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She reached out to touch his arm before realizing it. He looked down at her hand, then at her, and she almost jerked it back, only to see a glimmer of something in his gaze.
“Rebecca, I’ll take Max from you,” he said openly, not looking away from Madison for a moment before moving to hold him on his side. He was backing off, letting her decide what she wanted… and the problem was that she no longer knew anymore.
She had been so determined, so resolute and accepting of the fact that there would be no one else, but she never expected…him.
“We’re going to swing by and pick up Eric’s things,” Madison said nervously, and saw him turn away without a sound. As the group headed to the parking lot, they started to split up… only for Eric to stop before her, looking at her.
“It’s okay,” he began. “I don’t mind. I just thought it would be nice to be able to talk as long as possible and…”
“That’s the reason I don’t mind,” she admitted candidly, “because you aren’t pushing me. Instead, you are letting me set the pace, do what I need to, and just supporting me… and whether I know how to admit it, say it, or share it – that means a lot to me.”
“I want us to talk, be friends, and communicate,” he said simply. “Whatever you need, tell me.”
“I need a burger,” she smiled nervously, and saw his lips twitch. “And I need you to not look so intimidating. What kind of burger do you want? Are you hungry?”
“I’m starving… and anything will do.”
“Done,” she said easily. “You get the furry kiddo in the car, and I’ll get the real one in the car seat.”
His chuckle surprised her and caused her to look up from where she was leaning into the back seat, putting Max in his car seat and strapping him in… meeting his eyes.
“That’s so much better,” she said openly. “You should laugh more.”
“Duly noted, wife,” he smiled shyly. “I’ll try to do better.”
9
MADISON
As they pickedup Eric’s bag from his parents’ house, Madison felt a strange sort of nervousness take over inside. He was saying ‘goodbye’ to his family… to come stay with her, so they could get to know each other better.
If she was looking at this from an outside point of view – she would have said this was insanity all wrapped up in a beautiful package… yet here she was, asking for a second helping.
Not six months ago, she would have balked at the idea of marrying someone again… and it wouldn’t have mattered if it was on paper or not!
However, there was something about Eric that just spoke to her, made her feel strangely comfortable yet completely aware of him as a person, a being. He was trying to be polite, give her space, take his time befriending her… and that seemed to do the trick for her.
And when he asked if he could kiss her during the ceremony?
Madison swallowed at the memory – and physically jumped as he opened the car door and slid inside, putting his bag on the floorboard between his knees. Waving politely to their families in the distance, she felt her face flush, knowing what they were thinking was going to happen between them… and how nervous that made her feel.
“So… burgers?” he said quietly, “Or would you like to go somewhere nice and celebrate?”
“I thought maybe just burgers,” she said evasively. “I really need to get Max fed, change his diaper, and start his evening routine to help him wind down so he isn’t cranky when I finally put him down in his crib.”
“Can I help?”
This surprised her and she hesitated. It was a sweet offer from someone that was trying to put himself into her life, and a part of her needed that space between them. He was leaving, and this was only temporary.
“I appreciate it, but it’s kind of a one-person job,” she began, hoping he wasn’t insulted or that wasn’t too abrupt.
“I understand,” he replied easily in a quiet voice. “I’ve got a lot to do anyhow adding you onto some benefits – and I should probably get started right away so they don’t close.”
“Sounds good.”
They drove in a silence that seemed to stretch on painfully between them. As she pulled in front of her place, they got out of the car and walked towards the door.
“Hang on a sec…” Eric paused, opening the small gate to her backyard. “Is this okay?”
