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Her head dropped “I see”

“I don’t think you do” He tilted her chin “Maybe we should do this in private”

Jasht smile, shoved a purse into Brooke’s free hand “Go No one’s in the park”

As they o up inside the café

Brooke was a mess of emotions She’d never stood up to Vincent before and the resulting shakes still buckled her knees But she’d crawl across the street to be with Gabe and hear what he had to say Hope springs eternal was a proverb for a reason

They reached the e boy, who’d spotted the playground as they crossed the street He headed pell- toy

“I love him, Gabe I can’t tell you how tormented I am about what happened I can’t sleep I can’t eat—”

“Shh” He put a finger to her lips “I know I knew all along but I let fear take control I rong Terribly, stupidly wrong I know that now When your brother said you were leaving town, I knew I couldn’t let you go”

“You talked to Zach?”

“He gave ht-lipped brother can say more in a feell-placed words than most people can say in a lifetime”

“What did he say?”

“He said he was tired of seeing his baby sister get hurt and if I didn’t have feelings for you, I should hit the road”

Brooke pressed a hand to her mouth “Oh, Gabe, I’m sorry”

“Don’t be I like the guy A terse man-to-man was exactly what I needed to wake up and face reality When AJ disappeared, all the issues with Tara ca back I let past experience crowd the truth You aren’t her You’re strong and responsible and unselfish” He cupped her face “When I saw you stand up to Vincent, I was both proud and angry”