Chapter 50 50
Brooke acted not to hear the question her son threw at her. She didn't expect the question at the time and was clueless what to respond. She hoped that the boy would be distracted with something else and ignore the question. But that was only something she wished because the question came again.
Liam asked again. He thought his mother did not hear him at first. So he repeated his question.
“Mommy, you look like grandma but I don't. Who do I look like?”
"Well.... Who else would you look like? You are special and unique. The most handsome of them all in the whole of Emberwood. You are too perfect to have a look alike. Just simply unique." Ryan was the one who spoke. Brooke was too shocked to speak.
"Now tell me. Who is the most handsome and unique in the whole of Emberwood International and the city at large?" Ryan asked further.
The reply Liam got made him chuckle. "Uncle Ryan, you are so silly and funny." He said instead.
To avoid further questions from Liam, Ryan continued at it. He complimented Lima more. Pointing out how he was the one and only. Too unique to have a look alike. Ryan's plan worked. As Lima forgot his initial question and kept laughing uncontrollably.
Ryan then turned his attention to Brooke. He wanted to make sure the little boys questioning didn't get to her too much.
'Thank you.' was what Brooke mounted when she had Ryan's attention.
Ryan nodded in response. He has always had her back and he will continue to have her back no matter the situation.
The Turners had dinner together and Ryan as well. After dinner, Samantha excused herself and Liam as well to give him a bath before bedtime. While Brooke and Ryan sat outside the house to have a chat.
They were drinking tea while they talked. Mostly, Ryan did most of the talking. While Brooke responded to him with a word or a sound of acknowledgement.
Ryan knew she was still hung up on what happened earlier. Out of curiosity, he asked.
"Are you planning on telling Liam about his father?" Ryan asked.
Brooke sighed. She took a long sip of her hot tea and then settled the cup on the table that had other items in front of them.
"I really don't know what to do. I didn't plan on this happening. Well... At least not so soon because I know it will eventually happen. But I am not ready for this. I can't think of a way out." Brooke said.
Throughout her pregnancy, she has thought about it. The same thing kept happening when she gave birth to Liam. But overtime as medical school kept her occupied, the thought of it became less and less.
Then she finally became a doctor. The nature of her work kept her occupied. It was a good thing because she cannot divide her attention while attending to someone's life. Over time, she completely forgot.
Now Liam is growing. He attends school and sees other kids having two parents. She herself has two parents. So he is becoming aware of the absence of his father in his life. Now she has no idea what to do.
"I don't know what to do. If I tell Lima the truth, he would want to meet his father. I am sure of that."
"But then, if I tell Nathan, there is the possibility of him coming here. He will then find out about you." Brooke reasoned.
"There is the possibility that Nathan may also not care at all about Liam." Ryan added.
Brooke maintained a straight face. Not wanting Ryan to see her reaction to his statement.
"Right. I think Nathan not caring would make things a whole lot easier." She said,
Ryan leaned forward and held Brooke's hands. "Bee, I have always been here for you and Lima. Yay would never change. I will always support you and have your back. No matter the situation. You know that, right?"
Brooke only gave a nod. She somehow knew where this was going. Ryan continued, while gently caressing her hands.
"You also know how I feel about you. Would I ever have a place in your heart? Will you ever consider giving me a chance to be more than just a friend?"
Brooke remained quiet at the moment. She knew Ryan was going to talk about his feelings at that moment. This wasn't the first or second time he did. He had later on confessed to her that she was the same girl he had been in love with for a long time. He didn't confess to her then because she had eyes for Nathan alone. He knew he would definitely be rejected as of then.
"Ryan, you have been a good friend and a great supporter. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for myself and Liam. Even my dad too." Brooke said honestly.
She felt a little sad for Ryan. She doesn't want him hung up on her. Because he has zero chances with her. With the experience she had with Nathan. Brooke finally understands that love cannot be forced.
"I care for you as a friend and I value your friendship. However, I have promised to love only one man, Liam. I have decided to pour the whole love I have in my heart to my son alone. I'm planning on never going back to any romantic relationship again. Ever." she emphasized.
"From what I have understood. A romantic relationship only hinders me from achieving my goals." Brooke smiled. "You can say from now on, I am only committed to my son and married to my career."
Brooke looked into Ryan's eyes.
"Ryan, please don't hate me for this. I am only being honest with you about how I feel, just as you have been about your own feelings. So please, don't hate me for telling you the truth."
"Someone else deserves your love. Someone who will give you back what you deserve."
"Jeez! What happened to the Bee I knew." Ryan spoke. He then pointed at Brooke. "This new version of hers might have a stone for a heart." He then gave a side smirk and brushed his hair with his hand. "You know Bee. You are really missing the hot stuff." He remarked.
Brooke felt a bit relaxed as a smile was evident on her face. She appreciated the fact that Ryan always eases the atmosphere. He will turn the situation into something that neither of them would feel awkward about.
"You have known me since I was a little girl. I am certain by now you know I am not into the 'Hot stuff.'" she air coated the last part.
They both laughed it off.