Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 45531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45531 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 228(@200wpm)___ 182(@250wpm)___ 152(@300wpm)
“Then why did you freak last night,” Maddie asks, “when the photos leaked? You wouldn’t even talk to me.”
“I thought my job was in jeopardy,” she says. “I’m sorry, sweetie. I shouldn’t have behaved that way. I was tired. Not thinking right.”
“Your job isn’t at risk,” I say firmly. “Just so you know.”
“Thank you.” Veronica turns to her daughter. “I’ve answered your question. Now it’s my turn. What is the nature of your relationship?”
“I didn’t know at first,” Maddie replies. “I thought, maybe, he was using me somehow. I thought, you know, he couldn’t be interested in me. There must be an ulterior motive.”
Veronica sighs. “That’s my fault. I’m always telling you men can’t be trusted. Always telling you the worst.”
“It’s fine,” Maddie says. “I mean, I guess it didn’t help, but I would’ve had all those doubts, anyway. Look at him. Look at me.”
“You’re perfect, Maddie,” I snap. “I hate when you put yourself down. You’re clever, funny, intelligent, and absolutely beautiful. Please, stop talking about yourself so negatively.”
Veronica looks at me, a smile slowly forming on her lips.
“I think you just earned some brownie points,” Maddie jokes.
“It’s the truth.”
“What about after when the doubts left you?” Veronica asks.
“Well… we had a big moment. It’s quick. We haven’t been seeing each other for a long time. It started when I went to get your memory drive.”
I expect Veronica to take this news harshly, suspicious at the speed of mine and her daughter’s union, but she simply nods and keeps her eyes on Maddie. There’s a lot of respect there. Clearly, Veronica trusts Maddie to decide for herself. I respect and value that.
Just like Maddie’s going to be an incredible mother, I’m sure Veronica will be an excellent grandmother.
The memory drive isn’t a shock to me. Maddie told me the truth last night, the reason she was at the office, as she lay in my arms.
“Last night, Mom, Jacob told me… well, do you want to say it?”
Maddie glances at me anxiously. I reach over, take her hand, then flinch when I realize what I’ve done. I’m about to let go when Maddie holds me tighter. Veronica doesn’t seem to mind watching us.
“I told your daughter the truth. The first time I saw her, I immediately started imagining a future together. Kids and a marriage and a whole life. I didn’t know she was your daughter at first since she played a sneaky trick.”
“I gave him a fake name.”
Veronica laughs. “But why?”
“Because I liked him right away. It’s more than that. I wanted all the stuff he just said. A family, a future, but I knew he might back off if he knew I was your daughter. It was all such a mess. I didn’t know how you felt about him.”
“So, it was love at first sight?” Veronica says.
“Yes.”
Maddie and I almost shout the word together. Our eyes meet, both of us smiling, both of us filled with the same determined purpose. The word love has never fit anything better.
“We started working together on my dog-theft story,” Maddie says softly.
“She’s underselling it. Because of your daughter’s talents, we were able to uncover a connection between the dog-theft story and Metis. She’s the reason we learned about Trent, his lies, and his company’s lack of morals. She stopped me from making a billion-dollar mistake. I’ll always be thankful to her for that and so much more.”
I didn’t mean to give a speech, but once I’m done, I notice both women watching me. They’re both smiling.
“You’ve always been mature for your age,” Veronica says after a pause, looking at her daughter. “I’ve always trusted you to decide things for yourself. When you told me you wanted to pursue your journalism website instead of taking a loan and going to college, I could see how single-minded you were. I knew it was what you really wanted.”
“It was. It is.”
“I need to know the same thing here. Are you sure, one hundred percent certain, Maddie, that you want to marry this man one day? Are you certain you want to have his children?”
Maddie opens her mouth to answer, but Veronica pushes on.
“I’m not talking about the feelings. The lovey-dovey stuff. In practical terms, considering everything that comes along with a commitment like this, are you ready?”
“Yes,” Maddie says. “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my entire life. I swear, Mom, I want this. You know I’ve always wanted kids early. I don’t see the harm in committing to that. Not now that I’ve found the man of my dreams.”
“And you?” Veronica asks me. “Is Maddie the woman of your dreams?”
“I’ve waited my entire life to feel one-tenth of what she makes me feel. To share one-tenth of the warmth. When I saw her, I knew the waiting was worthwhile. I knew that, without her, I’d rather spend the rest of my life alone. She’s the woman for me, the only one. There’s no doubt about it.”