It was cute watching Jack avoid the F-word.
“She fell asleep as soon as she got home.”
I cut Jack off. “She’s exhausted. She spent all night taking care of everyone else, and today won’t be any different. I’m making sure someone takes care of her.”
My words would’ve read non-aggressive on paper, but my tone brooked no argument.
“Now I see it.”
“See what?” I all but sighed.
“What Jay was talking about.” He held up his free hand. “Don’t worry, it wasn’t bad.”
“Let’s go, Frogboy,” Madi said before Jack could explain.
“Ouch,” Jack whispered beside me. “Madi, can you tell Jamie we’ll be there in an hour?”
“Sure, but didn’t you text him?”
“I did, but he’s got a lot on his mind.”
When we reached the door, I said, “Come on, Red, you owe me a coffee.”
Madi blushed.
“Red?” Jack asked, then shook his head. “Never mind, I don’t think I want to know.”
He really didn’t.
Jack followed me to the porch. “Take care of her.”
I’d already told him I would, but with everything going on, he needed to hear it again.
“With my life.” The vow cemented itself in my bones.
Somewhere along the line, I’d fallen in love with Madi.
And when she was ready to hear it, I’d tell her.
I was terrified of her leaving me like the others had, but I’d have to learn to live with the fear because I could no longer imagine my future without Madi in it.
It must have been obvious because Jack patted me on the back. “Welcome to the family.”
His unexpected words sucked the air out of my lungs.
Does that mean she loves me too? I didn’t doubt she was attracted to me; she’d been open about that much. But love me?
I hoped so, but I wouldn’t pressure her. The SEALs taught me to be a patient man, so I’d wait.
In the meantime, I’d treat her like the queen she was.
“You coming, Robinson?” Madi yelled from the driveway. “I need more coffee, and I want to stop and buy flowers.”
“Coming.”
As I walked away, I heard Jack ask Natalie, “He’s a goner, isn’t he?” His baby-talk voice didn’t lessen the truth of his words.
Chapter 31
