Page 55 of Keeping Score

“I expect people to know enough to have boundaries. Especially when they’re fully grown adults.”

“I get why you’re upset, I do,” I told him. “But she knows she messed up. She’s not going to do it again.”

“That’s what I thought last time.”

“Listen, Liam. You’ve got to get over whatever this is, because I have to talk to you about something important—”

“Save the lovers’ spat for after hours,” Coach bellowed from the sidelines.

I panicked. I felt like I was losing Liam and knew I might not get another chance to talk to him if I let him leave now.

Him and Maggie both were flighty like that. If I let them go, there was no telling when I’d get them back. The only answer was to act fast.

“Liam, wait.” My voice was a plea.

He turned to look, face impassive but expectant.

“I wanted to ask your permission,” I started, wondering if it was going to sound corny as hell. “I mean, I wanted to talk to you about—”

He raised a brow.

Inside my gloves, my palms were moist with anxiety. Was I really about to gamble the future of my relationship on a guy who was running high on emotions?

But I had to. I couldn’t afford to wait the excruciatingly long cool-down process that Liam would need to get over his issue with his sister. It was now or possibly never.

“Spit it out, Brody,” he urged, irritation rising as Coach glared at us once more.

My mouth opened, then shut. Liam sighed before turning to skate away, and then I let it all tumble out at once.

“I want to marry Maggie.”

His green eyes widened, pausing at the revelation.

I stared at him anxiously. “So, what do you think?”

“Why are you telling me?” he asked with furrowed brows. “Isn’t this a conversation to have with her?”

“Well, yeah. But you’re supposed to ask permission,” I rambled. “Usually to the father, I know. But the guy’s a jerk, so—”

Liam huffed a laugh. “Damn right he is.”

“So, I’m asking you.”

“For permission to marry my sister?”

“Yes, for permission to marry your sister.” I nodded. “You’re the only consistent man that’s ever been in her life. It’s only right I should ask you.”

He looked taken aback for a second, as if he’d never paid much thought to the role he played in Maggie’s development. Despite their spat now, I knew that growing up he’d done everything for her that a father would do.

He took care of her car. He drove her to and from school. He looked out for her in more ways than a normal older brother would usually have to.

He meant the world to Maggie, even if he wouldn’t admit it to himself. His approval mattered.

“Well, you have my permission.” He said it without reservations. “But, along with that, I’m giving you a piece of advice.”

I waited, knowing he wasn’t the type to throw his two cents in often. Not unless the situation was in dire need of being fixed.

So when he opened his mouth to speak, I listened intently.