Page 134 of Since We're Here
“Where is this optimism coming from? Where’s the Patrick who was panicking about everything falling apart when I first got here?”
He halts and spins me toward him.
“I don’t panic. I’m very level-headed and rational.”
I straighten out my smile. “Of course.”
“But... it’s because of you, Maddie.” He slides his hands on either side of my face and tilts my head up to him. “You’ve inspired me to change my life. It might look similar from the outside, but who I am inside has fundamentally shifted since I met you.”
“You’re not going to say something likeyou complete me, are you?”
He presses his lips to mine and pulls back.
“That’s exactly what I was going to say. I haven’t felt this complete ever in my life.”
Tears sting my eyes, but I blink them away.
“There’s one problem still.”
Patrick’s eyes widen slightly. “What?”
“We have a visa situation. As in, I don’t have one.”
“Oh, I have a plan for that, too, Maddie, but you might not be ready to hear it yet.”
Now my eyes widen. Is he suggesting . . .
“I pay you under the table, for now.”
I breathe out. It wouldn’t have been such a bad thing if he’d been referring to marriage. I’d marry this guy tomorrow if it meant I got to stay here, with him.
“And then we get married.”
I gasp. “We get married?”
“I’m not proposing to you just yet, Madison Hart, but I think that’s the only logical solution to this problem in the long term.”
“Clearly there’s no other possible way.”
“Exactly.”
He leans in to kiss me. “Now let’s go on a drive.”
37
PATRICK
Sunday, 27 April
Ihead from our table to the bar, weaving in and out of groups of people. Today was a perfect day, and this is the perfect ending.
The six of us went on an early cycle to Slea Head this morning since yesterday’s scenic drive was full of rain and fog. Maddie used her bike, which I’d kept in my barn with mine, along with the brand-new, well-fitting helmet. I borrowed the rest of the bikes from neighbors and Saoirse so we wouldn’t have to rent wonky ones from that shop down the road from the pub. After lunch, I took the group to the brewery for a short tour and tasting, and now we’re at O’Brien’s.
It’s finally tourist season, so the pub is busy. I lift a hand to Saoirse, who holds up one finger before starting another round of drinks for my group. I wait patiently, lost in my thoughts.
I’m basking in the memory of my conversation with Maddie yesterday after giving her the three gifts. Gifts which were so easy to figure out. I could easily come up with a hundred more.
We have a plan to get married. The fact that she’ll even consider spending her life with me? It’s everything.
