Page 52 of Something’s Brewing

“Big mistake.” He chuckled then hesitated. Something in his expression softened. “I’ll be right back,” he said quietly. He leaned in and brushed a quick kiss against her temple. Then he was gone.

Madison stood there, frozen mid-peel.

Behind her, Ruth and Chloe both stopped moving but neither said a word. They exchanged identical satisfied smiles.

Heat climbed up Madison’s neck.

What just happened?

Cole arrived in the kitchen shortly before the food was due to come out of the oven. After being introduced to Madison, he showed them all photos of him and Tory in Hawaii, then helped plate the meal. The group shifted toward the table in a flurry of movement—chairs scraping, plates clinking, and voices overlapping as everyone settled into familiar seats. Dishes were passed without question, no one waiting their turn. Madison barely had a second to take it in before she found herself tucked beside Garrett, their shoulders brushing as the first platter made its way down the line. Conversation picked up around them, but her awareness narrowed to the space between them.

“So, Cole,” Chloe said sweetly, scooping potatoes onto her plate. “Have you proposed yet?”

Cole didn’t even look up. “No.”

“Why not?” she pressed.

Garrett leaned toward Madison. “They like to antagonize each other.”

Madison hid a smile. “I’m starting to understand the family dynamic.”

Jim buttered a roll then turned to Madison. “Garrett tells us your daughter is studying forensic psychology.”

Garrett squeezed her thigh softly under the table.

“Yes, that’s her current plan.” Madison shrugged. “It could change. I changed my mind a few times.”

Nick leaned forward. “Military wasn’t your first choice?”

“No. I planned to go into business.”

“What changed?” Jim asked.

Madison took a sip of wine, steadying herself.

Most people wouldn’t catch it. The slight shift in her voice. The pause just a fraction too long. Garrett placed his hand gently on her knee. It steadied her.

Trying to keep the bitterness from her voice, she answered, choosing her words carefully. “It turns out that life has a way of rewriting plans, so I joined the Navy.”

Jim accepted that with a nod.

Across the table, Ruth suddenly gasped.

Everyone looked up.

Ruth stared at Kate’s hand. “Oh my goodness . . . is that what I think it is?”

Kate blushed.

Nick grinned.

Garrett smiled and leaned back.

“When’s the wedding?” Ruth asked, tears in her eyes.

The table erupted.

Madison found herself laughing, completely caught up in the chaos. Her family hadn’t been anything like this. And when Garrett glanced at her like she already belonged among them . . . she didn’t pull away.