Always For Keeps ( For Keeps part 2)

Thirty Three. Scarlett

After Breakfast, Cooper excuses himself to get some work done. Luke, Damon, and DJ head off to do "manly things", while Lexie, Ariel, and myself go shopping.
I haven't had a girls day in so long that I find myself missing Kare.
We shop all morning and head to a little restaurant for lunch.
"I've never seen my brother so happy." Lexie smiles.
"He's a good guy." I say.
"God, I remember the day he first saw you. He called me right after he left breakfast with mom and told me he just saw the girl he was meant to be with."
"Really?" I smile thinking back on that day.
"My brother was never really the type of guy to fall for a girl. Meeting you... well you are definitely not what I expected." She grins.
"Oh you mean like bleach blonde hair, a fake tan, and an IQ of a walnut?" I ask and she laughs.
"Yes!"
"Yeah, I've met Mandy. She isn't so bad when she isn't trying to get Luke back."
"Are you okay with, ya know, the baby?" She asks.
"Oh yeah. I'm excited for him. Kids are gifts, ya know." I smile as I look at Ariel who is listening to music with headphones in.
"You can say that again. When I found out about this gem, I was terrified. Damon had already left after he joined the military, he was a year ahead of me in school. He came back after basic, and well... you know." She smiles. "I was so afraid to tell my mom. To tell Luke and Mark. I was a senior in high school, but not having her never even crossed my mind." She shakes her head. "I told Luke first, he was in AIT and I figured he would get mad, but he said, 'Lex, if anyone can do this, it's you. Pull up your big girl pants and tell Mom. We love you no matter what.'
"So I told my mom and Mark that evening. They cried, but they weren't mad. My mom got pregnant with Luke in High school, but my dad is a dick. Damon is perfect. When I told him, he cried. When he finished his training he came home and proposed."
"You're amazing." I tell her.
"Thank you. Some days have been tougher than others, but I wouldn't change it for the world."
"I can't wait to have kids." I smile sadly.
"Luke told me. I'm sorry. You'll be a great mom. Hopefully soon." She smiles warmly at me.
"I hope so."
"How will that work?" She asks. There's no hint of judgement in her voice and I smile.
"Well since Luke is about to be a dad, they decided Cooper and I should try first, then Luke and I will try next." I finish and realize I'm blushing.
"That sounds smart. There's no need to be embarrassed, Scarlett." She laughs. "Cooper is insanely hot. And he looks at you like you walk on water."
"I feel selfish all of the time. I love Luke, I hope you know that."
"Of course I do! Maybe it's not like everyone else's lives, but why should your story end like every other story out there? What if they are both your soulmates? That they complete the perfect person for you?" She says.
"Maybe. I just don't want to hurt anyone."
"They are big boys. They can handle themselves." She says reassuringly.

After lunch, we meet up with the guys and spend our afternoon swimming.
I'm sitting on a blanket, tanning, when someone steps into my light.
"Hi baby." I say without opening my eyes.
"Hi beautiful." Cooper says sitting next to me.
"How was work?" I ask.
"Okay. Pretty boring."
"I missed you." I say and open my eyes. He's wearing black swim trunks and no shirt.
"I missed you. How was your day?" He asks.
"It was really good." I smile and look at Lexie.
"Good. I'm glad. You deserve good days."
"Thank you." I say and notice that same hint of sadness in his grey eyes.
"Are you regretting us?" The words tumble out before I can stop them. His eyes widen.
"No. This is working fine for me, for us. I'm just tired." He smiles and kisses me briefly.
"Well enjoy some time with me." I smile and grab his hand.
"That sounds wonderful." He stands and helps me to my feet. We head down to the water to join everyone else. Cooper, Luke, and I dive under waves. The waves are pretty small today so it's pretty easy. Cooper picks me up and throws me into the water a few times. I can't stop laughing.
Damon, DJ, and Luke end up heading back up to shore to get something to snack on. Lexie, Cooper, Ariel and I stay out together. We wade deeper in the water as Lexie carries Ariel.
Lexie finds a sand dollar and we are all looking at it when Damon shouts. "Look out!" But there's no time to react as a huge wave takes us all down.