“And I’m a solution.”
“You’re more than that.”
My pulse jumps. “Explain.”
“Because I trust you,” he says. “Because Maddie likes you and trusts you.”
“That’s not a reason to legally bind yourself to someone.”
“It is when the alternative is losing my kid.”
That shuts me up.
“She talks about you,” he adds quietly. “She asks if you’re coming to things. She feels safe with you.”
I look away.
“I brought apple slices once,” I mutter.
“You cut them into stars.”
“I’m artistic.”
“You stayed with her that weekend Jenna was off,” he says. “You helped her practice reading for her spelling test.”
I roll my eyes. “I bribed her with rainbow popsicles.”
“She told her teacher you’re the only grown-up who does character voices properly.”
“I’m talented.”
He nods, but his eyes stay on me. “Because you’re the only person I can imagine doing this with.”
That honesty lands hard.
I inhale slowly. “Has she filed?”
“No.”
“Then we’re dealing with optics and threats.”
“Yes.”
“And marriage fixes optics.”
“It helps. That's why I’m asking you to help me protect her.”
That’s the pivot.
Maddie.
Always Maddie.
“I’m not looking to get married right now,” I say carefully. “And certainly not like this. But if I even consider it, there are conditions.”
“Name them.”
“I keep my apartment.”
