the day Julianna and Connor told him they were dating. Connor and Josh were Cole’s best friends—and they both knew his sister was off-limits.
But when she’d left the dance company and come home to figure out her next move, she and Connor connected almost instantly.
“We didn’t want to keep it a secret from you,” Jules said. “But we’ve been dating for a month now.”
Cole looked at Connor, whose expression turned sheepish. “You’re dating my sister?”
“She asked me out,” Connor said. “Like I was gonna say no.”
Cole watched as Julianna slipped her hand in Connor’s.
“We aren’t asking your permission,” she said. “But we’d love your support.”
He knew it mattered to her what he thought—Cole was her only real family now that Dad had found a new wife and they had their own kids. He wasn’t about to mess that up, and Connor was a good guy. Still, that didn’t stop Cole from saying, “You hurt her, and you’re a dead man—you understand?”
Connor hadn’t hurt her. He’d loved her well until the day she died.
Why would God take her away? Why would He leave such a hole in the fabric of their lives by allowing something so tragic to happen to someone so good?
Cole sat down across from Connor. His brother-in-law looked terrible. Red eyes, pale face, broken spirit. Was it possible he’d gotten worse in the few days since Cole last saw him?
“Hey, man.” Cole clapped a hand on Connor’s shoulder. “How’s it going?”
It was a stupid question. Cole should know better. How many times had he rolled his eyes to that question after Gemma left?
Connor shrugged, then pushed his palms into his eyes. “I shouldn’t have come. I need to go get the kids.”
“Where are they?”
Connor shook his head. “Still with Hildy.”
Cole should’ve checked in with Hildy after she picked up the kids. It was only supposed to be for the day—what changed?
“My kids are in a transitional home, for goodness’ sake.”
“Haven House is a great place,” Josh said. “You know they’ll take good care of them until you’re ready.”
Connor looked up at Josh, then at Cole. “What if I’m never ready?”
Josh cleared his throat. “Listen, man, there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. Hildy and Steve are good people—and they aren’t the only ones that will help. Carly and I can take the kids with us sometimes. I’m sure Quinn and Grady would too.” He looked at Cole.
“And I’ll do whatever I can.” Cole would take AJ and Amelia without question, but a baby? He’d be lost as to how to take care of a baby.
“What kind of life is that for them?” Connor’s voice broke.
“It’s not for forever, man,” Josh said. “Just for now.”
Connor shook his head. “I don’t know when this will ever get easier. You know what Jules was like. She took care of everyone all the time. I can’t replace her.”
Cole’s mind wandered back years, back to a day when his dad likely felt the same way Connor felt right now. He’d faulted him for those feelings—made the man feel guilty for asking for help when he needed it. He’d been so short-sighted, so selfish, but he was a kid. He hadn’t understood.
“Listen, I’m heading out to Haven House tomorrow,” Cole said. “I’ll check on the kids.”
“Why are you going to Haven House?”
“Told Steve I’d help him fix a fence,” Cole said. They’d made the plan at Sunday dinner. Steve wasn’t a spring chicken, and Cole owed the man his life. It was the least he could do.
“You’re making the rounds on the yard work,” Connor said. “You bringing Charlotte along with you?”
Cole frowned. “I didn’t ask her to come help at your house.”
“It was a strange sight,” Connor said. “Did you have to show her how to pull weeds?”
“Who’s Charlotte?” Josh asked.
“One of Julianna’s ballet friends,” Connor said.
“You did yard work with a ballerina?” Josh waited for Cole’s response with a raised brow.
“She just wants to help,” Cole said.
“She’s a pretty big deal in the ballet, I guess. Like one of the best in the country.” Connor looked at Cole. “How do you know her anyway?”
“I don’t,” Cole said. “Didn’t even know she knew Jules till that day.”
Connor frowned. “She wants to buy the dance studio.”
“So let her,” Josh said. “Sounds like she’s more than qualified to run it.”
Connor turned a mug of coffee around between his hands. “I’m having a hard time giving it up. Jules loved that place.”
“Well, you’re not gonna run it,” Cole said. “Might as well let her.”