Page 5 of Charged With Forever

"Cole, if you don’t know how much that “stupid thing” means to me, then I don’t know what the point is in us anymore.”

I storm out of the room without glancing back at him, grab my purse, briefcase, and keys, and leave. Tears blur my vision as I pull out, unable to believe what we’ve become. Maybe he's not the man I thought he was. Perhaps we aren’t meant to have a forever.

Chapter 6

Cole

"She doesn't want to see you, Cole," Halo says. Luckily, she doesn't sound angry. Confused, though? Definitely. And she isn’t the only one. "What the hell happened with you two?"

I tell her the truth as I know it. "Stress from our jobs kinda flooded in. And, uh, I said something stupid." Everything went to shit when I dismissed her feelings about that necklace. I didn't realize how important it is to her. Okay, that's a lie. It’s the first gift I gave her, a symbol of my loyalty to us, and I treasure my matching one just as much as she does hers. I lost sight of that in the heat of the argument. I'm a fucking idiot.

"I've never seen my daughter like this, and Caleb is pissed." An angry dad on my hands does not help, especially as he can back it up. "I should give you fair warning that he's already heading your way." Of course, just as she says it, I hear a car pull up. We end the call and I stay where I am. Caleb doesn’t even bother knocking, merely barrels inside and glares at me.

"I've had enough of this bullshit. First, my daughter is working too hard. Then she's coming to us in tears. Explain," Caleb orders as he sits across from me. “And don’t think because i’ve treated you like my own I still won’t kick your ass. Hell your father would help me.” He’s right. My father would help.

With a sigh, I admit, "I fucked up, and I'm going to fix it. I promise."

"Sawyer is stubborn, which means this isn't all on you. Son, this isn’t like you guys. What’s going on?" That seems to be the question of the week.

I tell him everything, including the fact I’ve received four notes, presumably from the stalker. Which is weird as only women have gotten them before. "Has Sawyer?" I would assume she’d say something if she did, so I tell him no. "Secrets and lies are poisonous,” he mutters, “even those done with good intentions. You two need to talk."

"We do, and soon. The more time she has to stew, the worse it’ll be."

"Smart man. Also, I suggest involving your dad. This asshole is targeting a cop now. He needs to know that.” I assure him I will, then thank him. "Anything for you, kid," Caleb says as he gets to his feet. "I’m off to see him now. I won’t mention any of this, so you can." After he leaves, I hurry upstairs and snagging the engagement ring I purchased last year. I’ve been hiding it since, waiting for the perfect opportunity to propose. But really, does timing even matter if you never get around to doing it? Not wanting to waste any more time, I jump into my truck and head to her. When I arrive at my hopefully soon-to-be-in-laws’ house, I see Halo; Sawyers mom on the porch, reading.

"You’re still alive,” she jokes. “It’s a good thing Caleb likes you. Not that I was sure that’d save you since you made his baby girl cry." Her eyes light up at the sight of the ring box in my hand. “Give it.” she orders. I roll my eyes and do as she orders. She gasps opening it. It took me quite a while to save up for it, but I knew it was perfect for my woman.

"Perhaps this will erase all my mistakes."

She shakes her head. “You did good, but it won’t make them go away.” She gives back the ring. "You need to work at them, repair what went wrong and don’t do it again."

“That’s my plan.”

"I can't believe you’re finally getting married. Oh my god, I need to call Naomi.” Before she goes inside to do just that, she conspiratorially whispers, “Sawyer is on the deck out back."

I walk around the house and spot her sitting in a lounge chair, sipping wine, her head bolting up when she hears my voice. "Hey."

“What do you want Cole?” She’s Still mad.

I remove my necklace from my pocket. I know it’s not the same, but perhaps it’ll help till we find her original one or buy a new one. Her face immediately lights up with happiness and she eagerly takes it.

I should’ve known she’d realize it isn’t hers, which she confirms by yanking on my collar and not seeing mine. "This is yours. Why would you try and lie to me?"

"It was only temporary until we find yours."

"I thought it wasn’t important?” I deserve the sarcasm in that question.

“It is important,” I tell her, adding, “and I apologize for acting as if it wasn’t. However, I was hoping you’d accept an upgrade."

"What are you talking about?" Clasping the jewelry around her neck for her, I then step back and drop to one knee, ring box resting in my palm.

"I know we still need to heal what went wrong, but I want to do it with you as my wife. I love you, and nothing would make me happier than to spend the rest of my life with you." Not the most eloquent proposal, though it is from the heart.

She pauses, and for a split second I feel the bubble of worry inside me. But finally she answers me. “Yes, Cole. I love you, too." Wide grins on display, I slip it on her finger and rise, pulling her in for a deep kiss. Taking her hand, my destination her old bedroom, but she stops me. "Tell me everything." I know she’s talking about what’s been going on, the case and notes I’ve been keeping from her. So I tell her everything, and I don’t leave a thing out.

“You didn’t want me to know about the notes? Keeping that from me is the same as lying.” She scolds.

"You sound like your dad," I mumble, earning a smack to my shoulder.

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