So Much More (Book One in the Enough Series)

40. Match Yet?

Eden

The next several weeks went by uneventfully. Reed was busy with away games, Brynn was active with Tate, and I tried to stay busy with work. That was made difficult, though, with my Father, Glenn, calling me repeatedly. Apparently, my mother, June, had taken a turn, and they were eager to find out about the results of my testing. There was absolutely nothing I could do, I had called a few times myself, but for whatever reason, the results were coming slower than expected.

"As soon as I find out, I promise to let you know. Are you sure her Doctor is making sure to check other donor options?" I spoke into the phone, twirling at my desk. Reed was due any moment now, and I was anxious to be wrapped into his arms. After over a week of not seeing him, I needed his comfort now more than ever. This whole stem cell-bone marrow transplant issue was stressing me out.

"Of course, Eden. Trust me; we're exploring every single option available. Jesus, girl. You just get the results; you call me right away." With that, Glenn ended the call. I couldn't help but roll my eyes in annoyance. I questioned myself daily lately on whether or not I really had an interest in helping either of them at this point. But then, I would instantly feel guilty for such a thought, playing with someone's life like that.

I sighed, leaning back and wishing I could escape it all. The convention in Georgia was coming up, and that would be a nice little break, but I was leaning toward something more tropical and even further away. My phone brought me out of my thoughts yet again. This time Tate's name flashed on the screen.

"Good Afternoon." I sang.

"You seem chipper." Tate laughed.

"Not particularly, but it could always be worse, right?"

"Agreed. Do you have a minute? I wanted to run something by you." He spoke, turning serious.

"Yes, of course. You don't need bone marrow, too, do you?" I couldn't help but joke; humor was the only thing getting me through this mess.

"Hilarious, Eden, so funny." I could feel his eyes roll through the phone. "No, this is about Brynn. I wanted to grab lunch or something and talk to you, but this will have to do. I'm going to propose." He blurted. I sat, stunned for a moment. I should have seen this coming. They had been dating for some time now and grew closer every day. I was so happy for her and the future they were going to have together. I didn't even realize I was crying until I felt the warm drops on my shirt. "Eden?" Tate spoke.

"Yes, I'm here." I sniffled. "I'm so happy. When are you going to do it? Do you have a ring?"

"You scared me for a second. Wait, are you crying?"

"A little, happy tears." I brushed him off. "Come on, give me the details."

"Oh, yes, I have a ring, I'll text you a picture in a moment, and I was going to do it tonight. I know I'm letting you in last minute, but I had to change some plans for what I wanted to do."

"Wow. Crazy!" I explained just as Reed walked through the door. God, he was sexy as sin, making it incredibly difficult to even focus on such colossal news.

"Can you meet us at the Green Tavern at eight? We're going to dinner there. Of course, I've called a few of her other friends, and her parents are in; you'll all gather together, and we'll see you after I do it." I could hear the nervousness in his voice. A small part of me was a little hurt he hadn't included me in the whole process, but I also knew that Tate probably handled every bit of this himself, being the perfectionist he is.

"Of course. I wouldn't miss it."

"You have to be there; it won't be the same without ya." My heart instantly swelled, Tate being like the brother I never had and Brynn the sister I always wanted. The tears started to fall again, except this time Reed watched with visual anxiety. "I'll send ya the pic; then I have to go get all of this going. See you tonight!"

I laid my phone down on the desk, and before I could speak, Reed grabbed me up into his arms. He smelled so good, with a strong earthy aroma. He was dressed casually, as usual, just a t-shirt and joggers, but damn the man would look good in anything. He held me to him for a moment before leaning back; he rubbed the back of his neck, something I caught him doing whenever he was nervous.

"Is everything alright?" His face showed that he was preparing for the worst.

"Oh, yes. It's fine. I'm sorry. These are happy tears." I laughed, wiping them off my cheeks. "Are you free at eight tonight?" I asked in a sing-song voice.

"Of course, we're going to the Green Tavern for the engagement party." He spoke.

I stood with my mouth formed in an O shape, feeling a little jealous and confused.

"How did you know?!" I smacked at his arm as if it was his fault. He flinched with the cutest crooked smile.

"I called Tate on my way here, checking in about the new apartment, and he couldn't contain himself. He said he was about to call you, but I guess I caught him first. I'm sorry." Reed shrugged, pushing his hands into his pants pockets. Maybe I'd be angrier if he weren't so delicious looking at the moment, but I just couldn't be. There was much to be excited about, and I wasn't going to be a party pooper.

"It's okay. Exciting news, huh?" I smiled at him, pushing on my tip toes to reach his lips.

"Very exciting. I know he's nervous as hell. There's no chance she'll say no, is there?" He questioned after giving me a soft peck. We swayed back and forth together, just holding onto one another.

I snorted a laugh. "No. She's an event planner, wedding planner extraordinaire, and she has a whole binder prepared for her big day. She's going to be beyond excited."

"Women really do that? I thought the whole binder thing was in cheesy rom coms." He raised a brow.

"Some do." I shrugged, stepping away to close my laptop and pack up my things. If we met at eight, I had a lot of prepping to do. Green Tavern was one of the city's fanciest restaurants, and tonight was a big night.

"Do you have a binder?" Reed asks tentatively.

"No, I don't have a binder, a Pinterest board, or even a magazine." I laughed at the thought. "Don't worry."

"I'm not; I mean, I was just curious." He began to crack his knuckles, another tell of his nervousness.

"You said you were checking about the apartment? Good news, I hope?" I asked, remembering what he had said. We walked together out of the store and onto the sidewalk. He carried my bag, and our hands intertwined as we headed to the parking garage.

"Yes, and yes, good news." He held the car door open for me. I waited impatiently for him to get behind the wheel so I could hear the details. "They accepted my offer, and the apartment is mine. Well, it will be once I sign the papers next week." He grinned at me as he threw his arm behind my seat, backing out of his space. I watched his bicep flex with the movement, his tattoos pulsating. I had to clench my legs together; it was ridiculous. I was so head over heels for this man; for the first time in my life, I wondered if I might get a proposal like Brynn.