Page 59 of What About Now

“Tell me when the appointment is, and I’ll be there,” he says, holding my gaze.

“Thank you.”

“Anything, Brogan. I’ll do anything for you.”

Before I can answer, more voices ring down the hall. The others are here. “Come on, let’s go celebrate you and your friends.”

He weaves his fingers through mine and leads us back to the waiting room.

Everyone is here and taking in the new space. I’m introduced to Drake and Lisa, his girlfriend, and Lyra, who are both receptionists for the shop. The girls race around and once they find the playroom, they’re addicted. Baby Kane takes it all in with a gummy smile as he’s passed from person to person who want their chance to love on him.

There is just something about babies that makes you want to snuggle them close. The day is perfect, and all five guys are on cloud nine, pride showing in each of their expressions as they share the new space with us.

After we eat, which consisted of pizza and wings, I take all three little girls back to the playroom and sit with them. Not long after, Emerson, Monroe, Briar, and Maggie join me. Maggie has Kane in her arms and refuses to let him go.

“Nope. I had to pry him out of his daddy’s arms. My turn isn’t over yet,” she says, making me laugh.

“So, how’s married life?” Monroe asks.

“Good.” I nod. “Actually, I have a question.” I look at each of them and will myself to find the courage. Taking a deep breath, Igo for it. “So, you all know we’re giving this a try,” I say, referring to Maddox and me.

“We do,” all four of them answer.

“Well, he’s just—too much sometimes,” I confess.

“How do you mean?” Emerson asks.

“He says, well, the perfect things at the exact right time. Is there a manual?” I ask, only half joking. “I swear there has to be a manual.”

“What kinds of things?” Maggie asks. “I have to live vicariously through the four of you, so I need details.”

“I don’t know. I asked him to go somewhere with me, and he said, ‘Anything for you.’ It’s not just his words, but the intensity of his gaze when he says them. There are a million other instances, but that’s the only one I can come up with right now.”

“I’ve known the guys my entire life. They have been best friends since before I was born.” Emerson chuckles. “I need to remind them of that,” she adds with a twinkle in her eyes. “Anyway, I’ve been around them a lot.”

“Me too,” Monroe adds. “You know, as her bestie and all. I spent a lot of time at Forrest’s house with Em growing up.”

“They’re all good men,” Emerson says. “I can tell you with absolute certainty if anything comes out of their mouth, and they’re being serious and not joking around, it’s the truth, and you can bank on it.”

“Em’s right. They like to joke around and tease a lot, but when they’re serious, they mean what they say. You can trust him, Brogan,” she says gently.

“Trust is hard for me.” They know about that night all those years ago, but we don’t talk about it much. I hear Susan’s voice in my head telling me maybe I should.

“Where did you ask him to go with you?” Briar asks.

“A therapy appointment.”

“Brogan. Really? That’s incredible.” Briar squeezes my hand.

“Susan suggested it, and I gave myself some time to think about it. My heart and my head are in a battle. Maddox, he’s doing and saying everything right, but I still have this heaviness that weighs on me that he’s going to get fed up with having to be so patient and dealing with my insecurities.” I pause, and no one says anything. It’s almost as if they know I need to say more but need time to collect my thoughts.

“I really like him,” I whisper.

“He’s head over heels for you,” Maggie speaks up. “I’ve probably spent the least amount of time with the two of you, thanks to my work schedule, but his eyes never leave you. No matter where you are in the room, he knows where you are.” She points to each of us. “They all do it,” she says. “Makes this single girl’s heart hopeful that there’s a man out there who will seek me out like that in my future.”

“He’s out there, babe,” Emerson assures her.

“We found ours when we least expected it,” Monroe says.

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