Free One Last Chance by Beverley Hollowed

let’s enjoy dinner and some good company.”
    Ally and Cole followed Ella back to the dining room. Both Pop and James each stood up when they returned to the room. Ally returned to her seat next to Nan and once she was seated, Nan reached beneath the table and patted her leg and gave her a smile.
    El was now sitting in a place that was set for her between Pop and James.
    “I am sorry for my remark, Ally,” El said once everyone was seated. “Was meant as a joke, I meant no harm.”
    “I think it’s best we just forget the whole thing,” Ally said , smiling at the girl. Even though inside she wanted to smack her hard. She knew Cole was still upset over Ben, and that it was not a joking matter at all. But she thought it best to let it go.
    The rest of the evening passed by quickly, but Ally couldn’t help but notice that Cole seemed a lot more quieter than normal, unlike his sister, who barely paused for breath.
    By the time they were saying their goodbyes , Ally had a headache. They all climbed into the car and returned to Cole’s apartment in silence.
    When they reached the penthouse, Cole wished everyone a good night and excused himself before heading for their bedroom.
    “He was awfully quiet tonight,” Nan said as Ally made three cups of tea.
    “There is more to El than just what you saw tonight,” Ally explained. “And her comment hurt more than she realised. He is still upset about Ben.”
    “But he has the baby coming,” Pop said confused as to why Cole would be upset over the other little boy.
    “Pops,” Ally sigh and rubbed the bridge of her nose to try and relive the pain in her head. “Cole loved Ben, and he was so devastated by what happened. He loves the baby already. But I know a bit of him will always love Ben too.”
    “I think that Steph girl has a lot to answer for,” Nan said, reaching out and taking hold of Ally’s hand. “You need to go to your young man and be there for him Ally, he needs you right now. Go. We will be fine.”
    “ Thank you Nan,” Ally said, hugging her grandmother. Then she kissed her grandfather and bid them both goodnight.
    When she reached the bedroom, she found Cole sitting on the bed staring out over the city, once again lost in thought.
    Ally quietly sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder. Cole then rested his cheek against the top of Ally head.
    “I just want to know he’ s okay,” Cole said finally.
    “ I know you do,” Ally sighed.
    “He’ s out there somewhere and I know she doesn’t care about him.” Cole said, turning to Ally.
    “Then call her,” Ally replied as she took his hand. “Just to see that he is okay.”
    “Maybe I could call tomorrow?” Cole suggested. “Just to see if he’s doing okay, like you said.”
    “ Good,” Ally said with a smile.
    “Thank you,” Cole said as he leaned down and kissed Ally.
    “For what?” Ally asked surprised.
    “For being you,” he said , smiling once again. “For being my gorgeous girl.”
    “You are very welcome,” Ally replied with a big grin. “Now take me to bed and do naughty things to me Mr. Thomas.”
    “Now , that is an offer I certainly can’t refuse, Ms. Brody,” Cole said as he pulled Ally to him and sealed her lips with his.

Chapter 9
    The rest of the week passed by in a flurry of activity. The morning after the dinner at Cole’s parents’ house, Ally and Nan, accompanied by Nick, went to have her dress fitted for the very last time.
    They were up early and waiting for Ella to arrive so she could come along too. Ally was so excited until Ella arrived accompanied by El. Ally smiled, but she couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. She wasn’t comfortable with El. Plus she also knew that El had hurt Cole in the past and this didn’t sit well with Ally in the slightest.
    When they reached the bridal shop , Ally slipped into the dressing room and stripped while the dress maker went to fetch Ally’s dress.
    When she returned , she helped Ally