Page 35 of Choosing a Forever
“I didn’t even know you were dating anyone. Wait—” She holds up one finger and tilts her head like she’s remembering something. “Oh, no. Mack, tell me it’s not Peter Priesthood.”
I bite my lip. I know she’s talking about Talmage. I can’t deny it, though. I can’t deny it’s him, and when she realizes it, she groans.
“I swear, kid. If I find out you’ve rejoined the cult, I’m kidnapping you and keeping you in the basement until you come to your senses.Getting married?Tohim?It’s way too fast.”
Defensiveness rises in my chest. “Talmage is a good guy, Joanna. Sure, he may be part of the church right now, but he wants to leave, not that it’s any of your business. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers and—” I cut myself off before I confess I’ve been in love with him for just as long. “And it feels right.”
Joanna studies my face again, like she’s looking for a lie before she curses under her breath. “Damn it, you’re down bad, aren’t you? You’d tell me if you were being coerced into this or you were in trouble?”
No,I think.I wouldn’t tell you if I was in trouble. You don’t know the half of the trouble I’m in.
“Yeah, I would. But trust me when I tell you this is what I want. This is a good thing.” I put on a small smile that doesn't feel as forced as it should, like Itrulybelieve the words.
“Okay. I believe you.” She sighs. “When’s the big day?”
“The day after Valentine’s Day.”
“That’s in less than a month! Why so fast?”
I shrug. “I’m almost thirty. No time to waste.”
She rolls her eyes. “Well, show me the ring.”
“I… I don’t have it yet. It’s getting resized.” God, I hate lying to her.
“Hmm. Fine. I expect to see it as soon as it’s back.” She points a finger at me just as the bell above the door rings. “I’m happy for you if you’re happy.” Giving my shoulder a squeeze, she walks away to go check IDs.
I let out a long breath when she’s no longer within hearing distance.
I don’t know if I’d say I’m happy, but I can’t exactly tell her that.
Chapter 12
Talmage
14 years old…
My hands are sweating as I sit in the bleachers, watching Mack throw her head back and laugh with her friends. I don’t recognize the song playing—something about a clock, I think. I don’t know. All I know is watching Mack dance is mesmerizing.
And I’m nervous.
Her birthday was last week, and today is the Valentine’s dance. I’ve been waiting for our song to play, for the perfect moment to share our first kiss, but it’s almost over, and they haven’t played it yet.
Another song starts to play, and Mack takes a seat next to me to catch her breath. “Are you feeling okay, Bear? You look like you’re ready to head out.”
“I’m good, just taking a break. You know I’m not a great dancer.”
Mack rolls her eyes. “That’s not true, and you know it. Speaking of… I was wondering if you’d be able to come to my spring recital this year? I’m doing a solo, and I’d like you to be there.”
“I’ll see what I can work out with my parents, but I’d love to come.” I reach over and give her hand a squeeze. She opens her mouth to say something, but the familiar chords to our song start to play. I stand and take her to the dance floor, placing my hands on her waist as hers wrap around my neck.
The smile she gives me is breathtaking.
And she has no idea what’s about to happen.
Mack doesn’t know it yet, but she’s going to get a proper proposal. That’s what tonight is for, andboy,am I nervous.
What if she says no?
