Lucas headed toward the terrace. A few gentlemen, eager to escape their mothers, were smoking cigars or chatting. Brooke had indeed leaned against a railing and was gazing at the sky, lost in thought. He approached her and stood by her side. He knew she had seen him, yet they didn't look at each other, remaining silent as they gazed at the stars. It was Lucas who first broke the calm, recalling his sister's advice.
Lucas : When I was a kid, my mom and dad used to take us here to Aubrey Hall every summer. I grew up there. Until that one summer when Nathan and my dad went hunting. They were coming home empty-handed when my dad bent down to pick some flowers for my mom. I was sitting on those steps. I saw him sit up, holding hyacinths, then drop them and collapse. Nathan ran over and called for help. My mom was pregnant with Lily and came running. I was only 14, but I knew something was seriously wrong. Nathan staggered over to us and ushered us into the house until a swarm of doctors and solicitors arrived. I knew it deep down. That he wasn't there anymore. And I remember wondering what kind of man I would become without a father by my side.
Brooke : What did your father die of?
Lucas : He was stung by a bee.
Brooke : Oh. I'm sorry.
Silence fell again in the dark night.
Brooke : I think your father would be very proud of you. Of the man you've become. Your mother and your family love you dearly. Each of you has put a piece of yourselves in the hearts of others, and that's what makes the Scotts such a different family. So united. And I think a part of your father lives in you.
Lucas : You think so?
Brooke : I truly do...
Lucas : Thank you...
They looked at each other for a long moment before a melancholy look crossed her face and she looked away.
Lucas : Are you okay?
Brooke : I was thinking, I find it beautiful that each of you has shaped the others in part. That's what family is all about. I don't think we're born entirely ourselves. We become ourselves through experiences, our loved ones, our history. Yours has been through a very difficult time, but you've come out stronger. My history has shaped me too, but when you think about it, I don't like what it's made me.
Lucas : Why do you say that? You're a strong and courageous woman.
Brooke : Sometimes I wish I weren't. Well, not always. I think I wish I could dance in that ballroom without fear of my past or my future. I think I wish I could think only of the music and nothing but its vibrations in my body. I wish I could put my suitcases away in a closet and never open it again. And yet, my suitcase is always packed.
Lucas : You don't have to live like this, Brooke. I'm here for you. I know you don't trust me with everything about your life, and I understand that. Trust takes time to fully develop. But I'm here, you know that.
She smiled at him with such sadness that Lucas's heart bled. He dreamed of holding her in his arms with such fervor and strength that she could never leave again. Then she looked back into the distance.
Brooke : I'm marked, Lucas. Physically and mentally. And believe me when I say, I trust you. I've never trusted anyone so much. I can't explain it. When I'm with you, I can... Forget everything. But those quiet moments also remind me of everything else. Everything I can't offer you.
Lucas : But you could offer them to Lord Morello?
She looked at him again, and this time, her smile was amused.
Brooke : No, of course not! And I don't want to. I enjoy his company, but that's about it.
Lucas : I see...
Brooke : You could say "good thing"!
Lucas : I couldn't blame a gentleman for courting you. You'd have to be crazy not to.
Brooke : Given my situation, I think you'd have to be crazy to take it on...
Lucas : I think I know more than Lord Morello. And yet, I'd like to know more about you so I can woo you even more...
Brooke : So, you're crazy...
Lucas : Totally crazy...
He didn't take his eyes off her for a single second. Despite the night, the light from the ballroom illuminated her face in the most beautiful way. Her dilated pupils revealed only a tiny circle of forest-green irises where flickering flames danced. Her full lips seemed to hang from Lucas's. And her pulled-back hair revealed the nape of her neck and the feminine curve that Lucas dreamed of kissing again, remembering her taste, her scent. They remained like that for what seemed like an eternity, disturbed by nothing but the breeze tickling Brooke's neck. A shiver ran through her, and Lucas couldn't help but notice it.
Lucas : By the way... I wanted to give this to you.
She took the small package he held out to her.
Lucas : Happy birthday, Brooke.
Brooke : Lucas, you shouldn't have!
Lucas : Open it!
