Page 59 of Something Blue

This was not what Sadie expected. Her cheeks filled with heat. Where was he going with this? She nudged his toe under the table, hoping he’d dial it back some. Even his parents looked worried.

His mom, thankfully, started to speak up. “Honey, I think she’s beaut—”

Andy cut her off with a wave of his hand. “But I didn’t know about her incredible compassion for others, and her enthusiastic and lovable personality. She is everything I wanted, but was missing in my life.”

He took both of her hands in his and stared deeply into her eyes. She held her breath as she waited for the words.

“I hate not being with you. Every minute away from you seems longer than it should, which is why I can’t wait any longer. Will you marry me and stay by my side forever?”

Sadie’s eyes started to water as she continued to hold her breath. Why did this seem so real? Everything he’d said seemed sincere and true. Did he really feel like this toward her, or was this part of his act?

He squeezed her hand, helping her remember she hadn’t answered. She deflated like a balloon and swallowed a few breaths before speaking. “Yes, yes. Of course, I’ll marry you.”

His parents sighed with relief, but Sadie couldn’t even turn to see their faces. She was too focused on Andy’s lips, which were coming right for hers. She closed her eyes tightly and waited for the inevitable.

Soon enough, his soft lips pressed against hers. His hands cupped either side of her face. The feelings inside her chest, the ones she thought she had buried deep, pummeled to the surface and exploded within her heart. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing him closer. After a breathless minute, they separated.

She opened her eyes and was surprised to see Andy as flustered as she was. A small smile started on his lips. Well, no more Switzerland for her! There was no denying her feelings now.

“We’re so happy for you two,” Judy said, coming around the table to hug the two of them.

For a few minutes, Sadie was caught up in the excitement that happens when someone gets engaged, but after his parents excused themselves from the party, the reality settled in.

“Why did you do that?” she asked, after they were back in the car and on the way to her apartment.

“I had to progress the relationship to show Dad I was making a deeper commitment. He’s already texted me about the board meeting in a week. I think I’ve won him over.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I can’t say I love being a pawn in your plan, but congrats.”

Maybe he’d reverted to his old self. A hardened businessman who wanted nothing to do with women. Well, fine.

“You’re not a pawn, sweetie. I meant every word I said back there. I mean, I guess getting engaged is a little soon, but I’m not ready to give up on us.”

She sighed and looked out at the city’s glaring lights. “I wish I could believe that.”

25

Andy

Andy waited until Sunday night to call Sadie. He was worried about how she would react after his proposal and kiss, so he thought he would give it a few days.

Sadie answered after the first ring. “Hey, Andy.”

Her voice sounded stressed and hoarse.

“Everything okay?” he asked, trying to keep the worry from creeping into his voice. She’d made it clear she wanted time, and he was willing to do anything to keep her.

She coughed for a few seconds before answering. “Yeah, I think I caught a bug. I’ve been sleeping non-stop since our date.”

The worry in his stomach grew. “Have you eaten?”

She attempted a laugh. “Not really. I haven’t felt like it. Sushi only tastes good going down.”

He grabbed his keys and ran out of his apartment. “I’m coming over.” Before she could reply, he hung up the phone.

Andy drove so fast, he was sure he’d be pulled over. After stopping at his favorite café for soup and his favorite pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, he bought some ginger ale and cold medicine at a convenient store.

Right as he pulled up, Sadie sent him a stream of texts.

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