Page 93 of The Rules We Broke
No one openly stared—but the weight of curiosity pressed in from every direction. People sat straighter. Eyebrows lifted. Forks froze midway to mouths. It was the kind of hush reserved for Sunday sermons and surprise proposals.
Brady didn’t hesitate. He turned to me with a wicked grin and said—just as loud as Caroline had—“Darlin’, nothing would make me happier.”
I swear, three separate tables choked on pie.
I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. After all these years, we still sent ripples through Kaysville just by being in the same room.
I watched heads lean in to whisper, watched fingers fly across phone screens in a flurry of urgent updates. Brady just grinned. He knew he was stirring the pot—and he reveled in it.
We finished our pie and hot chocolate, then made what could only be described as a theatrical exit. Brady helped me with my coat and made sure to plant a kiss on my lips—not discreetly, not shyly, but sweetly and with a touch of bravado.
He was a troublemaker. And I adored him for it.
Caroline, however, was disappointed when she learned we were taking her home. “I thought we were having a sleepover,” she pouted. “All three of us.”
Brady leaned down and whispered in my ear, “I agree. I’m ready for a sleepover with you.”
I playfully smacked his arm.
He laughed.
***
Later that night as we sat cuddled up on the couch at my aunt’s place, watchingWhile You Were Sleeping—well, at least pretending to. Brady dropped a bombshell on me. One I wasn’t the least bit prepared for.
“Ellie, would you do something for me tomorrow?” he asked as he trailed kisses slowly down my neck. His warm breath cascaded down my skin.
“Anything,” I said without thinking, totally mesmerized by him.
His head popped up, eyes enlivened as if I’d just handed him the jackpot.
I quickly realized my mistake and braced myself while waiting to hear what I had just got myself into. I had visions of going to the courthouse. Then I remembered thankfully, they were closed on Saturday. Maybe Vegas?
Aunt Lu would hate Vegas more than the courthouse.
“Will you have dinner with me tomorrow night?”
I laughed and breathed a sigh of relief. “Of course.”
“And my parents?”
My laughter died on arrival.
Brady tightened his hold around my waist. “Please, darlin’.”
Saying yes to Vegas would have been easier.
I sighed and closed my eyes. “Brady—” I had no words.
“I know what I’m asking.”
My eyes fluttered open. “Your parents hate me.”
“Your aunt hates me, too, but that’s not going to prevent me from trying to win her over for your sake.”
“And I appreciate that more than you know. And I see your point, but you know there are some differences.”
“I realize that. But I also realize you aren’t going to move forward until we can get our families on board—at leastsomewhat. More than anything, I want to move forward with you. I love you, and I’m ready to confess that before God and everyone.” He paused. “Darlin’, I’m trying to be patient. Poorly,” he smiled. “But is it so bad that I’m impatient?”
