Madison hugged her back. “Thanks.”
As soon as Rachel left, Madison leaned against the counter. Fated mates could definitely explain that little flutter she got in her belly every time Mack walked into the room. And, as if destined to walk in at that exact moment, Mackstrolledin.
“Good morning. I was going to come help you make breakfast, but it looks like you have ithandled.”
Her heart soared as knots of doubt untangled in her stomach. “Thanks for comingtohelp.”
Each step he took toward her made her want to get even closer. She closed the gap between them and wrapped her arms around hiswaist.
He pulled her tightly against him. “I was thinking we could have a picnic for lunch, just the twoofus.”
She laughed. “It’s ten degreesoutside.”
“I’ll keepyouwarm.”
“In the middle ofwinter?”
“I’m hairier thanyouare.”
She smiled. “That’strue.”
“Okay, so maybe a picnic isn’t the best plan. But I wanted to spend some time with youtoday.”
An idea popped into her head. “I know how we can still have a picnic withoutfreezing.”
“Really?”
She lowered her voice, and in a conspiratorial tone said, “Meet me in my roomatnoon.”
* * *
Madison smoothedthe red and white picnic table cover that she’d found in the closet across the floor of her bedroom. She couldn’t sit outside in freezing weather, but she could still grant Mack hispicnicwish.
As she hurried to set plates, cups, and utensils on the placemats, she hummed. The talk she’d had with Rachel really helped make things clear. After breakfast, she’d stood on the back porch and had sipped coffee while considering her choices. Eventually, she was able to push aside the negative chatter and listen to herheart.
A knock at the door drew her attention. She stood and pulled the hem of her sweater down over her jeans. After a quick glance in the mirror, she hurried tothedoor.
She opened it to find Mack standing outside with a huge bouquet of redroses.
“Ohwow.”
“These areforyou.”
“Thank you.” She grabbed the vase from him. Not only was it a completely sweet gesture, but he’d also brought a vase. Most men wouldn’t even think of that. She mentally added “thoughtful and considerate” to his list of amazingattributes.
His eyes lit up. “You really made apicnic.”
“You wanted one. I made ithappen.”
He took the vase from her and set it on the dresser. “There’s something else Iwantmore.”
“Oh?”
“Uh-huh,” he murmured as he gathered her intohisarms.
As she pressed against him, she whispered, “And what mightthatbe?”
“You. I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’m in love with you. I’ve never felt like this before, not with anyone. If I have to beg you to stay, I will. I’ll do whatever ittakes.”
