Page 9 of Someone Like You
Connor set the microphone down. He didn’t need it. Everyone was silent, waiting, hanging on every word. Even the kids. He took both her hands now and stared at her. “Maddie … I’ve asked your father’s permission for whatI’m about to say. The truth is, in my heart I’ve asked you this question a thousand times.”
The most beautiful love shone on his face.
Maddie’s heart beat harder still. She forced her knees to stop knocking. Everyone was watching, holding their collective breath. Her yes was something they all expected, she could see it on their faces.
With a hush in his voice, Connor’s smile faded. As if he’d never been more serious in all his life. “The question is this.” Then, Connor got down on one knee. He pulled a small gray velvet box from his pants pocket, opened it and held up the prettiest diamond solitaire. “Maddie, will you marry me?”
The answer slid past her lips before she could consider the question. “Yes! Yes, of course.”
He was on his feet again, sweeping her into his arms while people snapped pictures and took video. This was the moment she had dreamed of all her life with the guy she loved with all her being.
He took the ring from the box—a ring she’d never seen or discussed with him—and he slid it onto her finger. She hugged him again and he took her face in his hands. “I love you, Maddie. Forever I will.”
“I love you, too.” It was the truth. She did love him. And she should’ve seen this moment coming. And gradually, now that the time was here, she was sure. Saying yes was the right thing. Tears filled her eyes and she blinked them back. She was engaged! She was going to marry Connor Flanigan, as she had long imagined.
Then with their family members rising to their feet and breaking into applause, Connor kissed her. And just like that Maddie wasn’t only about to start her dream job.
She was about to be married.
4
Dawson glanced at the driver’s side of the Honda where London sat behind the wheel. She was singing John Mayer at the top of her lungs. “Life is full of sweet mistakes … and love’s an honest one to make.”
He sang along, too, and tried not to focus on the irony of the words.
This was always how they were, London and him. Wherever they went, whatever they did they had the music blaring. The two of them singing like they were performing their own private concert.
Sunlight streamed through the trees as London took the winding road ahead. The idea of hiking Multnomah Falls had been hers. No surprise. Never mind that she was dating some other guy, when London had a day off she usually called Dawson. Today was no different.
They wore sweatshirts and windbreakers because today’s clear blue skies didn’t begin to warm the chilly weather on the mountain. London grinned at him as the song played out, lyrics that reminded Dawson of the truth. Whatever did or didn’t happen between them, London would live forever in Dawson’s memory.
Indeed.
Dawson took a steadying breath. Maybe he’d tell her today. How this strange friendship they shared was crazy.How they should either walk away and get on with their lives or admit that there would never be anyone for the two of them but each other.
No matter what she said.
A few miles up the road she pulled into the parking lot. Even from that vantage point the falls were beautiful. A ribbon of rushing water that fell from forever high and crashed onto the rocks below. The spot was a tourist destination, especially on the weekends.
“Ugh.” London turned the volume down. “It’s so crowded.”
Dawson laughed. “Not where we’re going.”
Her smile found its place again. “True.”
They’d done this hike before. Sure, it started up the same path all the visitors took. Along a broad path and onto the scenic bridge at the base of the falls. But just past the picture takers and onlookers was a much more narrow set of switchbacks that wound around the mountain to the back side of the falls.
Odds were only a few of the Sunday travelers had the more serious hike in mind.
A spot opened and London parked. They donned their backpacks, grabbed their water bottles and set out. Like everyone else, they stopped at the bridge and stood side by side, staring at the waterfall.
London moved closer and his arm brushed against hers. Her eyes were glued to the view. “Life feels like that sometimes.”
“Mmm.” Dawson loved this. Time alone with her when they could say whatever they wanted. When there were no walls and the possibilities seemed more realistic than ever. He stole a look at her. “Fast, you mean?”
“Yes.” She tilted her face toward the blue sky. “The hours and minutes keep slipping over the rocks and washing away in the river below. Time we can’t get back.”
“Which”—he leaned his head close to hers—“is why we have to make the most of it. Before another tomorrow gets away.”
