“That bad, huh?” I shifted, pushing off the bed and beginning to pace the room.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant. It just sounds like there are a lot of different issues that all came out at once, which is never a good thing. Were you guys having problems before Allie found out about her dad?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know. She was really stressed with all the legal issues, and work has been really busy, I guess we haven’t connected in a while, but I thought everything was more or less heading in the right direction. I mean, I was having some crazy thoughts, you know, about the future.”
“Crazy how?” Angela asked.
I hesitated, suddenly wishing I’d left that part out. I didn’t need Angela getting too excited before anything had even been decided. “Well, I was thinking about the long term, the things I want to do with her, the places I want to go, things I want to see and experience. The idea of marriage was definitely there.”
“Was?”
I sighed and raked my free hand through my hair. “Is? I don’t know. I love her, Angie, I really do. I can’t lose her, but if she’s not happy with me…I don’t want her to feel like she has to be something she’s not or try to fit into some mold of what she thinks I want. If she changes herself for me, she’ll hate me later, and I couldn’t deal with that.”
“So, let me ask you this, do you want her to change? I know you love her, but sometimes that’s not enough. You know I think the world of Allie and I love the two of you together. I think you’re good for each other. But, is there maybe some truth to what she’s saying? Do you want some Stepford wife?”
“No!”
“Then you need to tell her that. Cooper, I love you, but let’s be honest, you’re more than a little bit of a control freak. Most of the time, it seems like Allie’s handled that well and has taken it all in stride, but with everything else piled on top of her, it sounds like she’s feeling suffocated. You need to show her that you love her just like she is, and that you’re not looking for her to contort herself into anything else. If she needs more time before she can give up her apartment and move in with you, then let her. If she wants to ride her bike instead of hopping on a private plane, let her.”
“But that doesn’t make any sense to me. Why does she want to stay in her cracker-jack box apartment when she could live in a penthouse? Why would she want to ride her bike across three states when she could be there in a few hours on a luxury plane? I’m only trying to make her life better—easier!”
“It doesn’t necessarily matter why, Cooper. You can’t question every decision she makes. Come on, you’d freak the hell out if you had someone questioning your every move and thought! Remember that you fell in love with her because of her unique, feisty spirit, so enjoy it, and stop trying to tamp it down. I know you mean well and only want to help her and spoil her, but I don’t think she can see it that way right now.”
Angela’s advice hit me square in the chest and I nodded along. Growing up, my parents had always given us the best of everything, and less than the best was looked down upon. With Allie, I’d been treating her life choices as second rate, and even though it hadn’t been out of malice, I could see where making her feel she was settling for second best, when it came to things she loved and treasured, was not acceptable. “Thanks Angie. You’re the best. Now, go knock ‘em dead at that audition!”
“Thanks Cooper. Send my love to Allie.”
“I will. Thanks again.”
We hung up and as I set the phone down on the bed, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. It was easier to breath and my mood was lighter than it had been in days. I debated going back to the hospital—not wanting to be apart from Allie for even another minute—but in the end, decided to give them more time alone as a family.
* * * *
By the time Allie and her family arrived home, they were all more relaxed and happy. Being there the moment her father had stirred and opened his eyes, seeing his family for the first time since the accident, was a moment I knew I’d never forget. I was in the kitchen, returning the favor her mother had given the night before, by plating a spread of food. Allie rounded the corner and my heart nearly stopped at the broad, beaming smile on her face.
“Hey!” I greeted as she sailed across the kitchen. I set down the container I was emptying onto a large serving platter, and took her into my arms. She popped up on her toes and pressed a kiss to my lips. “How’s he doing?”
“Amazing!” She exclaimed.
Her mother joined us in the kitchen. “What’s all this?” She asked, looking at the containers of food.
“You were so kind to serve us dinner last night, I thought tonight I’d take care of it,” I explained. “I’m not much of a chef, but I’m pretty good at ordering in.”
Allie’s mom ran a comforting hand across my back and shot a knowing look at Allie. “I’m telling you, Allie, you found a prince! Thank you, Cooper. This looks wonderful!”
I nodded and bit back a laugh as Allie looked over at me. “I swear, in her head, she’s already picking out wedding dresses!”
“Is that such a terrible thing?” Her mom asked, shrugging before leaving us alone in the kitchen.
I cut a glance over at Allie, trying to read her mind. Thinking back to my confession to Angela, about having my own thoughts of marriage, I couldn’t help but wonder what she’d think about that idea? Was marriage something she wanted down the line? With me? We’d never talked about it, and a sharp sting reminded me how little we still knew about each other. Before I could ask her, she pressed a kiss to my cheek, “Thank you for doing this, Cooper. Really.”
Allie washed her hands at the kitchen sink and then turned back to help me finish plating everything. We worked shoulder by shoulder as she recounted the conversation with the doctor. “—so, it looks like he could be released tomorrow if this continues.”
“That’s great,” I smiled over at her.
She returned the smile, but then it faded slightly. “There is one thing though…”
My heart jumped into my throat.