Page 107

Matthew

The flames soared high as Aiden threw more logs onto the fire. Sparks shot up like small fireworks, and the crackle and scent of burning wood filled the beach. I sat back, conflicting emotions filling me as I looked around.

My family was there. Gracie and Heather. Mom and Dad. Ashley. Their spouses and children. We had spoken with Gavin and Penny earlier today, the Zoom meeting loud and chaotic with all of us talking, joking, and teasing. The congratulations were constant, and neither Maddy nor I could stop smiling.

My adopted uncles, grandparents, and cousins—at least quite a few of them—were with us. Kids were running around, waving sparklers Aiden had brought, parents watching them, laughing with them at the simple joy. Dinner had been a celebration that rocked the Hub. Champagne flowed, tables groaned with food, and the speeches were endlessly funny and filled with love.

I enjoyed every single second of it.

Across from me, Maddy was talking to Reid, her chin resting in her hand. The firelight caught the diamond in her ring, reflecting the brilliant colors of it. I had chosen an elongated cushion cut—unique, timeless, and elegant. The side stones were sapphires that reminded me of her eyes. I had seen it while ring shopping, and I knew it was the perfect one for her. The style suited her hand, and when she saw it, she wept in happiness.

I studied her, wondering about her serious expression. Then I noticed Reid’s face. He looked somewhat uncomfortable, and I knew what was happening. I slowly stood and went over, standing by them.

Reid looked up, obviously relieved as I smiled and held out my hand. “Take a walk with me, Maddy? I’m feeling a bit sore from sitting.”

I knew she would react to that word, and sure enough, she jumped up and took my hand. She looked at Reid. “We can talk more later.”

“Sure,” he agreed and met my eyes. I gave an imperceptible shake of my head. I would have to come clean and stop the interrogation.

We strolled the beach, the din behind us becoming fainter. We stopped by an outcropping of rocks, and I sat, pulling her between my legs.

“Having a good time?” I asked casually.

“I’ve never been hugged so much.”

I chuckled. “Yep. They’re good at that.”

We were quiet for a minute. “What were you talking to Reid about?”

She sighed. “You told me he was a computer whiz. I was asking if he could help me find out who paid off my loans with that scholarship. You know, dig around. He didn’t seem very keen on it.”

“Did he say why?”

“No. But it seemed to make him uncomfortable.” She turned to face me. “As if he were hiding something.”

I took a deep breath. “He is.”

She stood, crossing her arms over her chest. “What is he hiding, Matthew VanRyan?”

Her stern voice and glare were supposed to be fierce, but she looked rather cute doing it. I liked her fire and her bossy tone. But this wasn’t a good time to mention it.

“Your student loan,” I began. “That scholarship. It was designated. To you.”

“You said you didn’t do it,” she insisted.

“I didn’t.” I paused. “My dad did.”

She gaped at me, shocked. “Your father paid off my student loans. While we weren’t together.”

“Yes.”

“Is he insane?”

I laughed and dared to take her hand. I repeated what my father had said. Listed his reasons. By the time I finished, her shoulders had dropped and tears filled her eyes.

“He did it so we would have a chance to get back together?”

“Yeah. And it worked.”