Page 44

“It’s easier when I’m comfortable with someone.” He touched my nose with his, rubbing the tips together affectionately. “I find it easy to be open with you.”

“Okay,” I replied. “Good to know.”

“And you understand? You want that too, right?”

I pulled his head down to mine. “Yes.”

CHAPTER 11

MADDY

After we swam a bit more and dried off, we came upstairs. Matthew put dinner in the oven, refusing my help, then brought us glasses of wine and we sat on the balcony, enjoying the quiet. I opened the dip and accompaniments I’d brought, and we snacked on the roasted red pepper hummus and crisp veggies and crackers.

Matthew was quieter than usual. At times, he was his normal self, but in some moments, I saw the sadness he was feeling and trying not to show.

“Do you want to be alone?” I asked carefully. “I won’t be upset.”

“No.” He was fast to shake his head. “I’m sorry, I keep thinking of them leaving. Not being able to drop by for an unplanned visit or my dad coming to the hospital when I, ah, have a bad day.”

“Understandable.”

He looked contemplative. “I don’t see them that much, really. Dinner when I can, special occasions. The odd lunch. Sundays for roast. Mom drops food off at the—” He dropped his head into his hands. “Oh God, I am such a mama’s boy.”

I laughed. “No, you’re not. You’re close to your parents, and that’s a great thing. You don’t have to pretend with me not to be feeling sad or upset. I understand. It will be a big change. For all of you.”

He stared at me in wonder. “How did I get so lucky to meet you?” he mused. “You just get me.”

“You’re not hard to read, Dr. VanRyan. You try to act tough, but I see you.”

He leaned back in his chair, a smile on his full lips. “Marry me tomorrow.”

“Sorry, I have a ton of cake orders.”

“Damn. Thursday any good? No, wait. I have that lecture.”

“Saturday is out. I have a girls’ day with Sue.”

He sighed dramatically. “Another time, then.”

“Meh, maybe. I’ll have to check my schedule.”

He studied me. “You do that.”

I had to look away as I picked up my glass. He almost looked serious.

And I wasn’t sure how to respond.

Matthew

I wandered the condo after Maddy left. We’d had a great afternoon and evening, but we both had early mornings and I hadn’t pressed the issue of her staying, even though I wanted her to. She was so easy to talk to. She listened. More importantly, she heard me. She sensed my lingering sadness even when I tried to hide it.

I thought she was incredible.

I glanced at the clock, seeing it was just past nine. It was midnight in Ontario, but I picked up my phone and sent a quick text to Gracie, knowing she was a night owl, who replied immediately. My phone rang and I hit speaker, settling down in my favorite chair to talk to my big sister.

“Hey, Gracie. How’s my favorite little munchkin?” I asked, referring to her daughter.

“She is growing too fast.”