Page 31 of The I Do Over

As soon as the words were out, he realized how odd they sounded, but hopefully his face didn’t convey that.

“It’s really not a big deal, Knox. I love breakfast foods and pancakes are a favorite of mine, so please let me do this.”

It really was a ridiculous argument to be having and he decided to let it go. Motioning to the ingredients, he took a step back. “The kitchen is all yours.” But first he pulled out the electric griddle he bought specifically for pancakes and grilled cheese.

Her smile showed how pleased she was. “Thank you.”

As soon as she started pulling out bowls and whisking the batter, he wondered what they were possibly going to do for the rest of the day.

Or…days.

Clearly I didn’t think this through…

It was probably because the idea came to him after they made love.

He was done rehashing the past, so what did that leave?

The idea came to him quickly and he knew it would be perfect. “Hey, uh…Mads?”

“Hmm?”

“When’s the last time you went fishing?” he casually asked before sitting at the kitchen island and taking a sip of his coffee.

She looked at him like he was crazy. “Fishing?”

Nodding, he replied, “Yeah. Fishing. You know, you go to a lake or another body of water with some bait and poles and try to catch fish.”

His snarkiness had her rolling her eyes. “I know what fishing is. You’re the one who taught me how!”

“I know,” he said easily. “But when’s the last time you went?”

Her hesitation pretty much confirmed that it had been a while. “Um…I think I was still in Washington and living with my aunt and uncle. They had a lake on their property and I used to go out there and fish. But I haven’t gone since I moved back to Virginia. How come?”

“Turns out I haven’t been in a while because I’ve been so busy with work. What do you say you and I rent some gear and spend the afternoon on a lake? We’ll pack up a picnic lunch and everything!” It was crazy how much he was looking forward to this and silently prayed she agreed to go.

Nibbling her bottom lip, Maddie didn’t look quite so sure. “Knox, I had only planned on staying in town one night. I don’t even have another change of clothes for the next few days and I certainly don’t have anything to go fishing in.”

Was that all?

“Not a problem. We’ll hit the ground running as soon as we’re done eating and run up to Target or something and grab you whatever you need and hit their sporting goods section and grab some stuff too! It will be fun!”

“I don’t know if they’ll have the kind of fishing gear you’re probably used to,” she commented as she began pouring batter on the now-heated griddle.

“We’re not looking to enter a fishing tournament. This is just for fun so whatever they have will be great!”

She was shaking her head but laughing too. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but…I agree. This does sound like it can be fun! Maybe we’ll even catch enough to make dinner!”

Knox remembered how squeamish she used to be about fileting any fish they ever caught and wondered if that were still true.

He only hoped he’d get to find out later on.

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