Page 98 of Mountain Dreams
“Not in so many words, but I got the idea. I didn’t ask for details because, by then, I just wanted out.”
He gazed at her, still looking unsure and fighting a smile at the same time. “So, we’re okay? Do you forgive me?”
A big lump had formed in her throat, but she spoke past it. “Forgive you? There’s nothing to forgive. You were looking out for me, just like you’ve been doing all along.”
“Thank God. Otherwise, this would be a very unhappy birthday celebration.”
She smiled. “I love you, and whatever happened in the past, let’s just leave it there, okay?”
“I love you so much, and please forgive me for what I’m about to do.”
Her eyes went wide as he leaned over the table, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her soundly on the lips in front of the entire Pancake Pantry crowd, some of whom started clapping.
They might have still been going at it, but the waitress came up and cleared her throat noisily. “Sorry to interrupt, but your food is here.”
They broke apart, albeit reluctantly, and she set down their plates. “Can I get you anything else?” she asked.
“No,” said Maddie. “We have everything we need.”
The End
