Mary wouldn’t care that I didn’t have serving platters or enough dinner plates.
I folded paper towels to use as napkins and put out mismatched coffee mugs and water glasses.
“Damn it. I should’ve gotten flowers for Madi.”
“You could always order a rush delivery.”
“You’re a lifesaver.” I pulled out my phone and found a local florist who could make a rush delivery. I’d just finished putting my wallet back in my pocket when someone knocked.
“I got it.” I smiled as I rushed to the door.
After checking the peep hole, and tamping down my excitement so I didn’t act like a golden retriever puppy, I opened the door.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” Madi answered. She held the handle of one small suitcase with a backpack strapped to it.
John and Mary were behind her, carrying overflowing boxes, which I assumed were the rest of Madi’s belongings.
“Food’s getting heavy, can we come in?” John asked, disproving my assumption.
Food?“Yeah, of course.” I stepped back and let them in. As Madi passed by, I asked, “Is that all you brought?”
“Skin grafts heal fast, so I won’t be here long.”
We’ll see about that.
I’d use every second of every day I had with Madi to convince her to stay. Adjusting to the idea of living with Madi was easier than I ever would’ve imagined.
I was all in.Is Madi?
She’d told me she loved me after I said it first.
Once.
Afraid Madi would run liked a spooked colt, I hadn’t repeated the words.
Neither had she.
When I called her my girlfriend, a ghost of a smile crossed her lips before she sassed me.
God,I love her spirit.
“We’ll see,” I whispered, but not softly enough.
John chuckled as he passed. “That’s the spirit.”
“How much food did you bring?” I asked, needing to change the subject to safer topics.
“Enough to feed a small army,” John answered. “And a few extra things Mary was worried you wouldn’t have.”
Shane and I shared a look and laughed.
“Matt here was just saying he hoped you didn’t mind that he has one serving platter.” He pointed to my cutting board.
“I’ll make use of it. Now why don’t you show Madi to her room while I get started.” Mary’s suggestion sounded a lot like an order.
“Come on,” I bit back the nickname I’d given her, “Madi.” I reached for her bag.
