“Actually,” I say, shifting forward. I push myself off the sofa, grabbing my bag from the floor. “I actually brought you something.”
Bailey’s eyes go wide as I hand her the big wrapped package. The paper is soft blue, covered in little seashells, and she tears into it like it’s Christmas morning.
“No. Freaking. Way.”
Ryan leans over to see, his eyes widen and shoot to me the second he realizes what's inside. “You got her a wetsuit?”
“A brand-new one!” Bailey says, holding it up. “And it has pink details!”
Mabel’s expression softens immediately. “Maddy… that is incredibly kind.”
I shrug, smiling at Bailey’s reaction. “She deserves good gear.”
Ryan glances at me again as I squeeze down beside him again, something warm flickering across his face.
“That’s really thoughtful,” he says, voice quieter now. “You’re setting the bar pretty high.”
I pretend not to notice the heat creeping into my cheeks so I just smile instead.
Bailey launches herself at me before I can respond, nearly knocking the sofa backward. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
I laugh, trying to breathe through the hug. “You’re very welcome.”
The rest of the night stretches on without any of us really noticing. Bailey launches into a story about how Ryan once cried because he thought he killed a bee, and within seconds Mabel and Bailey are nearly crying from laughter while Ryan covers his face with his hands.
I press my lips together, failing miserably at holding in a laugh. Ryan peeks through his fingers, catching me, and all I can do is smile. Then leans in slightly, close enough that only I can hear him. “I think the act is working,” he murmurs.
His words make me blink, the warmth in my chest stuttering for a second as the word settles back in. This—sitting here, laughing with his family—it’s all part of the deal.
I glance at the clock and sigh. “Okay—how is it already eleven?” I say, pushing myself up. “I should probably head home.”
There’s a tiny frown between Ryan's eyebrows as I jump from the sofa.
Bailey is on her feet immediately, wrapping me in a tight hug. “Thanks again for the wetsuit. You’re officially the coolest person I know.”
“You’re very welcome,” I laugh.
A second later, Mabel walks over and stops beside me, leaning a little closer and lowering her voice. “You know… the way Ryan looks at you? It’s the sweetest thing. I haven’t seen that boy smile like this in a long time.”
I freeze, unsure of what to say. “He’s been really kind. You did a good job with him.” I manage.
She squeezes my arm and gives me a sweet smile
“What are you two whispering about?” Ryan asks, tilting his head.
Mabel waves a hand. “Oh, nothing. Just girl talk.”
He narrows his eyes. “Terrifying.”
I laugh, grabbing my bag and keys. “Thank you for tonight,” I say, pulling Mabel into a quick hug. “Everything was amazing.”
“Come back anytime, sweetheart.”
Ryan is already reaching for his jacket. “I’ll walk you out.”
The night air is cool when we step onto the porch, and for a moment, we just stand beside my car.
“I meant what I said earlier,” he tells me. “Getting Bailey that wetsuit was really thoughtful.”
