Bittersweet Symphony (The Damaged Souls series Book 2) by Belinda Boring

again. There was no doubt in my mind they’d remain there . . . waiting . . . ready to help.
    “Look at us.” Heather laughed, sniffling as she finally wiped away her tears with the end of her sleeve. “One minute we’re celebrating and next we’re all emotional.” She released a pent-up breath, breaking the solemn bubble that had filled the room. Faint sounds from the garage and the guys practicing returned.
    “I’m grateful you shared,” I admitted, taking a step back. “It’s nice being able to open up to others who know what you’ve dealt with. For the most part, people are empathetic to what we’ve gone through, offering their condolences and appreciation for their services and sacrifice. But still . . .” Those last two words trailed off as I became lost in thought.
    There was another reason why I enjoyed visiting with Heather. As a mom, she held that sixth sense ability of knowing the precise moment a hug was needed.
    Like right now.
    “It’s not the same. There’s a certain kinship that comes when you’re with others who’ve had to endure the same heartache as you. It goes beyond words.”
    I nodded against her shoulder, wrapping my arms tighter around her, soaking up her soothing energy. That’s exactly how I felt, and even though her son returned home, she could still understand. One day, I hoped to introduce her to Owen’s parents.
    “Should I be worried?” Cooper’s comment startled both of us. I hadn’t heard him coming in and had no idea how long he’d been standing there—listening.
    “Of course not,” Heather answered smoothly, wiping her hands against the side of her jeans as she walked toward him. “Practice finished already?”
    Cooper didn’t reply, his focus just beyond where we’d been talking on the shadow box with his medals. His mouth formed a tight line and for a moment, I thought he was going to say something.
    Almost. His lips parted and he winked. “Yeah. It was hard to concentrate.” His comment was directed my way.
    It was nice knowing I had that kind of affect on him.
    “ Moi ?” I answered in mock surprise. “Are you sure?”
    The look he gave me spoke volumes. His thoughts were miles away from rehearsal and anything that didn’t involve alone time together. The heat from his stare stoked my own impatience.
    He made it hard to focus on things for me as well, especially looking the way he did right now.
    “Let me get you your lemonade, Caylee, and you two can go off and be young.” Grazing her hand over Cooper’s arm, Heather disappeared into the kitchen, the sound of cupboard doors banging open and closed following.
    I almost snorted. Was that what it was called now? Being young?
    “Is that what you want to do tonight?” I flirted, the distance between me and Cooper removed. Our fingers intertwined in front of us—just the briefest of touches but it was enough.
    He tenderly brushed the side of my face as if he was able to see the tears from before. “I don’t think my mom meant it that way but who am I to argue with my gorgeous girlfriend.” Leaning forward, Cooper placed a kiss on my forehead. “You okay?”
    I squeezed his hand reassuringly. “Yep, I really love chatting with your mom.” There was more I wanted to include but didn’t. Cooper was touchy at the best of times with anything that involved memories from the past. For now, I was content to enjoy the private moment between Heather and I. If he wanted to know more, he could ask. We’d been standing in front of his medals—he had to have known it was the topic of our discussion.
    He reacted just as I had assumed. Subject avoided. Moving on.
    “I was thinking we could grab some take-out and maybe watch a movie at my house tonight.”
    “And celebrate.” When his brows furrowed in confusion, I remembered I still hadn’t told him. “I heard some good news today. Something that’s helped make life a little easier.”
    When I didn’t continue, Cooper tilted his head. “About . .