Page 9 of For Every Letter

You probably thought you could get away with not telling me and I wouldn’t find you. You totally underestimated me!

One of my friends on Smuggler’s Hideaway is Caleb Emerson. He’s former military and still has connections. I’m also friends with Hudson Clark (he owns a resort on the island) and the former NFL superstar has major connections. Between Caleb and Hudson, they had the name of your hospital in five minutes. It took me another five to book a flight to get my ass here.

And now you won’t let me in your room. Is this because I said I have feelings for you? I take them back. I have zero feelings for you. You’re like a brother to me.

And that sexy picture you sent me was totally inappropriate. Gross!

There. Now, will you let me in?

It kills me that you’re alone. That your family isn’t here. I know the military contacted them. Don’t ask me how – I promised I wouldn’t tell – and they didn’t come. But I did. I’m here. I will always be here for you. Even if you never open that door, I’ll be right here waiting for you. I don’t care how corny I sound. I’m waiting right here. I brought snacks and everything.

Speaking of snacks, you’ll never get any of Parker’s cookies if you don’t open the door. Parker is the owner of Pirates Pastries. I brought shipwreck cookies and pirate’s plunder muffins. They smell delicious. Can you smell them? I’m waving a cookie under your door.

And now I’m being chased by a nurse. Don’t worry. This isn’t my first rodeo – have I mentioned how accident prone my brothers are? – I brought extra goodies for everyone on this floor. The flight attendants looked at me funny when I boarded the plane with no luggage but bags of baked goodies. I hope Parker learns how to ship because the entire plane wants a batch of her Blackbeard’s Revenge cookies.

Please let me in. Don’t make me chase you and your physical therapist down the hall. She was not pleasant when I asked her when your next session would be.

Have I mentioned my sister Hazel is a physical therapist? She even helped Caleb when he came home to Smuggler’s Hideaway after getting injured. It was supposed to be a secret since Caleb was determined to become a hermit. Maya was determined to help him. They’re married now. See? Letting someone in isn’t all bad. Not that I’m saying we have to get married. I only have platonic feelings for you now. (See above)

The physical torturer is on her way to your room. I’m going to slip this inside while she’s here.

I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere,

Your Sadie

18

Hospital Room

May 2 nd

My dearest Sadie,

I’m leaving this letter with you as I sneak out of the hospital room while you’re sleeping. I can barely stand to leave. You’re beautiful in your sleep. You’re beautiful all the time but when you’re sleeping and quiet 😉 your beauty shines bright. I’m a coward. I can’t say all the things I want to say to you in person, so I’m writing this letter as you snore next to me. And, yes, you snore. It’s adorable.

So, here goes. I think I’m falling for you, Sadie. You’re the only person who knows me. Who really knows me. I’ve never told my brothers about what my dad said.

I’m sorrier than I can ever explain for not responding to your letter when you bared your soul to me. I was afraid. My parents abandoned me. And I’ve seen how my buddies have lost girlfriends because they couldn’t handle the military way of life.

But the military secrecies don’t bother you one bit. You never asked once about how I got shot or where I’m stationed. Which is pretty remarkable since you literally managed to ask five million questions in one night.

I want to explore this connection between us further. I want to do more than kiss your forehead and wish you goodnight. I want to taste your lips. I want to watch your eyes flare with passion.

What do you say, Sadie? Are you ready to stop being my platonic sister and give this thing between us a chance?

Eagerly awaiting your response,

Your Ben (the coward who cares for you)

19

Hospital Room

May 2 nd

Dear Ben,

When I woke up and you weren’t here, I nearly lost my mind. I can’t believe you abandoned me! But then I read your letter. Don’t you know you can say anything to me? I’m your safe spot. The place where you will never be judged. The place where you can speak your dreams out loud and not have to worry about my reaction.