The light of one of my coconut candles cast a dim light across the kitchen and adjoining family room. I lay on the couch, a glass of wine in one of Max’s red cups on the coffee table. Train played softly on my iPhone. I looked out the window at the dark sky, the silver stars brighter than normal.
I smiled to myself as I listened to the lyrics. I had been out there looking for myself, trying to grow into someone that could deal with my fears and live my life in a way that kept me safe. Unhurt. Untouched.
I remembered seeing Max for the first time. His sexy southern accent and knight in shining armor routine did me in. At dinner at Maisano’s, I knew I was in trouble. He was charming and kind and I had let him in a lot farther that very night than I ever expected to. Just to keep things straight, I went home with him and kept him up all night long.
Then I left and didn’t call him back for over a week.
Over the past year and a half, I had tried to find my place in the world and all along it was wrapped around me. Max was my place in the world.
I’d never felt so accepted, flaws and all. I’d never felt so loved unconditionally, so sure that I could mess up and he would still be there. Because he was Max, the most loyal person I’d ever met.
“Hey, sweetheart. What ‘cha doing out here?”
I jerked my head to the side to see my man standing in the doorway. He walked slowly towards me, illuminated by the dim light. His hair was rumpled and his green checkered pajama bottoms wrinkled and hanging loose off his hips.
“I couldn’t sleep and I didn’t want to wake you up. So I’m just lying here looking at the stars.”
“You alright?” His eyes searched mine, looking for some sort of indication that I regretted being there.
“I’ve never been better.” I smiled at him and his shy grin melted me.
The song switched on the playlist and the guitar strums for Marry Me by Train began to play. Max’s face softened as he gazed in my eyes and grabbed my hand. He tugged me gently, bringing me to my feet. He led me to the middle of the living room.
As the singer hit the words of the chorus, Max wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me towards him, my body lining up with his. I rested my hands on his shoulders, laying my head on his chest.
We danced to the words, moving slowly back in forth across the room. My fingers played gently in his hair, the words soaking into my psyche.
Max squeezed me tighter, his strong arms embracing me for all I was worth. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows on all four walls.
I breathed him in, letting his scent dance through my senses, seducing, comforting, exciting me, calming me all at once.
Will I ever be able to say I will?
The final notes of the song played out and Max kissed the top of my head softly, letting his lips linger. Finally, I pulled back and looked up to him, his features strong, yet soft. The glimmer I always saw in his eyes was present, but for the first time, I saw it for what it was—love. The kind of love my father had for my mother, that Cane had for Jada. Max had that for me.
And I had it for him.
“Wanna marry me?” he asked, grinning.
Instead of my usual immediate response, I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek. “Just not tonight,” I whispered.
His eyes widened a bit, understanding evident in them. “One day, sweetheart. One day.”
MAX
My office door opened and before I could even look up, a set of plans and specs were tossed on my desk with a resounding thud. I didn’t need to look up to know it was Cane, but I did anyway.
I’d known Cane long enough to know that he was in overdrive. His shirt collar was popped up and I wasn’t sure if he knew what a razor was anymore. His eyes were wide, alert, and ready to tear into something. I knew this look well and I knew enough to keep him pacified.
“This Trimble job—you started it already?”
“Half way through it, Alexander.”
Cane exhaled and grabbed the back of the seat in front of him. “Thank God someone knows what’s going on around here. I’m fucking scattered. I’m a nervous wreck.”
“What’s going on?”
“I’m having a baby.” Cane looked at me blankly, like I had no clue.
I laughed. “I’m aware.”
“And you asked what’s the matter? For fuck’s sake, Max! Jada is miserable. Still sick as hell. I don’t want her doing anything and she still tries to get up and fix dinner. I’ve had to have Penny come by and just clean stuff all day so there will be nothing for Jada to do. She’s gonna be the death of me, I swear it.”
I knew Cane was being serious, but I couldn’t let the opportunity to mess with him go by. “Well, you know it isn’t going to get any better if you have a daughter, right?”
Cane stood straight up, his back rigid. “You know what? Fuck you, Quinn. Fuck. You.” I laughed loudly as he shook his head. “Not even kidding, Max. It can’t be a girl. It can’t.”