Page 45 of Wrecking Boundaries

“That’s good because I need to tell you something,” Maddie says, pulling me from my thoughts. “You’re the first person to know.” She taps her knee, stops, and starts all over again.

She isn’t quitting; Maddie loves her job too much. Boone would’ve already announced if she were pregnant. I squeal with delight since that leaves only one other option. “When? How did it happen? You have to tell me everything.”

Witnessing my grumpy brother become a lovesick fool is sometimes a shock. It’s great, but it’s also a bewildering sight.

“He finally said the most romantic thing he’ll ever say.” Maddie blushes and bites her lip to suppress a laugh. She shakes her head, enjoying some unsaid joke. “It’s been a promise from him. Well, it’s not a promise, more of a warning. No, not that either, something else.”

“A promise?”

Her blush spreads. “A shared understanding of what was to come. One day, I would hear it, and then I did.”

I don’t pry, sensing it was an intimate moment between them. “My brother is starring in his own romantic movie. Who would have ever thought?”

“I would,” Maddie says with enough solemnity that I feel another twinge of envy.

It’s similar to yesterday, during our impromptu meeting. I don’t feel jealous of their relationship but of its ease. A simple act like holding hands in public is nothing to them, and I ache for it.

“We’re going to be sisters. Like, actual sisters.” Way better than an annoying older brother. An older brother whose home I practically live in. “Wait. Do I have to move out? That’s whyyou’re remodeling, isn’t it?”

Maddie’s amused smile eases all my concerns. “Your room is your room. We’re changing up the carpet and the bathrooms, that’s all. You’re staying with us until you’re ready to leave on your own time.”

I congratulate her, and then we hug before I congratulate her again. “Wait, do you have a ring?”

“That’s the reason I’m telling you now.”

My eyes narrow. “I’m confused.”

“I wanted to tell you because it’s tradition to tell best friends first, right?”

“It is now.”

“We have a ring in our bedroom, but I’m not wearing it yet. We plan to tell the entire family at dinner next week, and then I’ll start wearing it.”

“When you tell everyone, I’ll be so surprised I’ll faint from the shock.”

“Good, because I’ll need you on my side. Wedding plans will come up.”

I grasp Maddie’s concerns. Marrying into our family is not an easy trip to the courthouse, followed by a backyard party. That’s my dream, and it doesn’t matter if that’s what the happy couple would prefer. My mother has a large extended family and is a part of local society. Plus, there is everyone at headquarters and the entire motorsports industry. Their wedding could fill an arena if they aren’t careful.

“Boone probably wanted to elope in Vegas,” I say.

Maddie gasps. “How did you know?”

Boone finds large parties and similar gatherings to be miserable. He’s always preferred more intimate dinners and similar forms of entertainment.

“Have a destination wedding after the season is over. After all that travel, no one will want to come. It’s close to the holidays, further shrinking the guest pool.” I consider further. “A resort or theme location that limits the number of attendees.”

“That sounds expensive.”

I shrug. “Who cares? Boone can afford it.” Jake had a similar reaction to my off-hand comments. “We can find different options for you to pick from.”

“Then you’ll help?” she asks, and I hear the subtle hint in her voice.

“It will be fun.”

I’m spectacular at deciding for other people. This is only a problem in my personal life.

I hug her again. My mood is lighter than it has been in days.

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