Page 88 of Now That We Don't Talk

Then, his expression turns serious again. “So…does this mean we’re doing this?” His eyes are full of hope. “Because if anyone can make this work, it’s us. I know what it’s like to not have you in my life, and I never want to go through that again.”

My heart beats wildly against my ribs, and for a second, doubt starts to creep in. But then I look at him—and I know. I know I can’t just walk away again. I know I’m not ready to let this go.

“Yes,” I breathe. “I want to try.”

Before I can say anything else, he sweeps me up into hisarms, spinning me around. I clutch onto his shoulders as his mouth finds mine.

The moment our lips meet, everything feels right. All the doubts briefly melt away. His kiss is different this time, more intentional and meaningful.

My fears haven’t magically disappeared, but being in his arms gives me enough courage to push them out of my mind—at least for now.

He places me on the ground, gently resting his forehead against mine.

“Mmm…” he mumbles. “I have a question…”

I lean back and examine his face. “What’s that?”

His hands tighten on my waist. “Will you go to the twins' birthday party with me?”

I giggle, shaking my head at his serious tone. “Of course. I’d love to.”

“As my girlfriend?” he adds carefully.

The words send a jolt through me. Hearing Mac Evans say them is both surreal and completely natural at the same time.

“Definitely.”

He kisses me again—slower this time, before taking my hand firmly in his and leading me back to the party.

I don’t know what’s ahead, but I know I’m where I’m supposed to be right now.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

MAC

The chat with my teammates is absolutely blowing up this morning. Apparently, waking up to a message from me announcing that I have a girlfriend was the last thing they expected. As I scroll through their reactions, I can’t decide whether to laugh or be slightly offended. A few of them are already placing bets on how long this will last, which is both annoying and ridiculous. I shut it down immediately, assuring them I’m all in. I have no intention of sabotaging this. I’ve spent years away from Vivian, and I’m done wasting time.

After the twins’ intervention, it was like a weight had been lifted and the pieces aligned to bring Vivian and me back together. The party had faded into the background the moment we found each other again. We spent the rest of the night side by side, making up for all the lost time.

This morning, the first thing I did was text her, asking her to meet me for breakfast. I have a strong sense of urgency to figure out how we’re going to make this work. I know we have time before I head back to Tennessee, but I don’t wantto leave anything uncertain. We’ve come too far to risk letting the doubts take over.

When I walk into the café, my eyes instantly find her. The sight of her hits me in a way I can’t describe. All different emotions spread through me, a mix of relief, excitement, and something deeper. Just knowing she’s been here all along feels surreal. I regret the time we lost, but maybe we needed it. I’m sure I needed to become the man she deserves.

She looks up as I approach, her face lighting up.

“Morning,” she says, standing to greet me.

I don’t hesitate to wrap my arms around her, holding her tight, burying my face in her neck as I breathe her in.

“Good morning,” I mumble.

For a few perfect seconds, we stay wrapped up in each other, and it doesn’t matter that we’re in the middle of a restaurant. When we finally pull apart, I take my seat across from her, unable to stop myself from staring at her. She looks beautiful, wearing a simple bright pink sweatshirt and a white baseball cap. There’s just something about a woman in a baseball cap. “How are you feeling today?” I ask.

She grins, her eyes sparkling. “A little tired, but good.”

“Same,” I admit.

As I look across the table at Vivian, a warm feeling spreads through my chest, solid and unwavering. This is it. I know it with every fiber of my being. And there’s no way I’m letting it slip away. The noise of the café surrounds us—but I’m focused on only her.

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