So she undid the velvet bow and opened the box, holding back the tremors of emotion that ran through her. Before her was a bracelet carved from silver with patterns as fine as lace. In the center was a bird with small diamond eyes. The piece was absolutely splendid, and Brooke couldn't take her eyes off it.
Lucas : I've thought about it a lot, and I think the bird could be your spirit animal. It's thoughtful, focused, determined, and yet free. It's also very combative, and I think that's a good example of you. And when I saw this bracelet, I immediately knew it was for you. Plus, it will allow you to hide your scar if you sometimes want to not wear gloves...
She looked up at him. It was the kindest thing anyone had ever done her. If she could have, she would have hugged him. She held back tears, but not without being able to hide them. She placed the box on the railing and took off her gloves. Lucas could only stare at her hands and their obvious softness. Finally, she grabbed the bracelet and slipped it onto her wrist. It perfectly concealed her mark. For once, she could let her hands breathe while wearing the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever owned.
Brooke : Thank you so much, Lucas, it's the best birthday of my life.
She gently placed her hand on his and gave him a dazzling smile, which he returned. The moment was suspended. Another shiver ran through her.
Lucas : We should go inside before you catch a cold.
He grabbed her gloves and stuffed them in his pocket because she had nowhere to put them.
Lucas : I'll give them back to you later if that's okay with you.
Brooke : Yes, thank you very much, Lucas!
He grabbed her arm, slipped it through his, and led her inside. With a glance, he invited her onto the dance floor, and they danced together, laughing. Brooke enjoyed the moment like never before, without thinking about her past, without thinking about what tomorrow would bring. She tried to etch into her memory that incredible feeling of fulfillment, the warmth of Lucas's hand in hers, the joy in his eyes, his incredible smile, the freshness of his laughter. She had never been happier than that evening, and she knew she would always cling to that memory as one of the most precious of her life.
When the music stopped, Brooke was breathless, intoxicated by its energy and joy. She joined Lucas at the edge of the dance floor.
Brooke : Thank you so much, Lucas.
Lucas : Why are you thanking me again?
Brooke : For this evening, for this gift, for this dance. And for your kindness since we met.
Lucas : I'm the one who thanks you, Brooke. For your good humor and your joie de vivre. You're a ray of sunshine.
Brooke : My mother called me that... She said I was an extremely joyful child.
Lucas : Oh really?
Brooke : I would go off on my own to play with the children in the villages we stopped in. I would sing with them, pick flowers, and bring them back to the ship to give to all the sailors. I would improvise shows to entertain the crew, telling stories about princes fighting dragons to save the princess in danger. When I grew up, I even wrote a version where the princess saved the prince!
Lucas : I'm not surprised...
Brooke : Don't make fun of me...
She slapped him lightly on the arm.
Brooke : I've always been a modern woman!
Lucas : I know, that's why Peyton likes you so much.
Brooke : Your sister, like your whole family, is adorable.
Lucas : And everyone adores you. I think they'd dream of you being part of our family.
Brooke : I think I'd dream of it too...
A silence fell between them as he was petrified by her words. He was gathering his wits to bring up the subject when she beat him to it.
Brooke : I'm tired, I'm going to bed.
Lucas : Let me accompany you, at least where propriety allows.
She smiled at him and left the room with him as her companion. They met again at the bottom of the grand staircase, and even though Lucas had said he would only stay if custom permitted, they were alone.
Brooke : Thank you for this evening, Lucas. Thank you for everything. Have a good night.
Lucas : Good night, Brooke. See you tomorrow.
She started up the stairs and then stopped when she felt the gaze of the man who made her heart beat on her. She didn't think twice, turning around to walk towards him. When she reached him, she stood on tiptoe and kissed him. He embraced her and kissed her back tenderly. It was different from last time. More tender, more sensitive, more romantic. Brooke felt Lucas's hands on her back. He held her as if she were about to run away, as if her life depended on it. His lips on hers were the sweetest thing, as was his scent, which intoxicated her, preventing her from leaving him. Yet, she let herself fall back, resting her forehead against his for a moment. Then, she turned on her heel and climbed the stairs without looking back.
