Later that night, Melanie was dreaming about when her parents died.

- Dream: Ten years ago -

Four year old, Melanie is at preschool waiting for her mommy and daddy to come pick her up. Melanie's teacher, Miss Susie gets a call from the police saying that there was a shooting at the office were Melanie's parents, Isaiah and Jamie work and that both of them were shot and died instantly.

Miss Susie walked over to Melanie sadly, "Hey sweetie, it seems that I have to give you a ride."

"To mommy and daddy?" Melanie asked hopefully

Miss Susie shook her head, "I'm sorry, Mel. There was a shooting at your mommy and daddy's work. They died. They're in heaven with the angels now."

"Mommy and daddy are dead." Melanie said sadly "They no come back."

"I'm afraid not, sweetie." Miss Susie replied

"Who will take care of me?" Melanie asked

Miss Susie sighed softly and then explained, "Child Protective Services is going to find you a foster family to stay with that will hopefully adopt you."

Melanie nodded even though she didn't understand what that all meant, she just knew her mommy and daddy were dead and they were never coming back. She sniffled as she started to cry and then Miss Susie hugged her.

- End of Dream -

Melanie cried and whimpered loudly in her sleep. She wished her parent's were still alive.

Cooper woke up when he heard Melanie and ran to her room. He sat on her bed and tried waking her up, "Hey Mel, sweetie it's okay. Cooper's here. Mel, kiddo, wake up please."

Melanie woke up but was still half asleep although she realized it was Cooper. She threw her arms around him, glad that for the first time in a long time someone had come when she had a bad dream. She cried, "I never got to say goodbye to them. I wasn't there when they died."

Cooper sighed softly as he wrapped his arms around Melanie and held her comfortingly in his arms. He sung softly to her, "When the evening shadows and the stars appear, And there is no one there to dry your tears, I could hold you for a million years, To make you feel my love. I know you haven't made your mind up yet, But I would never do you wrong, I've known it from the moment that we met, no doubt in my mind were you belong."

Melanie sniffled as her tears subsided and she started to drift back off to sleep feeling safe in Cooper's arms. It reminded her of her daddy and how she felt when he had held her as a little girl.

Cooper watched Melanie sleep peacefully in his arms with a smile on his face and then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. He was glad that she at least let him comfort her, even though he knew she wasn't awake enough to know it was him. Little did he know that she knew and was awake it was Cooper who had comforted her.

"I love you, Mel, and I know you probably don't believe it yet but I really do." Cooper explained "I love you and I will never do you wrong. I'll never hurt you. I promise."

In the morning, when Melanie woke up and walked downstairs she was greeted by Mason and Charlotte.

"Good morning, sweetheart." Charlotte said "How'd you sleep?"

"Morning Mel." Mason stated

Melanie smiled, "Morning Charlotte. Morning Mason." Then she added, "I had a dream about when my parent's died, but Cooper comforted me. He held me in his arms and sang to me."

"I'm sorry, but I'm glad that Cooper comforted you and that you allowed him too." Charlotte replied as she smiled softly. She was shocked that Melanie had let Cooper comfort her or even be that close to her.

"When he held me it reminded me on the feeling I got from my daddy when he held me when I was just a little girl." Melanie explained "I felt so safe, like he would never let anything hurt me. It was something I hadn't felt in four years."

Cooper came downstairs with a smile on his face, "Morning family."

"Morning love." Charlotte said to her husband

"Morning dad." Mason stated

Melanie turned her head face Cooper and smiled, "Morning Cooper."

Cooper smiled softly. Melanie had smiled at him and was glad to see him.

Then Melanie got up from her chair and hugged Cooper, "Thanks for last night."

"You're welcome, sweet pea." Cooper replied as he hugged Melanie back

Hope you enjoy. Comments are greatly appreciated.

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