#laugher

The Texas sun beat down on my face as I skipped down the Cooper's driveway, a Tupperware container filled with Mama Y/l/n's famous chocolate chip cookies clutched in my hands. Mary Cooper always raved about them, and honestly, I was just looking for an excuse to see Georgie.

Ever since we’d started spending more time together after meeting through Sheldon’s insistence on chess club ("to broaden my social horizons," he'd declared), I couldn't deny the fluttery feeling I got whenever Georgie flashed that goofy grin my way. He was a whirlwind of Texas charm, all big hair and bigger dreams, and he somehow managed to make even the most mundane tasks feel like an adventure.

The screen door slammed open as I reached the porch, and there he was, leaning against the frame with that lopsided smile that always made my heart skip a beat.

"Well look what the cat dragged in," Georgie drawled, pushing off the doorframe and strolling towards me. "Brought reinforcements, I see." He gestured to the Tupperware with a playful smirk.

"Only the best for my favorite family," I replied, offering him the container. "These are fresh out of the oven!"

His fingers brushed mine as he took the cookies, sending a shiver up my spine. "You know the way to my heart, Y/n. Besides, I'm pretty sure you're everyone's favorite."

"Now, Georgie," Mary said, poking her head out the doorway, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Don't go filling her head with nonsense. She's sweet enough as it is."

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Cooper!" I chirped. "How are you?"

"Just peachy, dear. Come on in, Y/n. Sheldon's trying to explain the intricacies of string theory to Meemaw again, and I could use the company."

I followed them inside, the familiar scent of laundry detergent and pot roast filling the air. The Cooper house always felt like a warm hug, even when Sheldon was launching into one of his lectures. Meemaw, bless her heart, was slumped in her recliner, eyes glazed over as Sheldon gesticulated wildly with a piece of chalk. "String Theory, huh?" I asked, perching on the arm of the sofa next to her.

"Sounds...complicated."

She blinked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Honey, anything Sheldon talks about is complicated. But don't tell him I said that."

Georgie winked at me as he snagged a cookie from the container and plopped down beside me. "Don't worry, Meemaw. We won't tell him. He's too busy trying to unravel the mysteries of the universe."

The afternoon passed in a flurry of comfortable chaos. Mary steered us into a rousing game of Scrabble, which I managed to win thanks to a lucky seven-letter word. Georgie kept trying to distract me with silly jokes and playful nudges, making me giggle so hard I almost choked on my iced tea. Later, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Georgie walked me to my car. "Thanks for the cookies, Y/n. They were a hit."

"Anytime, Georgie," I said, fiddling with the strap of my purse. "I really enjoy spending time with all of you. You're all so kind and welcoming."

He stopped me with a hand on my arm, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "We like having you around too, Y/n. You bring a little sunshine wherever you go."

My cheeks flushed crimson. "Oh, stop it," I mumbled, looking down at my feet. "You're just saying that."

He chuckled, gently lifting my chin so I met his gaze. "Am I? Or am I saying what I really think?" His voice was soft, a little husky, and it sent shivers down my spine.

I didn't know what to say. He was standing so close, his warmth radiating towards me, and I could feel my heart hammering in my chest. I’d definitely thought about what it would be like if we were more than friends, but I never thought it would ever happen. Before I could stammer out a response, he leaned in closer, his gaze lingering on my lips. My breath hitched in my throat. Was he going to kiss me?

Suddenly, the front door burst open, and Sheldon came bounding out, brandishing a notebook. "Georgie! I need your opinion on this new equation I've devised! It's crucial for my understanding of-"

He stopped short, his eyes widening as he took in our proximity. "What is going on here?"

Georgie groaned, stepping back and running a hand through his hair. "Nothing, Sheldon. Just saying goodbye to Y/n."

"Goodbye?" Sheldon's brow furrowed. "But it's not even 7:30 pm yet. Scientific studies have consistently shown that optimal social interaction should last at least until 8:00 pm."

I couldn't help but giggle at his obliviousness. "It's okay, Sheldon. I have to get going. But thank you for making my day. I will see you next week, okay?"

"Very well," said Sheldon. "I suppose I can tolerate your absence for a mere few days. Though my disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined."

I offered him a sweet smile. "I'll make it up to you next week, I promise."

I quickly waved goodbye to Georgie and hopped into my car, my mind still reeling from the almost-kiss. As I drove away, I couldn’t help but smile like an idiot to myself. Georgie Cooper was definitely making my life a whole lot more interesting.

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of flirting, teasing, and stolen glances. Georgie started finding excuses to call me, whether it was to ask for help with his history homework (which, let's be honest, he could have easily done himself) or just to chat about the latest episode of Dallas.

He even started showing up at my work, a small flower shop downtown, with a goofy grin and an even goofier excuse. "Just wanted to see if you needed any help arranging those roses, Y/n. You know, I'm something of a flower whisperer myself."

My co-workers were not fooled. They'd giggle and nudge each other whenever he was around, whispering about how cute we were together. Even Mrs. Davis, our notoriously grumpy boss, seemed to soften whenever Georgie was in the shop.

One Saturday, Georgie invited me to the lake with his family. It was a perfect summer day, the sun shining bright and the water sparkling like diamonds. We spent the afternoon swimming, laughing, and eating hot dogs, and I felt like I was truly part of the Cooper clan.

Even Missy, who could be brutally honest, seemed to approve of me. She even pulled me aside at one point and whispered, "You're good for him, Y/n. He's a big goofball, but he's got a good heart. Don't let him mess it up."

As the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Georgie and I found ourselves alone on the dock, dangling our feet in the cool water. "Today was fun," I said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Are you kidding? It wouldn’t be fun without you, I had a great time." He turned to me, his eyes shining in the fading light. "Y/n, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a while now."

My heart skipped a beat. Here it comes, I thought.

"I, uh," he stammered, his usual confidence faltering. "I think you're really special. And not just because you bring the best cookies to the Cooper house. After all, cookies are a very close second. I, well…”

I bit my lip, trying to contain my excitement. "Georgie, what are you trying to say?"

He took a deep breath and reached for my hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. "Y/n, I think I'm falling for you."

My breath caught in my throat. "You are?"

I looked up at him and mustered the courage to return his confession. "I think I'm falling for you too."

A grin spread across his face, and he squeezed my hand tightly. "Really? You're not just saying that to be nice?"

"No, Georgie," I said, shaking my head. "I mean it. I really, really like you."

He leaned in, his face inches from mine, and this time, there was no Sheldon to interrupt us. His lips were soft and warm, and the kiss was sweet and tentative, like a promise of something more to come.

When we finally pulled apart, breathless and flushed, I rested my forehead against his shoulder. "So, does this mean we're officially dating?"

He chuckled, wrapping his arms around me. "Only if you promise to keep bringing those cookies."

I laughed, burying my face in his neck. "Deal. But only if you promise to keep making me laugh."

"That, I can definitely do," he said, pulling me closer. "I'm pretty sure I'm the funniest guy you know."

I smiled, contentment washing over me. Georgie Cooper might be a bit of a goofball, but he was my goofball, and I wouldn't have it any other way. He made me laugh, he made me feel loved, and he made even the most ordinary days feel extraordinary.