Page 160 of Redeeming Heart

Not many knew her or the relationship I had with her. “She was so proud and couldn’t stop showing me off to the world as if I was one of a kind, but the day before she passed away…” My voice quivered when I thought back to that day.

Brandon rested a hand on my back giving me some comfort to carry on.

“She told me she stopped believing in miracles, but then I was born and she could believe again. She called me her miracle and she would be so disappointed if she has to know that I stopped being her miracle by wanting to die with her.”

“Today, all of you gave a sense of wanting to be her miracle again.”

I took the last few stairs down to meet my father for a hug because I know this was hard on both of us. He could never throw me a sweet sixteen party because we were at the hospital with mom and every year just got worst without her.

We just needed the right people to bring the spark back into our hearts.

I greeted the rest of the guests thanking each one for being here before I got chased back up to my room to take a shower and get dressed while they finish up the “surprise” that I kind of ruined.

Brandon was waiting on my bed when I left the bathroom and I couldn’t thank the universe enough for anchoring a man like him with a good, gracious heart in my life.

“How did you get them to come?” I asked him—sitting down on his lap, concealing a smile when he rested his hands on my hips.

“I didn’t,” He admitted meeting my lips for a slow kiss that lingered longer for a few seconds.

“Everyone found out it was your birthday from Jake and Jared. They tried to get me to throw you a surprise party, but I couldn’t because I know of what you told me.”

“Your friends decided on their own that they want to do this because they care and love you,”

I was always aware of a hockey team becoming like a family and there isn’t a single secret between them, but I forgot along the way when I stopped caring.

I felt his hand skimming up from under the shirt I was wearing and how they were stroking over my skin sending sparks of electricity all over. There was absolutely no way for any one of us to deny the chemistry we had going on between us.

And there was no chance I was having sex in my bedroom with all our guests downstairs including my father.

I bit back a hum when his hands went higher and it almost got impossible to stop him. “Everyone is waiting for us downstairs.” I finally got out with a breathless sigh when his thumbs brushed over the skin of my breasts peeking out from my bra.

Every touch, kiss, and night of pleasure didn’t feel enough to ease this craving I have for him.

He pulled his hands out from my shirt and grasped my chin between his fingers.

“Let’s go eat cake for breakfast and party like we haven’t in three years. Let’s worry about all the troubles tomorrow and find ways to fix all of them.”

I met his eyes and nodded. “It’s a deal I am willing to take because I know you will be right beside me tomorrow.”

CHAPTER EIGHTY-ONE

“Jonah! Come on, we are going to be late for his first game,” I yelled, running around the house to get all the things we need to meet Brandon at the ice rink.

I shoved a piece of toast into my mouth, ignoring my father’s disapproving look as he placed another slice of bread in the toaster.

“You should start getting up earlier since you are going off to college.” My father said with a smile like he couldn’t believe that I applied and got accepted the first time around.

I think it had to do with my outstanding performers with the team and I got people to look at me again with positivity. I got so many offers from colleges all over that wanted to give me scholarships and bursaries, but there was only one college I was interested in and I got them to approve me.

It’s always been my mom’s dream that I would excel in life and not let anything drag me down.

I gave life a second chance as it has given me and I am taking it without pulling any reins.

“Have you told Brandon, yet?” Jonah asked, finally showing up and almost not looking ready to leave.

He almost didn’t look happy that I was leaving next year and he kept pushing about how Brandon was going to react to the news. He just didn’t know that Brandon was the one who convinced me to take a shot.

“Brandon is the one who got me to apply in the first place,” I assured him that Brandon would be thrilled with the news.

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