748. Chapter 748

He knew something weird was going on when Maggie’s phone kept buzzing with texts that made her nod resolutely, but that she didn’t answer. That she didn’t grab her jacket, toss on her boots, slip him a twenty and tell him to order himself dinner and keep the doors locked, because she had to go out on call.

“Mags?” Adrian asked, after the fourth text buzzed in, and it set her pacing in one of Alex’s t-shirts, a pair of James’s old college shorts, and nothing else. “Everything okay? In the soon-to-be wife department?”

Because maybe they were fighting. Maybe they were having an argument and Alex wasn’t really filling out some last minute paperwork at the DEO; maybe they didn’t want to fight in front of him, because he was like their kid. And really, it was sweet, but Maggie was also his friend, and he wanted her to be able to talk to him.

“What?” Maggie’s eyes focused when he mentioned Alex, and she ran a hand through her hair and shook her head, laughing dryly. “With Alex?”

“Unless you have another woman you’re planning to marry, then yes, Alex.”

She rolled her eyes at him and shoved his shoulder lightly, and it made him feel better; that was more the Maggie he was used to.

“No, we’re great, kid. Really great. Just… just a lot of wedding planning.”

Adrian nodded and stroked his wispy stubble.

“Well, I know wedding planning can be straining on – “

“What are you, kid, my therapist? Alex and I. Are. Fine.” She tossed in a small tickle just under his slightly rolled-up binder for emphasis.

He giggled and swatted her hand away playfully. “Then what’s up? Because you’re acting all nervous and getting all those texts and – “

“They’re from Alex.”

Adrian nodded, waiting for her to go on.

“We’re not fighting, I promise. The wedding planning… it’s actually been really fun.” A small smile came over her eyes, and Adrian knew what that small smile was code for. He snapped his fingers.

“Maggie. No sex fantasies or fantasy memories in front of me, yeah?”

“Where’s your sex positivity, kid?”

“Maggie.”

“Adrian.”

They held each other’s eyes until they couldn’t any longer without hysterically laughing.

Which is exactly what Alex walked in on: Adrian and Maggie, doubled over, leaning into each other, both practically crying with laughter.

“So you asked him?” Alex beamed as she kicked off her shoes. “I’m so sorry I was so late, babe, like I texted, J’onn just needed – “

“Ask me what?” Adrian stopped laughing long enough to ask as Alex dipped to kiss Maggie hello.

“Seriously? In front of my salad?” Adrian rolled his eyes.

“No, I didn’t ask him,” Maggie nipped at Alex’s bottom lip just to make Alex swoon and Adrian groan.

“Do you want me to stay? Or a private moment? I can – “

But Maggie shook her head and grabbed Alex’s hand in one of hers, and Adrian’s with the other.

“Ade,” Maggie gulped, and Alex beamed and nodded her through it. “I lost my family when I was a kid. They didn’t… they didn’t want me. Because of who I am. You know that.”

“I know,” Adrian whispered softly, a guilty feeling stirring in his stomach because his parents were, unlike Maggie’s, absolutely brilliant.

“But then I came here, and I met you. And you… you’re my family, Adrian. The two of you, and then… the rather extensive family that comes with marrying a Danvers girl.”

They all shared a wet chuckle, and Adrian’s heart was racing, then, because he thought he knew what was coming. Tears stung his eyes, and he didn’t even try to suppress them.

“I always wanted a little brother. Growing up. And after my parents kicked me out, I used to… sometimes I used to fantasize that I actually had a brother, and that… that he would have stood up for me, that we could have lived together on our own… that he would have loved me. Actually loved me, real and deep and unconditional.”

Maggie squeezed Alex’s hand and let it go. Alex stepped back, her hands to her lips, smiling and trying not to cry audibly at the scene in front of her. Maggie took Adrian’s other hand in her now-free one.

“Adrian Rodriguez. Would you do me the honor of being my best man?”

Maggie’s voice shook along with Adrian’s entire body, waves and waves of emotion sweeping through them both.

There was a long pause, and both of their lips trembled as brown eyes stayed locked into brown.

“You’re not gonna get down on one knee and ask?” Adrian croaked, and Maggie scoffed. They both let tears trickle down their cheeks.

“Smartass.”

“I’d be honored to be your best man, Maggie Sawyer.”

Alex only joined in the hug when it looked like Adrian and Maggie were going to break each other’s ribs with happiness.

They all pretended they weren’t sniffling and drying their eyes when Adrian laughed to himself.

“What?” Alex grinned, because she thought she knew what was going on in the boy’s mind.

“I’m gonna plan you the sickest bachelorette party,” he bragged, ideas already swirling through his deliriously happy mind.