Page 207 of Let Me Keep You

“Of course not. She would’ve driven herself—and me—crazy with cleaning nonstop, and this way, I get to take credit for you being here,” Liam boasts.

“It wasn’t your idea,” I retort, grinning.

“But she doesn’t have to know that,” he says pointedly.

“Okay, hang tight. I think I hear her coming down the stairs.”

Gemma gives me a wary look, and I bring her knuckles to my lips and press a kiss to them. “I told you they were a crazy couple.”

“Liam! What’re you doing?” I hear Maddie screech. “Why do I need my eyes covered? This is dumb. I’m gonna trip over a toy.”

“Baby, I have a huge surprise. Trust me, you’ll love it,” Liam reassures her.

Maddie releases a deep sigh. “Is this like the time you surprised me with caramel sauce on your cock and a whipped-creamed bra?”

I quickly cover my mouth to hide my laughter as Liam and Maddie come into view, and Liam’s face falls. “No,” he says sharply. “Possibly better, though.”

Liam motions for us to stand, so we do, and I brace myself for her to flip her shit.

“Alright, sweetheart…” Liam uncovers her eyes, and when Maddie’s gaze lands on me, she screams.

“Oh my God! Tyler!” Within two seconds, she charges for me and wraps her arms around my waist. “What’re you doing here?”

I hug her back and laugh. “To see you, of course.”

When she draws back, she’s wiping tears from her cheeks. “I can’t believe it. You came back to visit!” She slaps my chest. “How could you not tell me? My house is a fucking mess.” She moves her hands to the top of her head. “Not to mention, I haven’t brushed my hair yet.”

“We didn’t come here to judge your house, Mads. I wanna introduce you to someone, though.” I wrap an arm around Gemma and close the gap between us.

“Am I finally getting to meet your sister?” Her voice goes up an octave.

Gemma holds out her hand. “I’m Gemma.”

Maddie beams. “Gemma Gemma? The one you’re ‘just friends’ with?” she asks, using air quotes.

“Well, not anymore, but yes, that Gemma.”

Liam comes closer and gives Maddie a hug from behind.

“I think they’re finally together,” Liam mutters to her.

“It’s about goddamn time!” Maddie blurts. “Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for him to finally admit he was in love with you? Even when I told him to go after you, he was all she’s engaged…blah blah blah. What the hell changed? And why didn’t you say anything?” she scolds, flashing me a scowl with her hands on her hips.

“It’s a long story,” I say. “But Gemma’s not my girlfriend.”

Maddie’s face drops.

Turning to Gemma, I ask, “You wanna tell her?”

“We’re married.” She clings to my arm and smiles up at me. “Got hitched six weeks ago.”

“Shut. The. Fuck. Up.” Maddie’s booming voice is so loud, I’m shocked she doesn’t wake the kids. “You got married?”

“Dude, congrats!” Liam pats my shoulder. “I’m guessing this story is gonna call for some whiskey.”

“I want all the details!” Maddie exclaims as she starts picking toys and random items off the floor. “After I shower and clean up this mess.”

Gemma and I help tidy up so Maddie can get clean and change.