Page 28 of Eternal Pieces

“Because you’re the one who makes her laugh every day without even trying. There’s no darkness in you dragging her down or making her worry. She gets to be carefree with you, and that’s what she deserves. We have three kids on the way, and I know you’re going to find it so much easier than me. You’ll even manage it all with a stupid grin on your face. So you should be the one who vows to give Violet that kind of easy love forever.” His voice is strained like he’s been holding onto this for a while, and it’s hard for him to let it go.

“Max. You make her feel those ways as well. She loves you. She loves us both.”

The bed shifts, and the lamp turns on.

Max peers down at Violet before holding my gaze. “I know she does. I’ll never doubt that again. Would you believe me if I told you it would make me happy seeing you two get to officially be together?”

I’m not sure what to say. I don’t want to turn him down. Of course, I want to be the one to put a ring on her finger. But…

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” There’s no hesitation. No room for argument.

It’s settled then. I’m going to officially marry the love of my life.

CHAPTER 14

MAX

Violet adjusts my tie, and I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror.

“I look ridiculous.”

“You look lovely. I’m jealous of everyone who’s going to be seeing you like this all day.”

After months of searching, I finally found a place that wants me. My first ever job is in the office of a printing company downtown. It’s a far cry from being a famous baseball star.

I’ve walked onto pitches with stands packed full of people to see me and my team. Had local reporters and photographers fawning over me when I was just a kid. But none of that made me as nervous as I feel this morning.

“They’re going to love you,” Violet tells me sweetly, kissing my cheek.

“How could they not?” I let my mask slip back into place so I can shield her from my negativity.

Leaving her to finish her makeup, I head to the kitchen to grab a coffee. Mad’s sat at the table in his black hoodie and jeans, drinking his own cup and sketching out plans for the garage.

“Wow, you look…smart?” He tilts his head, taking my suit in.

“Don’t start. My tie’s already choking me, and my shoes are pinching my feet. How am I supposed to wear this all day long?”

“You’re nervous. That’s normal.”

“Like you would know? You’ve never had a job before, yet you think you can run a whole business!”

He raises his brow over his cup of coffee, not letting my attitude get to him. Weirdly enough, he reminds me of Dad like that.

Wiping my hand over my face, I sigh, “I didn’t mean that. Yeah, I’m nervous.”

“I still don’t understand why you won’t ask Dad to help you get a job you’ll actually enjoy. We’re not built for being stuck in tiny cubicles all day.”

Dad dictated my whole life. I only played baseball because it made him happy. And after Mom died, we needed all the happiness we could get.

Now I want to find my way without him.

Steering the conversation away from me, I ask what always gets Mad going. “How’s the garage coming along?”

“Great, actually. I’m just working on getting some signage ready while the painters finish fixing the shoddy job we did. Hey, maybe I could work with your company to get the signs done?”

“Yeah, maybe,” I say noncommittally, turning my back to pour a coffee.

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