Something in my chest loosens at that. Even though we’re not actually dating, getting approval from the man who basically helped raise me hits harder than I expect.
“Thanks, Luke,” I say. “That means a lot.”
He points at me. “But don’t get too comfortable. If you make her cry, I will never let you forget it for the rest of your life.”
A laugh slips out before I can stop it. “Yes, sir.”
“I’m serious,” he adds, though there’s a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“I know.” I nod once. “I’ll take good care of her.”
“I know you will.” He glances toward the beach where the bonfire lights flicker in the distance. “I’m gonna go help Noah. I’ll see you down there.”
“Great.”
He heads off toward the beach, leaving me alone on the porch yet again. A few seconds later the door opens and this time itisactually Maddy. She steps outside in a simple summer-blue dress, her hair’s half up, half down, moving a little in the breeze as she pulls the door shut behind her.
“Hey,” she says.
“You told me Noah and your dad would already be on the beach. I could've died out here.”
She presses her lips together, clearly trying not to laugh. “I’m sorry. They were slower than I thought.”
I shake my head, a small smile creeping in as we start walking down toward the sound of waves and music.
“So…” she says after a second, glancing at me. “They didn’t kill you?”
“Not yet.”
“Good.”
We’re almost on the sand when she grabs my hand and laces our fingers together. I look down at our hands, then back at her. “We’re jumping straight to hand-holding, huh?”
“No harm in speeding up the process.” She tilts her head toward the beach. “Besides, this place is full of people who would absolutely try to set you up.”
A laugh slips out of me. “Yeah. You’re not wrong.”
“Alright,” she says, glancing over at me again. “Big stage. Full audience.”
“Our Super Bowl,” I say.
“Let’s try not to screw it up.”
A smirk pulls at my mouth. “I’m about to be so convincing, people will start planning our wedding by dessert.”
“If anyone does that,” she says sweetly, “I’m lighting your hoodie on fire.”
“Deal.”
11
MADDY
He’s actually really good at this
Ryan and I step onto the sand, and it feels like walking straight into the heart of the town. The fire pit is already stacked high, flames just starting to catch. Blankets and lawn chairs are scattered everywhere, and strings of lights sway between wooden poles in the evening breeze. Kids race past with sparklers already lit while a cluster of teenagers has taken over the volleyball nets.
And then there’s us. Still holding hands, which feels stiff. Like remembering where to put your hands in a group photo.
