Better With You - Maddie Poppe and Caleb Hutchinson Series (Book 2)

Chapter 13

Caleb's POV

"You're right," Maddie states, "I could never even imagine doing that to you."

"You're amazing," I say.

She blushes and looks down, "stop it," she laughs.

"It's the truth," I tell her, "I really mean it."

"You're pretty amazing too," she giggles.

"You know, you've been a really great friend to me," I nod, "I don't know if I could've gotten through these past months without you."

"I'm sure you could have," she says, "but I'm glad that I could be here for you. I'm glad I moved back when I did."

"I am too," I say, "so, I know you don't currently, but any boyfriends lately?"

She laughs, "not exactly."

"Really?"

"I mean, I went out on a couple dates with a few guys but.."

"But what?"

She shakes her head, "none of them were you. Caleb, I have never ever met anyone like you."

"Maddie.. maybe I'll take your offer," I smile, "I think I'll stay here with you."

"Really?" She beams.

"Yeah," I smile widely and she does the same.

God, she's perfect.

"That's great. It doesn't have to be permanent..." she says.

I look at her for a moment, "what if I want it to be?"

"W-what?" She smiles, "what are you talking about?"

"Maddie," I start, shifting a little closer to her and taking her hand, "when you left me a few years ago, it really hurt me."

She looks at me sadly, "it really wasn't my intention. I never meant to hurt you, Caleb, I thought you would've been better off."

"I know," I say, "I know you meant well. I guess I kind of got used to you being gone but I was never the same after you left."

"I didn't want to leave you," she says, eyes watering a little.

"Hey, don't cry," I use my hand that isn't holding hers to wipe a tear that fell, "it's just that now that you're back here, it feels like you never left."

"Really?" She smiles.

"Yeah," I smile back, "and now that you're back, I don't think I can bear to lose you again."

"Well, now I'm here to stay," she says, "I love Nashville. I don't think I'll ever move. And being close to you is a perk," She laughs.

I laugh back and stare into her beautiful eyes as she stares back, "I can't lose you again, Maddie. I don't only want you, I need you. Always."

"Caleb..." she gives me a soft smile, "what are you saying? Are you asking me to date you again?"

"Not just that, Maddie. I want you to be mine. Permanently."

"Caleb?"

"Maddie, marry me."