Chapter 40
Seth
Istood in front of the mirror longer than I wanted to admit, tugging at the collar of the shirt I had pulled on.
It was nothing fancy, just a clean button-down and jeans, but it still felt strange to be getting ready for a date.
I could not remember the last time I had done this.
Work dinners and business meetings didn’t count. This was different.
This was Madison.
And the thought of her waiting for me in the guesthouse, probably just as nervous, had my stomach tying itself into knots.
I grabbed my keys from the counter, forcing myself out the door before I could second-guess everything. The evening air was warm, the faint scent of cut grass lingering as I crossed the yard. The guesthouse lights glowed through the windows, and when the door opened, Madison stepped out.
For a second, I forgot how to breathe.
She wore a simple yellow sundress, making her sun-kissed skin glow. She wore her hair loose around her shoulders, her lips curved into a shy smile that somehow knocked the air out of me more than anything else. She wasn’t trying too hard, and maybe that was what made her so beautiful.
“You look…” I cleared my throat. “You look really nice.”
Color rose in her cheeks. “Thanks. You clean up well yourself.”
We shared a quiet smile before heading to the truck. Madison's phone rang, and Olive was on the other line, her smiling face taking up the whole screen. “Mommy,” Olive called, “don’t be late. Miss Evie says we’re making chocolate chip and snickerdoodles.”
Madison threw her head back and laughed, “Have fun, O.”
Evie waved, her grin knowing. “Go have fun. She’s in good hands.”
Relief softened Madison’s shoulders as she climbed into the truck beside me. I glanced at her once more before starting the engine, marveling at how natural it felt to have her sitting next to me.
We drove toward town with the windows down, the warm summer air tugging at her hair. She hummed along to the radio, and I found myself stealing glances, memorizing the curve of her profile, the ease in her expression.
Dinner was at a quiet little place just outside of town, one I knew served good food without the noise of a packed bar. We were seated in a corner booth, the clink of silverware and low hum of conversation filling the background.
Madison scanned the menu, her fingers brushing the edge. “This feels… strange. In a good way. I don’t think I’ve been on a real date in years.”
“Me either,” I admitted, my voice low.
Her eyes flicked up to mine, surprise flashing before she smiled. “Then we’re both out of practice.”
We ordered, falling into a conversation that flowed more easily than I expected.
We talked about Olive’s quirks, the flowers she insisted on watering twice a day, and the books Madison had been reading late at night after Olive was asleep.
I listened, really listened, and each word only pulled me in further.
At some point, the conversation shifted. I set my fork down, steadying myself. “I should tell you something. About your house.”
Madison stilled. “What about it?”
“I spoke to the adjuster again yesterday,” I said. “They’re moving forward with the repairs, but he warned me it’s going to take longer than we hoped. Another month, maybe two. Between materials and scheduling, there’s no way around it.”
Her lips parted, her eyes searching mine. “Another month or two.”
I nodded, bracing myself for frustration, for disappointment. “I know that’s not what you wanted to hear. But the good news is, it’s all covered. It’s just… time.”
She let out a slow breath, her shoulders slumping before she gave me a faint smile. “I guess Olive and I are stuck with you a little longer, then.”
The words were meant lightly, but something in her voice made my chest tighten. I leaned closer, my tone steady. “You’re not stuck, Madison. You’re welcome. As long as you need.”
Her eyes softened, and for a moment, it felt like the whole world narrowed to just the two of us.
When dessert came, we split a slice of peach pie. Her laughter bubbling up when I tried to steal the last bite and she caught my fork midair. It was simple, easy, something I hadn’t realized I’d been missing until tonight.
Driving home later, the silence between us was comfortable.
I reached over and took her hand into mine.
She looked up and smiled at me, her brown eyes gleaming with something I couldn’t quite figure out.
The road stretched ahead, the moon hanging low, and I couldn’t stop the thought from sinking deeper and deeper into me.
This wasn’t temporary. Not for me.
And if I were lucky, it wouldn’t be for her either.