warmed Brooklyn. It was clear that Austin was close to his mom, and she liked that. “This is Brooklyn, the one I was telling you about.”

Those words meant something to Brooklyn. She felt hopeful that she and Austin were going to build a beautiful relationship. Brooklyn reached out to shake his mother’s hand, but she had other ideas and pulled Brooklyn into a hug. “It’s so great to meet you. Now when my son’s yapping about this gorgeous, amazing girl he’s met, I’ll know who he’s talking about.”

His mother pulled away and cupped Brooklyn’s cheeks between her hands. “I’m Carly. None of this Mrs. Woods crap. Got it?”

“Got it, Mrs. Woo . . . I mean, Carly.”

Carly gave her another hug and told her she could raid the refrigerator whenever she wanted. At first, Brooklyn didn’t understand, but as time went on and she spent more and more time at the inn, it made sense.

Brooklyn wiped the tears that had fallen. She missed Austin more than she cared to admit. She missed his laugh, how he made life seem so easy, and how he made her feel. What she didn’t miss was his attitude about their future, his nonchalant way of dismissing her feelings when she saw him flirting with other girls, and the way he spoke to her the night he died. She hated that their last words were etched forever in her mind, that neither of them would ever have a chance to apologize.

She stared at the bed where Carly lay, still unconscious and with machines monitoring the last days of her life. The doctors were hopeful that she’d wake up but couldn’t promise Brooklyn that she would. She needed her to, though. She needed direction, guidance, and answers. She wanted to know why Carly had kept this secret from her, and why she hadn’t said anything when she and Brystol arrived. The first night would’ve been an opportune time, but Carly had said nothing. Not even a hint, and now it could be too late.

Carly moaned out a word. It was unintelligible but sounded like she was asking for help. Brooklyn rushed to her side and held her hand. “I’m here, Carly. What do you need?”

“Wa . . .”

“Water?”

Carly’s eyes remained closed, and she tried to move her head up and down, but she was too weak. Brooklyn filled the mauve-colored cup and put the straw a nurse left earlier into the water. She held on to it tightly, bringing it to Carly’s lips. “Little sips,” she told her.

She drank, but it took a lot of effort. Watching her struggle was heartbreaking, and Brooklyn had to keep her emotions in check. She didn’t want to upset Carly in any way. After a few swallows, Carly turned her head away. Brooklyn set the cup down and pulled the orange plastic chair over to the side of Carly’s bed. She held her hand and stroked her soft skin.

“I’m gonna see Austin,” Carly croaked out. Brooklyn suspected that this was why she refused treatment. She wanted to see her son again and hadn’t had the opportunity after he died. With no body, there was no closure for his mother.

“I know. What do you want me to do, Carly?”

“The inn.”

She couldn’t help the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She was thankful Carly’s eyes were closed and couldn’t see the mess she had become. “What about it? Do you want me to sell it?”

She tried to shake her head. “Brystol.”

Brooklyn was shooting in the dark. She didn’t want to assume anything, but that was all she could do now. “Is the inn for Brystol?”

“Old . . .”

“When she’s older?”

“Mm. Paper . . .”

Brooklyn sighed in relief. “Where? In your desk?”

“Mm.” Carly’s eyes fluttered. Brooklyn waited, but the soft snore spoke volumes. Brooklyn checked the monitors and saw no change. Her breathing held steady, as did her heart rate. She was praying that Carly would become more lucid later. They needed to finish their conversation.

Brooklyn laid her head down on the bed and watched Carly sleep. She was thankful Austin wasn’t here to witness his mother dying. He wouldn’t have handled it very well. She was also thankful that Carly had tracked her down after she’d left. She had found Brooklyn at her parents’ house weeks after Austin’s funeral. She was the only one to come looking for her. That fact had never left Brooklyn’s mind. It was only Carly who came. No one else. They sat on the beach for a long time without talking, both looking out into the ocean, wondering where Austin was.

“My son loved you, and I love you. I think of you as my daughter.”