Page 113 of Echoes of You

“Clyde.”

Charlie giggled. “That’s a funny name.”

“Well, he’s kind of a funny dog.”

Charlie stretched up on his tiptoes. “Whadya bring?”

Maddie released my hand and crouched down. “Brownies.”

Charlie’s eyes widened. “With frosting and sprinkles?”

“I don’t mess around when it comes to brownies.”

“Think I could have one before dinner?” he asked hopefully.

I chuckled. “I don’t think Grandma would be too happy about that.”

Charlie clasped his hands together in front of him and rocked back and forth. “She wouldn’t have to know…”

“I heard that, Charlie Bear,” my mom said as she walked up.

“Shoot!” he grumbled.

My mom grinned. “Gotta have eyes in the back of your head around here.”

As Maddie straightened, my mom pulled her into a hug. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re back. Feels like everything is just as it should be.”

Maddie melted into her hold, returning her hug. “Thank you.”

As my mom released her, I stepped forward and wrapped my arm around Maddie’s waist, brushing my lips against hers. “It does feel right.”

Mom’s eyes widened as they ping-ponged between Maddie and me. “Are you two—?”

Charlie made a gagging noise. “Kissing is gross.”

I chuckled as I looked at my mom. “I thought for sure gossip would’ve made its way to you by now.”

“It did, but I thought gossip was all it was. You know everyone always thought you two were dating when you weren’t.” My mom grabbed the plate from Maddie’s hand and shoved it at me. Then she pulled her in for another hug. “This couldn’t make me happier. The one girl who could keep my boy in line.”

“Hey,” I clipped. “I keep myself in line.”

Mom sent me an exasperated stare. “You give your poor mother weekly heart attacks.”

Maddie chuckled as she released my mom. “I’m not sure anyone can reel this one in.” She looked up at me. “But I’m kind of partial to him when he’s wild.”

I dipped to kiss her softly.

“Kissing!” Charlie yelled at the same time my mom said, “I think I’m going to cry.”

“Daaaaaaad!” Charlie called as Lawson walked up. “You gotta arrest Uncle Nash. He keeps kissing Maddie.”

Lawson arched a brow. “That is quite the offense.”

I handed Charlie the plate of brownies. “Why don’t you put these in the kitchen?”

“Okay.” He took off with the plate.

My mom smacked me and headed after him. “He’ll eat them all before he gets there.”

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