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“What makes you think he’s going to propose? You two haven't even been together that long.”
“Two and a half years.” She sighed, placing the book on the counter and reaching in to pull about another T.J. Klune book. “Two. And a half years,” she parroted, meeting my gaze. “I know you don’t like Kent, but he’s a great guy. He would be a decent husband, and I would be set for life on Voco supplies.” She chuckled.
“You’re marrying the guy because he can provide fluoride at a discounted rate?” I questioned, holding back the hatred in my voice.
“I’m not marrying himyet.He hasn’t even proposed. I just think he’s going to.”
“Maddy,” I said tonelessly, “Do youwantKent to propose?” I asked again.
“Why wouldn’t I want him too?” she asked, her tone flat and her eyebrows furrowed, a very dubious look on her face.
“I don't know.”Be. Supportive. “How do you two know you’ll make a good married couple? Maybe move in together first.” I shrugged, clenching my teeth, trying to show a happy grin.
She looked down at Niko and rubbed his head again, which seemed to be enough for him. He groaned and then walked to my feet, licking my fingers to get my attention.
“We’ve talked about it, but his hours are so odd, so he’s keeping his apartment. But I’m sure if we get engaged, he’ll move in. Or maybe I’ll sell my house, and we can get a place together.” She beamed.
I had no response. I bit the inside of my lip, trying to keep any harsh comment in. If I had my way, Madeline would’ve never met the guy. I took a look around her kitchen, pristine and clean. She sighed and turned to grab some plates from the cabinet, getting ready for the pizza, which I still needed to order.
“I’m serious though.” She sighed.
“About?” I finally piped up.
Madeline set the plates on the counter next to her new books. “Your opinion.” Tilting her head, she gave me a look, one that begged for an answer. One that any child or puppy would give to their parents. “Ophelia doesn't even know yet.”
“I guess…” I shrugged. “If he makes you happy. But just know, marriage is not easy.”
Madeline’s posture slumped, and her puppy eyes turned into a glare. “Just because Hannah was an idiot doesn’t mean that all marriages end in divorce,” she mumbled.
When I told her I was going to propose to Hannah, she jumped up and helped me pick out the perfect ring, even though she and Hannah weren’t friends. She was just happy thatIwas happy. And yet here I was—not even giving her the same reaction.
“That’s not what I meant,” I mumbled back. “Marriage is…hard. But maybe you and Kent will be the perfect married couple and have lots of kids, and they can call me Uncle Milo.”
Her smile grew. “Do you mean it?”
I sighed.
No.
“Of course. If he proposes I want to be the first one you text, and I don't care what he says. I’m your Man of Honor.”
The smile she gave me was brighter than any I had seen before. Her eyes lit up, her teeth shined, and I swear there was a glow to her. She was happy…truly happy.
“Even if Kent says no, you will be by my side on the wedding day.” She walked over to me and wrapped her arms around my waist, holding me against her. I held her back, taking in her warmth. I kissed the top of her head before she let go. “I know you don't like him, but your support means more to me than anything.”
I smiled as she stepped back, grabbing her books from the counter to take them to her bookshelf.
I pursed my lips and nodded. “Should I order the pizza?” I changed the subject. “Pizza Hut, or Flying Pie?” I asked, pulling my phone from my pocket.
“Is that even a question you have to ask?” she laughed.
“Flying Pie it is.”
I watched as she slowly walked over to the bookcase, scooting over a few other hardbacks to place her new additions in. I grinned as she carefully placed the books on the shelf and sighed, running her fingers down their spines.
I’d be lying if I said the thought of her being more than a friend hadn’t been in the back of my mind since I met her. I always had a hope that maybe one day…but Madeline could never know that.
Chapter Seven
