Page 36 of Reckless Flames

“Hey, Soph, give me a hand, will you?” she panted, her brow furrowed in concentration as she tried to balance the load.

“Sure thing,” I replied, taking some of the boxes from her. “What’s all this?”

“Wedding stuff. Mom’s turning the house into a command center, and I needed a break from the chaos,” Madi explained, stepping inside and glancing around.

“It looks to me like you brought some of the chaos with you.”

We made our way to the dining table, spreading out the contents of the boxes—an assortment of table decorations and favors that sparkled and shimmered with promise.

“You’re clearly very comfortable here,” Madi teased, beginning to unpack a set of delicate glass vases. “Blending in with Ben and his little family, huh?”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “It’s not like that. I mean, Caleb’s adorable, and Ben’s been...amazing. But it’s complicated, you know?”

Madi raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. “Complicated, my ass. You look more at home here than I’ve ever seen you. Admit it, Soph, you’re loving this domestic bliss.”

I rolled my eyes, even as a part of me knew she wasn’t entirely wrong. “Okay, maybe it’s nice, having some stability for a change. But let’s not jump the gun here. I’m not exactly the settling down type.”

Madi chuckled, arranging the vases in a neat row. “Says the girl who’s playing house with Mr. Dreamy and his cute kid. Face it, Soph, you’re one apron away from becoming a tradwife.”

I swatted her arm, unable to suppress a laugh. “Shut up, Madi. Let’s just focus on these centerpieces, okay?”

For the next hour, we lost ourselves in the task, threading flowers into vases and tying ribbons around favors. The work was surprisingly therapeutic, the rhythm of our movements a familiar dance we’d perfected over years of sisterly bonding.

As we worked, Madi’s teasing gave way to more sincere conversation. “You know, Soph, I’m really glad you’re in town for this. With everything going on, it’s nice to have you close.”

I glanced up, meeting her gaze. “I feel the same, Madi. Being part of all this, helping with your wedding...it’s made me realize how much I’ve missed you.”

Madi reached across the table, squeezing my hand. “I’ve missed you too, Soph. More than you know.”

The sincerity in her voice warmed my heart, a stark contrast to the playful banter that had filled the room moments before. “Maybe this whole experience is a sign, you know? That it’s okay to want more, to want a life like this.”

Madi nodded, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Maybe it is. And for what it’s worth, I think you’d be great at it. You and Ben, you’ve got something special.”

The mere mention of Ben’s name sent a flutter through my heart, a confirmation of the depth of my feelings for him. “Thanks, Madi. That means a lot, coming from you.”

We finished the centerpieces in comfortable silence, each lost in our thoughts. As we packed away the last of the supplies, Madi stood, stretching her arms above her head.

“Look at us, Soph, making wedding magic,” she said with a grin. “Who would’ve thought?”

I laughed, standing to join her in a hug that felt like a balm to my soul. “Only you could turn wedding prep into a bonding session, Madi.”

She hugged me back tightly, her voice soft. “Just remember, Soph, no matter where life takes you, you’ve always got a place here, with us. With your family.”

“Yeah, I wonder about that. Don’t you think mom and dad will like having the house to themselves after you’ve moved out?”

“No, I don’t. I think they can hardly wait for grandchild sleepovers. And since Jake can’t be bothered to get married, and you’re ‘not exactly the settling down type’, I guess I’m going to have to step up to the plate and give them one.”

“Oh, Madi! Are you and Theo planning for one already?”

“Well, we’ve certainly discussed it.”

“And how did that discussion go, exactly?”

“We’ll take a year to settle in together and then I think we’ll probably go for it.”

“Madi, that’s awesome! I can hardly wait.”

After an emotional hug, Madi and I settled back into our chairs, the weight of the earlier conversation lifting as we moved on to lighter topics. With the centerpieces done, Madi rummaged through one of the boxes and pulled out a package of cookies, a mischievous glint in her eye.

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