I nod, remembering that the rest of her college acceptance letters should be trickling in soon. She’s already been accepted to several out of state and I know it’s a conversation we’ll need to have. I don’t want our relationship to be a factor in where she decides to go; I want her to spread her wings and explore the world around her without fear.
But I’d be lying if the thought of going with her didn’t cross my mind. Realistically, if we continued down this road, we couldn’t stay here. Everyone knows the story of how Maddie and I met and I wouldn’t want to put her through people’s scrutiny for the rest of her life.
I’d want to start somewhere new with a clean slate. Her and me, and hopefully, if we get there, all the babies she lets me put inside her. “I promise.”
“You’ve never broken a promise to me before.”
I grip her jaw and her lips purse. “Then you shouldn’t be worried.”
“Will we still get to see each other?”
I pepper kisses down her slender neck, trying to calm the nerves flowing through her. “Of course, baby. Nothing can keep me away from you. Is that what you’re worried about? That we won’t see each other? My mother is thrilled to have you, but now even more because she knows she’ll see me more.” I chuckle and she pulls away from my mouth and looks at me with wide eyes.
“You…told Margie?”
“She guessed.” I shrug.
They widen further and covers her mouth with her hand. “She GUESSED?!”
“Apparently, we’ve been pretty obvious for a while now.”
“Holy shit.” She drops her head on my shoulder and takes a deep breath.
“For what it’s worth, she’s pretty on board.”
“I always knew Margie was the coolest of the Grayson bunch.”
I pinch her side. “I resent that.”
“So, what’s going to happen today?”
“I’m not sure. I think Henry is bailing.”
“And Aria?”
“I don’t know, but Margie knows that Aria’s still in the dark about everything.”
“When do I hav
e to go?”
“When you go back to school maybe?”
Her eyes light up. “So, I can be with you for New Year’s?”
“Yes. What would you like to do?”
She bites her lip. “You.”
I throw my head back and let out a laugh. “I think we can make that happen.”
“I’m serious, I need to have you as many times as possible before you ship me off.”
“I’m not shipping you off. Don’t be so dramatic. Do you need me to come tuck you in every night?”
“Oh.” She raises her eyebrows and rubs against me. “Yes, please.”
We pull up to my mom’s and I reach for Maddie’s hand and rub my lips over them. “Give me a kiss before we go in.”