Someone Like You

“She wanted to know about Veronica.”

“What about her?”

“She asked if I still had any feelings for her.”

“And…” Teddy wanted to know the answer to that, too.

“You’re not jealous, are you?” He smiled at her and took her hand.

Teddy understood he was teasing, and she was jealous. But she couldn’t tell him that. “Of course I’m not jealous.” She paused, both hands cradling her glass. “We already discussed this and resolved it. I don’t think your mother was really interested in Veronica,” Teddy said.

“You weren’t even in there. How could you know?” Adam asked.

“She was probing you for information about us.” The look on his face told her she’d hit the mark. “What did you tell her?”

“That I was in love with you and planning to ask you to marry me.”

Teddy laughed. “Sure you did.”

“You don’t believe me?”

“If you’d told her that, she’d have come out of that kitchen singing your praises.” She stopped him from responding by going on. “I know because it’s what my mother would do.”

Behind her, Teddy heard a commotion. Her mother was making a beeline for her. Teddy stiffened, understanding that something was about to happen. Teddy glanced at Adam. “You didn’t,” she said.

“Teddy, is it true? Why didn’t you tell me?” her mother said. She was excited, her color heightened and a smile on her face like George Bailey’s when he realized it really was a wonderful life. “I should have been the first to know.”

“What?” Teddy asked. She felt Adam’s hand tighten on hers. She looked at him, but his eyes were piercing his mother’s as if she had also betrayed him.

Teddy’s mother looked at Adam. “I believe Adam has something to ask you.”

Teddy swung her gaze from Adam to her mother. She saw his face fall.

“Mom, I asked you—”

“I’m sorry, Adam. I didn’t think Gemma would rush over and spill the beans.”

“I don’t understand,” Teddy said, but apprehension gripped her.

“Go on, Adam,” his mom prompted. “The cat’s out of the bag now.”

Teddy looked at the room. The television commentator continued his play-by-play. The field of bulked up men scrambled and ran for a goal line, but no one in the household watched them. All eyes were trained on her and Adam.

Adam curled his hand in hers. “This isn’t how I pictured it,” he told her. “I thought we’d have a romantic evening and then I’d ask you.”

“Ask me?” There was a warning underlying Teddy’s question. He couldn’t be about to do what she thought he would do. This was not part of the plan.

“Will you marry me?”

Collectively, the room held its breath. Teddy held hers, too. Her hands went ice-cold. Adam felt it, but he didn’t take his gaze away from her. She had to answer. She couldn’t wait too long or her mother would begin to worry or she’d answer for her.

Teddy looked at him. An unexpected film of mist blurred her eyes. “Yes,” she said.

The breaths were exhaled.

Adam got up and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her. And then hugged her to him.

“You are so going to pay for this,” Teddy whispered into his neck.

* * *

Adam held on to Teddy. He didn’t want to push her back. However, this time it wasn’t because he loved holding her. He didn’t want to see the look in her eyes. She had tears in them and while the others would interpret them as those of a blushing bride, Adam knew they weren’t happy tears. He’d just been forced into a corner, behind a web of lies that was tightening with every day and every step they took.

Pandemonium broke out. Teddy was pulled away from Adam and hugged by her mother, then her brother and sisters in turn. Adam’s mother and his family followed. Everyone was congratulating them.

The wine was exchanged for champagne, and toasts to the happy couple were shared. Adam kept track of Teddy. He wanted to get to her and explain, but something or someone stopped him.

“This is great, Adam,” Quinn said. “Now Galen and I will be released from the pressure chamber.” He laughed and slapped his brother on the back. “Seriously, though, I like Teddy. I’m sure the two of you will be happy.”