The Truths That We Hide

𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮

It seemed like everything was alright and Bree was finally happy. After the conversation she had with Chris, he didn't just wait patiently and let her be on her own although she didn't expect him to do that. She didn't want him to leave her totally alone and especially Quentin would miss him too much.

Her little boy didn't want to go sleep without first talking to him. It always amazed her how close those two were and some days she felt like she was the third wheel when they were together. It almost felt like he was living with them without actually moving out of his house.

A year ago that would have scared her beyond words for many reasons. After Xavier, that kind of closeness towards her and her child was something she feared. After years of grieving and fearing the worst, she finally realized that letting someone in wasn't the worst thing in the world.

In fact, that very decision was one of the reasons why Quentin had been smiling so much lately and that was all that mattered for Bree. As much as she hated to admit, she was glad that she met Chris again.

After admitting her feelings for the first time, nothing had changed between them. Bree didn't know if she was ready to be in a relationship. It wasn't fair for Chris until she figured out what she really wanted. It was very confusing and she desperately wanted someone to tell her what to do.

She talked with Chris on the phone almost every day and they often visited each other's houses. Usually, they took Quentin with them but there were also days when they had some private time to actually talk without anyone interrupting them.

There hadn't been a second kiss yet, the one that happened in London didn't count as one, but they had become closer. It was clear that he didn't want to rush her into anything and it was almost like this time, he let her do the first move when she was ready.

She was grateful for that. On days like this, she liked him the most. He was thoughtful and always seemed to consider her and Quentin's feelings before doing something. Even though there hasn't been anything more, she had held his hand or cuddled closer to him if they were watching a movie.

Baby steps, she kept repeating to herself and for once, she didn't feel guilty. She still thought about Xavier but not as much as before.

Although she still loved him, she slowly started to realize that she wasn't in love with him anymore. Now, after a long time, she had understood that moving on and giving herself a chance to be happy again wasn't a bad thing.

During the following month, Chris did a few interviews and apparently made some plans for the future with his career which details he kept as a secret from her. When she had asked what he was doing, he only answered: "Making sure that you and Quentin will be taken care of in the future."

As if I can't take care of us, Bree rolled her eyes but couldn't help but think how stupid and sweet he was. His latest book was still selling quite well around the world and immediately became a Bestseller in New York.

Of course, she had read the book, loved the mystery in it and because it was so easy to do now, she had demanded answers from him on why he did this and that with his characters.

One thing she was especially happy about was the fact that he had gotten very close to Brett. They both considered each other friends and now they even talked on the phone quite often. Brett had actually talked to him about his relationship before his own sister, because he didn't want her to worry too much.

Stupid men, she thought but still smiled at their new friendship and secrets they shared together.

In time, she heard all about how much Brett stressed because of Savannah and their relationship problems. Apparently, they had some trouble in paradise and fought more than usual, mostly because of his job which was very unfair from Savannah to complain about it.

She had known what he was doing for a living and that he didn't have normal work hours from nine to five. Now that she was in a relationship with him, she started to complain that his job was too dangerous and that he wasn't giving her enough time.

Bree loved her, she really did, but even she had to admit that Savannah was being unfair to her brother who always treated her like a queen.

Two weeks ago was the long-awaited wedding where both Joey and Kenneth had tears in their eyes. They were so incredibly happy and Chris seemed to be filled with pride to be Joey's best man while Kenneth had obviously chosen Patrick.

Weddings had been a touchy subject for her ever since her fiancé died and during her therapy after the first months, no one even mentioned her ring and engagement outside the therapy.

Waiting for Joey and Kenneth's wedding day, she had almost excepted the panic attacks, nightmares and crying but much to her surprise, none of that happened. She was genuinely happy for her friends and she had fun at their wedding without thinking too much about Xavier.

Not when Chris was making her laugh while dancing. At the wedding, Bree agreed to be his date. It was hilarious because he had been so nervous to ask her. The poor man was probably scared that she would say no. Surprising him, she easily agreed with a laugh, making him embarrassed for panicking over nothing.

Of course, Quentin was on their feet and laps for the entire day but she didn't want to leave him alone and Chris didn't seem to mind his presence either. They even wore similar suits and Bree couldn't help but make them pose for the camera. They looked so adorable! For everyone, the three of them must have looked like one happy family.

Brett and Savannah came and left together and at least that day was a fight free. Patrick had planned to ask some woman to accompany him at the wedding and have fun after it at his bed but because he was such a good friend, he had asked Vicky to be his date, only as friends. He probably felt bad that she would be the only one without a date.

Wesley, on the other hand, asked Sofia to be his date but neither said anything about it. Both Bree and Chris had seen them spending a lot of time together, more than normally, and they were sure that they had been at least once on the date, maybe even dated secretly.

On Sunday, Chris took Bree out on another date. They had gone on four dates during this month. Tonight's activity was dancing! She was so happy when he had told her that because it was something they had only done once and it was quite awkward at the wedding.

He had found a place where they danced, laughed at the mistakes they made and how horrible they looked compared to others around them and simply enjoyed each other's company.

After Chris and Bree were done with dancing, they watched the sunset in the late hours of the evening with a red wine and chocolate cake that she loved. They were still sitting there quietly as the sun was going down, leaving them the most beautiful view as the millions of lights colored the dark city.

"Tonight was lovely, Chris. Thank you very much," Bree said as she snuggled even closer to him. Soon they would have to end the perfect day and go sleep but right now, she only wanted to enjoy the moment.

"You're welcome, Ariel. You deserve only the best and I'll give that to you, no matter how long it takes," he answered, giving her a quick kiss on her cheek while hugging her from behind.

She smiled at the familiar nickname. His arms were so tightly around her but it didn't hurt her. Instead, she felt comfortable and safe there. That's when she realized that she wouldn't mind if moments like this happened again. Many times in the future where he would hopefully stay for a long time.

So when he whispered in her ear the sweet words of love, she smiled and kissed him sweetly on the lips. And now she didn't panic or ran away.

No, now Bree gave him a smile that hopefully told him everything she wanted to say. Thanks for being patient, thanks for loving her and Quentin and just being there for her when she needed him the most, even when she didn't know it herself.

Then he looked down at her, his brown eyes meeting her green ones and she knew that he understood.

A/N: we did it, guys!! This is the last chapter but there will be an epilogue soon. Thank you all for reading my first book this far and giving it a chance. Thank you!