•—•—• A Year Later •—•—•

Brooke—

I stepped into the private room of the restaurant, seeing a few people. Joel & Luke being the two people who stood out the most; other than Rosa.

Two little boys ran around the around the room. Courtney, Luke's wife, began to scold them.

"What's this for?" I asked.

"For getting your GED! Congratulations, Brooke!" Joel exclaimed.

I smiled, "Thank you."

Luke came up to me and hugged me. He grinned, "You're on the path to success, darling."

"My little sister is finally a graduate!" Rosa screamed.

I laughed, shaking my head. My sister was something else.

Joel came over, with Moriah traveling behind him. The two both gave me a hug.

"Any plans for college?" Moriah asked.

I shrugged, "I don't actually know. Most likely. I want to be a trauma therapist."

Joel smiled, "That's a great idea, love."

Just to think; it was because of him and his brother. They were the reason that I am still here. They saved me, and gave me enough hope to carry on.

"Thank you." I mumbled, "For everything."

Joel smiled, squeezing my shoulders. "You're welcome. God is definitely taking you places."

"Come on! We need pictures!" Rosa shouted.

Luke laughed, shaking his head. Rosa handed her phone to Papa, and bounced happily to us.

Rosa stood behind me, Joel and Luke were on either sides of me. Along with Courtney and Moriah next to their husbands. Courtney held Phoenix. I picked up Jude as he jumped into my arms.

"Say graduate!" Papa grinned.

I laughed, along with everyone else. "Graduate!"

Papa smiled as he snapped the picture. My life was actually coming together. Nothing could ruin it now. Not Shane, not Noah, not anyone of those filthy men. I had plenty of wonderful people in my life. I wouldn't change a thing.

"Can we eat now?" Jude asked.

I nodded, "Sure thing, little guy."

~*~*~

Jude placed a kiss on my cheek as I sat him down. He quickly waved at me, "Bye Auntie Brooke!"

"Bye Jude. You better behave for mommy and daddy." I smiled.

He nodded, "I will!"

I laughed as he ran off to his mom and dad. He climbed into the car, flashing me one last smile and waving. Jude was definitely something else, but he was such a happy little boy.

I turned around, bumping into someone. I looked up, meeting his green eyes.

"O-Oh. I'm so sorry." I stuttered.

He laughed, "You're okay, love. I didn't see you." He ran his hand through his red hair, and his British accent flowing. He smiled, dimples showing. "Love, you okay?"

I blushed and nodded, "Y-Yeah. You're just really good looking— I can't believe I just said that." I laughed.

He smiled and looked down, digging through his satchel. He looked back to me, a pen in his hand.

"May I see your hand?" He asked. I nodded, holding up my hand. He gently took, neatly writing numbers on my palm. "My name is Brandon."

"I'm Brooke." I mumbled.

"Call me sometime, Brooke." He grinned. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, then walked off. Muttering beautiful under his breath.

I let out a shaky breath once he was gone. My goodness. Did I just meet an angel?