Page 42 of What About Now

She sticks her head out of the bedroom door. “We can just stop on the way to save you a trip.”

“Nah, it’s fine. I don’t mind.” I walk toward her because when my wife is near, I have to be close to her. It’s an addiction thatshe’s thankfully supporting. I bend and kiss her lips. “I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, silly man.” She shakes her head and disappears back into the bedroom to finish getting ready.

After rushing out of the house, I head to town. Not to get gas, I did that last night on my way home from the shop. I make it to the florist just as they close to pick up the bouquet of red roses I ordered.

When I get back to the house, I ring the doorbell instead of going inside. When Brogan answers, she looks confused but so fucking beautiful. She’s wearing a black dress that hugs her curves, and her hair hangs in loose curls down her back.

“You’re beautiful,” I tell her.

She blushes. “Thank you. What are you doing ringing the doorbell? Did you forget your key?”

“I’m picking my girl up for a date.” I watch as my words sink in, and her eyes soften.

“Maddox.” She places her hand over her heart and her eyes shimmer with tears.

“These are for you.” I hand her the flowers and peck her cheek with a kiss. “Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“They’re beautiful.” She smiles up at me. “Happy Valentine’s Day,” she says shyly.

“They don’t compare to you.”

“I’ve already agreed to dinner,” she teases.

“Another first,” I tell her, and her smile lights up the entire fucking sky.

“Come on in and I’ll put this inside.” She stares down at the vase, because I remembered from last time.

She carries the flowers to the kitchen and places them on the island. I stand back and watch as she pulls out her phone and takes a couple of pictures before turning to face me.

“You ready?”

“I am. Still no hints as to where we’re going?” she asks.

“My lips are sealed. I can tell you we’re headed to Nashville.”

“Nashville. The possibilities are endless.”

“Exactly.” I help her into her coat before offering her my arm. She takes it without hesitation and leans into me as I walk her out to my truck. “My lady,” I say, opening the door for her.

“Thank you, Mad,” she whispers.

I nod and rush around to my side of the truck. “That scarf is pretty. It brings out your eyes,” I tell her.

“Thank you. I, um, I actually made it.”

“What? You made that?” I ask, taking another quick glance at her, before turning my eyes back onto the road.

“Yeah, I used to crochet a lot. I know it’s nerdy, but it’s relaxing for me. I got back into it pretty heavily when Briar and the girls moved out. It helped pass the loneliness.”

“I’ve not seen you do it.”

“It’s been a while, well, since you moved in, actually.”

“Why? If it’s something that you enjoy?”

“I don’t know. I guess I didn’t want to show you the nerdy me.”

---