Sitting at their table sipping on a bloody Mary was just the ticket for Brad's recovery. The hangover he woke up with, was gradually diminishing as the soft breeze distracted him from the events that took place at this very table just a little more than twelve hours ago.
"I hope you're feeling better babe." Brooke genuinely enquired as she sipped her drink.
"Not uh hundred percent but much better, thanks."
The two sat across from one another, quietly nibbling at their food. Brad wasn't sure what all had happened the night before, and was a little worried to find out. Brooke seemed a little apprehensive about the situation and that added to Brad's concern. She was attempting to be kind to him, but Brad couldn't tell if it was out of pity or if there was something else at play. Brooke tried to make small talk throughout the meal but nothing seemed to settle the concern in Brad's mind, there was something more important to discuss, but she was putting it off.
"If you are up to it I would love to take a walk with you babe." Brooke affectionately asked batting her eyes.
It seemed Brooke was doing her best to treat Brad with kindness. He wasn't sure why her demeanor seemed different today; her new found independent attitude was replaced with submissiveness reminiscent of how she acted back when Brad used to serve her and Nick dinner. Brooke waited for Brad to take the lead as they left the cantina, reaching for his hand and interlacing her fingers in his.
"Where did you want to go?" Brad questioned, not sure what Brooke really had in mind for their time together.
"I don't care baby, wherever you want to go, I just figured a walk might do us both a little good."
"Well ok why don't we explore a little, I haven't been up the hill above the resort, have you?" Brad inquired, already knowing the answer.
"Well I have a few times, but let's go, you will really like it, and you can see the whole lake from up there."
Brad felt a little disarmed at her response, he was expecting her to lie and pretend she hadn't been, but was pleased by her truthfulness. As they walked along hand in hand neither of them spoke much. Brad was flipping through the events of the last twenty four hours in his mind, trying to decide if he still wanted to go through with his plan. If you had asked him how he felt about her at this time just a day before, he would have told you he couldn't invasion a life without her, but now he was questioning his ability to get over her permanent marking.
The cobble stone path that lead up the hill ran parallel to the front of the shops, converging just beyond them before ending at the rock stairs. The sight of the jewelry story and the tattoo shop reminded him of the secret he knew, and instantly started to remind him of his pain and hurt. The farther they climbed up the stairs the heavier the weight of that secret seemed to get on his shoulders, until finally he couldn't hold it in any longer. Brad began to cry. Everything he had endured had been for nothing. The hope of winning her back was gone and the dream of one day being her husband, starting a family with her and living happily ever after was shattered.
"What is it Brad, what's wrong baby." Brooke cried, legitimately concerned with his mental breakdown.
As they reached the top of the stairs the slow drip of disappointed tears turned to a waterfall of despair. Brooke had never seen Brad cry before, not like this anyway.
"Let's sit down and talk baby. Tell me what's wrong." Brooke pleaded.
Brad was trying his best to wipe the tears away but they came too fast for him to hide. The constant drip quickly turned to a steady flow, as the feelings of loneliness rolled in, filling the void left by the visions of her no longer in his life. Brooke pulled him with her as she raced to the pavilion, dragging him along for the ride.
"Sit down right here and talk to me." She demanded, trying to get Brad to open up to her.
Brooke threw her arms around Brad hugging him and trying to console him as she held him close trying to settle him down. It took a few minutes for Brad to regain his composure enough to talk, but Brooke patiently waited while he let it out.
The conversation started out with him admitting he saw her leave the shop with Nick. The time he had spent at camp made him realize how much he really loved her and how important she was in his life. He had come to realize that if he had to share her sexually with other that was ok, but the idea of losing her to Nick forever was more than he could bear. Brooke sat there listening to him as Brad vented over three weeks of emotions, trying to re assure him she still loved him and wanted nothing more than to spend her life with him as well.
Brooke's words reassured him, settling Brad down. Soon he found himself lying back on the same oversized chair he had watched her masturbate in, as she watched Nick fuck his other slut Dr. Kim. Brooke sat in his lap her legs flung over his sideways, and her arms draped over his shoulders. Brooke kissed him holding him and just letting the calm sounds of the wind whistling through the trees sooth them both.
Hours passed as the two just relaxed looking out over the resort and lake, watching the guests enjoying the last few days of summer as the sun slowly worked its way across the sky. Brad had time to reevaluate his plans with Brooke as he sat letting her words comfort him. The calmness of the time they shared overlooking the hectic goings on of the rest of the world confirmed his earlier belief. Brooke was the one. He loved her and even when he was at his worst point she knew how to bring him calm. The love he had for her was stronger than a tattoo he thought. The same resolute confidence he felt when he decided to buy her ring he once again felt.
All of a sudden the risk of waiting seemed overwhelming. Brad feared if he didn't ask her now the moment might pass and he couldn't wait any longer.
"I need to tell you something." He said, sliding her onto the cushion as he slid out from under her.
Brad dropped to one knee; reaching into his pocket pulling out the box he had hidden from her, opening it to show her the sparkling treasure.
"I love you more than anything in the world, and I want to spend my life with you. Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"
Brooke's smile beamed as bright as the late summer sun as she looked down at the devoted man before her.
"Of course I will," Brooke screamed.
Brooke jumped up out of her seat as Brad stood to meet her, and the two joyfully embraced in celebration of the love they had just declared. Brooke was so excited to share the news with her friends back home, for years she had waited for this moment and now it was here. Brad pulled the ring from its velvet slot and slid it onto Brooke's finger, proud to be staking his claim once and for all.
"Oh my god it's so beautiful, Brad I love you."
The words rang in Brad's ear like a church bell. Hearing her call him by his name was something he had missed. Hearing his name flow from her mouth made him smile with pride. She was going to be his wife and the love he had for her, she returned with interest.
"I love you too Brooke." Brad hesitantly responded, hoping calling her by her Christian name was ok.
"Hey you two, what's going on."
It was Dr. Kim calling out as she and Nick walked up the path arriving at the open air room, hand in hand.
