Page 57 of Crazy Love

Their expressions are stunned and then morph into joy.

“What?” my mom asks. “Oh my goodness!” She gets up and walks across the room to hug us. “Congratulations! This is…I can’t believe it!”

My dad comes over and hugs us too. “I have to confess that I sometimes wondered if it would ever happen for you, son!” he says. “I know you must have wanted to marry herbadfor you to elope,” he teases. He points his thumb toward me. “This guy likes to make a splash, Addy, as I’m sure you’re aware.”

Her eyes are dancing as she looks at me and laughs. “Well, he does want to throw a surprise party tomorrow night where we can announce it to everyone.”

“That’s a great idea!” Mom says. She tilts her head. “You did pick a crazy time to do this, so I suppose a honeymoon is out ofthe question.” She laughs and shakes her head. “Married!” She pats my cheek, beaming up at me. “So happy for you, son.” She looks at Addy and squeezes her hand. “I already know you’re really special. He’s never been one to even bring a girl home for dinner, so this is just…the best news.”

Addy’s shoulders relax and she laughs when my dad says, “We were starting to think he’d never settle down.”

“What do you think about all this, Sam?” Mom asks.

Sam is next to me on the couch and he leans forward so he can see both me and Addy. “All the girls like Penn, but I’ve never seen him look all dopey at one like he does at you, Addy.”

My mouth drops as the room erupts in laughter.

“Dude,” I say, nudging Sam.

He lifts a shoulder. “Just calling it like I see it.”

We hang out another half hour or so and then I stand, saying we should probably let them rest. My parents are the ones giving dopey expressions likesure, that’s why you’re leaving, sowecan rest.I roll my eyes at them and hugs are shared all around.

“Let us know what we can do to help,” Mom says.

“Will do,” I say. “Love you guys.”

On the walk back to my house, I pull out my phone and type out a group text to the guys.

Party at my house tomorrow night. Be there. Please.

Henley

Why does this sound like an intervention?

Bowie

I need more details before I commit.

Rhodes

We’ll be there. That goes for you too, Bowie. Should I bring snacks?

Weston

We grilling?

Sounds good to me. And no need for snacks. I’ll provide everything. Just be there. Please.

Rhodes

It’s the second time he’s said please, guys. I’m smellin’ something serious.

Bowie

You’re not pregnant, are you?

Weston

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