Page 73 of The Beat of her Heart

Addie leaned back and closed her eyes. She could still see the image of Giselle in her mind, standing there with her arms crossed, a look of guarded strength on her face.

She wanted to believe that Giselle cared for her, that this wasn’t just a game or a fling. But trusting that, letting herself hope, felt like opening herself up to the possibility of another heartbreak.

“Maybe I just need to talk to her,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. “Maybe I need to stop waiting.”

Alex nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. “Sounds like a good start.”

Addie met her gaze in the mirror, feelinga strange, hesitant warmth settle in her chest. “Thanks,” she said, her voice soft but steady.

Alex gave a small nod, her gaze warm. “Anytime.”

The school came into view as the car slowed. Addie leaned forward, her heart warming as she spotted Sophie standing near the gate with a big grin on her face. She was practically bouncing with excitement.

“Mommy!” Sophie’s voice rang out as she spotted the car. She sprinted over as soon as Addie opened the door, wrapping her arms around her mom’s legs.

“Hey, sweet pea!” Addie said, ruffling Sophie’s hair. “Missed you.”

“I missed you too, Mommy,” Sophie said, grinning up at her. Then she noticed Alex and her smile widened even more. She darted over to her, giving her a quick, enthusiastic hug. “Hi!”

“Hi, Sophie!” Alex said, laughing as she hugged her back. Her eyes were brighter than usual, a smile lingering on her face longer than Addie was used to seeing.

As they climbed back into the car, Addie glanced at Alex, curious. For as long as she’dknown Alex, this was the happiest she’d ever seen her.

“Alex,” Addie called. “You seem…different today. What’s up?”

Alex held up her left hand, flashing a small, simple ring. “Just got engaged,” she said, her grin widening.

Addie gasped, reaching out to touch her hand. “You’re kidding! This is amazing!” Guilt creeped in as she realized she’d been so absorbed in her world that she hadn’t even noticed. “I’m sorry I didn’t see it sooner.”

Alex laughed. “It’s okay. You had a lot on your mind.”

“Still,” Addie said, looking back at the ring. “We have to celebrate this!”

They were silent for a few moments, only the soft murmur of the car engine filling the space. Then Addie had an idea.

“Come in with us when we get back. I have a bottle of wine I’ve been saving for a special occasion. This feels like a good one.”

Alex’s eyes lit up. “Really? Are you sure?”

“Of course,” Addie said. “And consider it my apology for being so wrapped up in my mess.”

When they arrived back at Addie’s house, Sophie dashed inside, eager to wash up and show off some art project she’d made in class. Addie led the way to the kitchen, gesturing for Alex to sit as she grabbed the wine and two glasses from the cabinet.

As she poured, Addie leaned in, her curiosity getting the best of her. “So, who’s the lucky one? Anyone I know?”

Alex took a deep breath, her eyes sparkling. “Madeline.”

Addie’s eyebrows shot up. “Madeline? Dr. Madeline Summers, who works at the hospital with me?”

Alex laughed. “Yes, that Madeline.”

Addie tried to process it. Madeline was the same person who loved to tease her endlessly about Giselle, always making sly comments that left her flustered. Yet now, hearing this, she felt a bit of warmth spread through her.

“I’m surprised,” Addie said with a laugh. “She’s always giving me a hard time about Giselle.”

“Oh, she talks about you a lot,” Alex said, leaning forward with a mischievous smile. “Says she admires you. Quite a bit.”

Addie blinked, taken aback. “Madeline? Really?”

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