Page 113 of Words We Didn't Say

I fidgeted. Standing like a dolt in the garage reminded me of too many school holidays. Sweltering heat, sweating through my shirt, bored out of my mind and dreaming of my books upstairs, Dad had forced me to sit there with him while he’d rebuilt some engine or another. Torture then, even worse now.

Andie skimmed a loving touch along the dented metal before she propped her hip against the car. “What’s a cylinder head?” She folded her arms. Waited.

I shrugged. “Stuffed if I know.”

“Okay, so clearly, this is a setup. You know fuck all about cars.”

I stuffed my hands in my pockets. “I, um…” My eyes searched for a safe place to look.

“Are you going to look at your shoes all day, or tell me what you want?”

I took a deep breath. Looked up. Spat the words out. “I want to ask Eden to marry me,” I said.

Andie snorted. One of the most important conversations of my life was off to a fabulous start.

“You’re the person closest to her in the world,” I continued. “I’m not asking for your permission because Eden’s her own person, but it would mean a lot to me if you, um…” I shrugged.

“You want my approval before you propose?”

I nodded.

Andie stood there. Silent. Head cocked. Watching me. She didn’t hate me like she used to—at least, I didn’t think she did—and it helped Yvette sang my praises. Andie was easily swayed by the bubbly blonde. But I suspected I hadn’t fully earned her trust yet.

She sighed. “I always had my doubts about you… but…” Out puffed a breath. “Ed’s more settled than I’ve ever seen her. I’m worried about what’ll happen when you go back to work—”

“I swear it’ll never be like it was. I walked away, and I won’t be going back. Hell, I don’t even have to do legal work. I could help around the salon and continue my role as Chief Executive of Towels, Hanging Robes, and Restocking.”

Andie smirked. “You know that’s a bullshit title Eden gave you to get in your pants, right?”

I laughed. “Yeah, I figured that out when she dragged me into the colour mixing room.”

“Please. No reminders. Gross.” Andie laughed. It was rare for her to laugh around me, so I took it as a small win. “Look, you know Ed’s family. She stood by me when no one else did, and I’d do the same for her. I’m never going to stop looking out for her, but…” She shook her head with a smile. “For whatever fucked-up reason, she loves you, and you make her happy. So, if you want to propose, I won’t stand in your way.”

Andie would never understand how much her words meant to me. Based on the wariness in her eyes, I didn’t think she’d appreciate the hug I wanted to give her, so I nodded slowly with a relieved smile instead.

“Alright, fuck off,” Andie said. “Leave me to drool over this beautiful machine, and you go make my best friend’s dreams come true.”

I didn’t need to be told twice.

As I rushed back up the stairs, my mind raced, running through options. Grandma’s ring had been burning a hole in my pocket for weeks, waiting for just the right moment, but the proposal had to be amazing, didn’t it? It had to be social media worthy with balloons and fanfare and…Shit.I just didn’tknow. Maybe I should wait another day or two? A few weeks? I could surprise Eden with a vacation somewhere romantic, like Fiji, or even the snow. Neither of us had seen the snow before. A candlelit dinner at her favourite restaurant might be better. I could hide the ring in a piece of cake…or…something.

I paused at the screen door.

Eden and Mum huddled around the wooden counter, slicing oranges—probably for Mum’s signature punch that was boozy enough to knock anyone’s socks off. Yvette was sitting on a stool. The three of them chatted, but Eden’s arm around Mum’s shoulder punched me in the heart. She was the daughter Mum never had. They were always video chatting, and Eden ended every call by singing, “Love ya, Maree!”

She was the missing piece for my family. For me. She slotted perfectly into place. She was the stormy skies soaring above my calm sea. She was my biggest cheerleader. I was hers.

I’d wasted so much time.

I stuffed my hand in my pocket and slipped the cool platinum of Grandma’s ring over my pinkie.Still there.I smiled.

Yvette noticed me first. Her hands clapped on her cheeks.

Did she know?

Nervous steps landed me in the kitchen.

Yvette was in a panic. “Maree! Ah—” She hopped off the stool and raced to Mum’s side. “Why don’t you, um…show me the lovely new throw rug you were telling me about?” She tugged at Mum’s sleeve. “In the living room?”

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