Chapter 34
MADDIE
I stare at my reflection in the mirror, twisting my body left and then right.
Is this too much? It feels like too much.
I love this satin minidress. I love the structured bodice, lace-up back—which was a feat in itself to do up—and the square neckline.
The burgundy color is perfect… but it might be a little too formal.
Sighing, I run my hands over the soft material of the dress, tilting my head as I admire my reflection.
I look good, but the question still plagues me: what do I wear on a date with a man who probably hasn’t been on an actual date for much longer than I have?
I have a nice pair of jeans and a bodysuit I could wear, but that feels too casual. I’m driving myself insane.
I glance at the clock on my dresser. It’s five, which means I have one hour until Wyatt is here to pick me up. I wish I’d had the forethought to ask him where we’re going. At least then I wouldn’t have spent my afternoon trying on every possible combination of outfits in my closet.
God, why am I overthinking this so much? It’s just Wyatt.
The same man who’s seen me at my most stressed—usually because of him—and still wants me. I think I could wear a paper bag and he’d still find me attractive. I grin at the thought, unable to hold myself back.
If I’d been asked a month ago if I ever thought I’d be going on a date with Wyatt Wilde of all people, I’d have laughed and said not a chance. But as I stand here, looking at myself with my dark hair styled in bouncy curls and my makeup subtle but sultry, I’m excited. Nervous, but excited.
A noise travels from downstairs. I freeze. It sounds like my back door being opened and then closed. I listen intently for any more noise. Panic sits on my chest, and I contemplate grabbing my bathrobe for a second, just in case it’s one of my brothers.
“Maddie,” Daddy calls from the bottom of the stairs, concern threaded through his tone.
My eyes grow wide as I stare at my reflection. I swallow down the nausea climbing in my throat.
Shit.
How do I explain this to him? I don’t think he hates Wyatt, but he also doesn’t always have the nicest things to say about him. But is that because of me and the things I say about Wyatt?
I hear the telltale creak of the first step and drag in a lungful of air.
Pushing my shoulders back, I keep my chin high as I walk out of my room and to the top of the stairs.
He’s halfway up and I see the confusion on his face as he looks up at me.
He shuts it down, and I don’t acknowledge that it was ever there.
“Hey, Daddy, this is a surprise.”
He looks a little tired as he scrubs a hand over his jaw and heads back down the stairs. “Mona said you’d gone home. I thought something might be wrong and wanted to check on you.”
I don’t answer him until I’m standing in front of him in the hallway, and even then, I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye. Instead, I turn and head for the kitchen.
“Do you want a drink?” I ask, hoping he’ll not press me on my obvious change in topic.
He doesn’t answer me, but I feel his presence at my back as he follows me into the kitchen.
Where do I start? Should I come clean or tell him that I have an off-ranch meeting? The idea of lying fills me with dread.
I cross the room and round the kitchen island, needing to give myself the protection it offers. Daddy stands near the doorway, patiently waiting for me to speak. There’s no judgment on his face, at least not yet.
“I need to tell you something.”
Silence.
“I’m going on a date.”
His brows pull low.
“With Wyatt Wilde.”
His eyes grow wide and he blows out a stream of air. “That was not what I was expecting. Especially given his history with our Deacon and everything you’ve ever said about him.”
I shake my head. “I know what I’ve said. Believe me. But it’s different. He’s different with me.”
My fingers find the dishcloth that I threw on the counter earlier and I fiddle with the cotton material. I can’t look at him, not because I’m ashamed of going out with Wyatt but because I don’t want to see his disappointment.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter, suddenly feeling sixteen again. “I should have told you sooner. So you didn’t have to find out like this.”
“Peanut,” he calls. I lift my head, the tension seeping out of my shoulders when I see the soft smile teasing the corner of his mouth.
“You don’t need my permission to date someone, and you sure as hell don’t need to apologize for it.
I’ve only ever wanted you and your brothers to be happy, but if you feel you need me to say it, then it’s okay.
” He looks at me, his gaze bouncing around my face.
“I haven’t seen you like this before. It’s really that different? He’s treating you right?”
Moisture pools in my eyes, and I sniff to contain the tears. “Yeah. Really different. Like what you and Mom had kind of different.” I swallow before whispering, “It’s scary.”
He softens. “It usually is.” He studies me for a beat. “That doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”
I nod, biting down on my bottom lip. “Please don’t tell Deacon. Not yet. You know what he can be like at the mention of Wyatt’s name. I don’t know where this thing might go, so there’s no point in upsetting him. Not yet.”
He pulls two fingers across his lips before saying, “Your secret is safe with me.”
And just like that my excitement for my date with Wyatt is back in full force.
I grin at Daddy. “Now, about that drink, would you like one?”
“Only if you have time.”
“For you, always. Tea okay?”
“Sounds great.”
I smile and turn toward the cabinet to grab the mugs. My back is turned for a matter of seconds before the sharp thud bounces around the room. I turn toward the noise, and my world stops.
“Daddy?” I scream.