My Best Friends Wedding

Gentleman?

I waited to hear a response, but my confession only made her cry harder. Sighing deeply I held her tight and let her cry. She slowly pulled back and wiped her tears with the back of her hand

"Sorry" she mumbled

I took her hand, squeezing it lightly and smiled watching her.

"No, I'm sorry Maddy. This isn't what I wanted. It's never been what I wanted. I always thought you were better off without me. You're all I've ever wanted Madison, but you're too good for me. You don't belong with me...I must have told myself that a thousand times. No matter how many times I tried to push you away or hurt you on purpose you always stayed. I used to think you were stupid for loving me so much. There's just no way that anyone could ever love me that much, but you do. I don't even know why. All I know is you're all I think about. I'm in love with you Madison. I always have been."

Lightly I tugged at her hand pulling her closer and kissed her softly. She put her hands against my chest, pushed me back and walked down to the creek with her arms crossed in front of her chest. She stood watching the water as I watched her. Quietly I walked up behind her and wrapped my arms around her shoulders.

Maddy's POV

Why me? I thought to myself standing here staring at the water. Why now?  I'd waited YEARS to hear him say those things to me and he chooses now when things are more complicated then ever. There was no way I was going to just be able to up and walk away from Rick. He thinks I can, but I just can't. Some stupid part of me does love Rick and while things were rocky before Jon came back, they're worse now. If he would just...leave...but the truth is I didn't want him to.

My heart was pounding in my ears. I couldn't make a decision. I was scared, but feeling desperate to hold onto this moment. I knew if I walked away I'd never have this again, and things would go back the way they were. I leaned back against his chest and half smiled watching the water. I just wanted to stand here and soak it all up. I felt so safe and happy in his arms. It made all of the problems and stress just melt away. I loved him so much and always have, but things were just so complicated.

"Maddy?" he whispered

I shook my head and closed my eyes "Please don't. Can we just stay like this for a while?"

He didn't say anything. He sighed and held me tighter. I felt him kiss my hair and rest his chin on top of my head. With a sigh I relaxed into his embrace as we stood in silence for a long time.

"Jon?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"Earlier. For what I said....everything. All of it is my fault. Things are....complicated. I never meant any of it. I'm sorry for hurting your feelings and for hiding Carly and....just everything."

He squeezed me slightly and pulled away turning me around to face him. I looked into his blue eyes and smiled as he smiled back.

"I'm hungry. Lets go eat"

He turned and walked away towards his car. Confused I watched for a second and smiled following him

"Excuse me!! I was trying to apologize and all you can think about is food??"

"Yeah. It's late. I want dinner" he said with a laugh

I tripped walking up the small hill and fell. He paused and turned watching me and laughed hard. I picked up a small rock and threw it at him and pouted.

"The least you could do is get your ass back down here and help me up. That would be the gentleman thing to do"

He walked back to me and stood there with his arms crossed smirking. I glared at him trying not to laugh.

"Who said I was a gentleman?"

Finally he held out his hand and I grabbed it as he helped me to my feet. I playfully pushed him and brushed the dust and dirt from my jeans

"Jerk"

I muttered as I marched to the car and stood by the passenger door. He smirked and walked back to me.

"I knew my Madison was in there somewhere."

I looked down and half smiled. Jon stepped towards me, lifted my chin and leaned in and kissed me. I smiled and kissed back mumbling against his lips

"I love you"