he’d promised her. He hadn’t lied about getting a divorce.
Laying them aside, she opened the single folded paper. It was handwritten. Her hand shook as she held it.
Angel,
I know I have little reason to hope that you will ever change your mind, and give me another chance. I understand why you feel you can’t. I know I hurt you. For that, I’m sorry. I want you to know I never meant to cause you such pain.
I understand why you believe we could never have a life together. I never lied to you, but I didn’t tell you the truth, either, which I guess is the same as lying. You think you can’t trust me, and I understand why you feel that way.
I want a life with you and my children. I want us to be a family, but I think you’ve finally convinced me that will never happen.
I want only good things for you, baby. I hope you at least know that.
I love you. I always have.
Cole
A tear rolled down Angel’s face, and then she broke into sobs.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cole was just finishing tightening the last nut on the tricycle. TJ was waiting next to him, the excitement showing in his little face. He was practically jumping up and down in anticipation.
Cole smiled as he flipped the tryke right side up, and set it on its wheels. “Okay, son. It’s all yours.”
TJ shrieked with glee, and scrambled on. He peddled off to chase after his sister, who was already riding around on her bike.
Cole had told him ‘lady’s first’, and watched TJ’s little lip come out in a pout as he had to wait for Cole to assemble his sister’s bike first.
Cole squatted, watching his children race in circles around the driveway. A feeling of contentment filled him. These two children meant the world to him.
He stood up. Natalie had let him know that her and Angel were on their way. A million questions had raced through his mind. Had Angel read his letter? Had she said anything? Were they coming just to take the kids back to Arizona or something more? All of which, he’d been too afraid to ask. And Natalie had said nothing that gave him any indication how this was all going to go, which made him fear for the worst.
Cole took a deep breath. The ball was in her court. There wasn’t anything else he could do. He knew Natalie wanted him to talk to Angel when they got here, but to tell the truth, Cole wasn’t sure he had anything left to say. She either wanted him or she didn’t. He’d be damned if he’d stand here and beg.
Hell, he’d already made a damn fool of himself in that hospital room. Pleading with her. At least there had only been one nurse to witness it. He’d never begged anyone for anything in his life, and he didn’t like the way it made him feel.
Besides, if he had to beg her for her to love him, was it really a love worth having? Cole shook his head. He didn’t even know anymore.
He pulled out his cell phone, and looked at the time. They needed to leave soon for the clubhouse. The charity run that was to take place today started in a couple of hours.
He needed to get the guest of honor there in plenty of time. Melissa’s Ride, they’d named it. Cole still couldn’t believe all the work everyone had done to make this happen. Natalie had been on the phone with Mack numerous times since she’d left, helping him make arrangements. In addition to the money they collected from today’s ride, they hoped to get some donors. This morning, all across the state of California, as well as several other states, charters were going to be showing up at donor centers to be tested. He hoped they got a good turn out.
Rusty, from the War Dogs had stopped by yesterday to let him know that the War Dogs would all be showing their support, as well. Cole had choked up, and in the end had only been able to shake Rusty’s hand, and slap him on the back.
Cole watched his kids ride around. He hated to break up the fun, but he needed to get them ready to go. He’d been assured that there would be plenty of activities today for the kids, balloons, face painting, a clown, and a jumping house. He’d even heard the local news wanted to come out, and do