But she needed to know if what he felt for her was real.
He gave Emily a high five. She gave him back a kiss on the cheek that put a big grin on his face. “Hey, Ninja Princess.”
Stephen just watched him then sighed.
And just like that, as if they were still married, he annoyed her.
“Come on, Emily. Let’s give your mom and Reggie some talking time. We’ll go in my office and learn more about the planets. I just got a terrific atlas of the universe with great pictures. You can ask any questions you want.”
They left together, closing themselves in Stephen’s office.
Maggie watched Reggie straighten. He looked tired and unhappy but hopeful.
“I want to apologize,” he began, “not for helping Amy, but for not taking your feelings into account. It was selfish, and I’m sorry.”
She nodded, liking how this was going.
“I am who I am, Maggie. I help people. And I like helping people. I liked helping you.” He stepped closer. “But that’s not why I love you.”
“Well, then, why do you?” She sniffed. “I’m not tall and willowy with super pretty hair and legs to here.” She put a hand above her head. “I can’t be a stand-in for Amy.”
“You aren’t.”
“How do I know that? You couldn’t even get her to leave.”
“I was making that happen when you arrived. And though I wouldn’t have put my hands on her to get her ass out, the way you did…” He paused for a brief grin. “I would have handled it.”
“Yeah? How?”
“Two words. Nadia and Lisa.”
“I…oh.”
“Yep. You think you were tough on her? Imagine either of my sisters, who can’t stand her, escorting her to the door.” He snorted. “Nadia would have put Amy’s head through the wall on the way out.”
“I can see that happening.” Frankly, she’dliketo see that happen.
“Amy isn’t a bad person. I’m not making excuses for her. She’s weak. I know that. I also realize that just because I’m strong doesn’t mean I should involve myself in everyone’s problems. But I know you, Maggie. There’s no way you would have turned a little girl away, knowing her mother couldn’t care for her.”
“But she’s back with Amy now.”
“No. Amy’s parents are trying to get custody of Rachel. And if they can’t work it, maybe her sister can help. But it’s their problem to handle. Not mine.”
She huffed. “Reggie, I wasn’t asking you to not help a child in need. I was upset because you let yourself be used. And you liked it.”
He tilted his head. “I did. I admit it. That’s part of what makes me tick—being needed. Is that so bad?”
“No, unless that’s the only thing attracting you to me.” She teared up again, damn it. “It isn’t, is it?” She hoped against hope that wasn’t true.
“Oh, Maggie.” He stepped close and hugged her, and everything felt right again. “I love you for you. You’re the only person I’ve ever been with who’s stood up for me. And I’m not talking about my family and friends. You make me whole, baby. I was jealous when I thought of you with Stephen. But I never worried you’d cheat on me. I trust you completely, and I don’t say that about many people. Even with Amy, I never really trusted her, even before she hurt me, deeply. Emotional wounds take longer to heal.”
“I know.” She looked up at him. “Are you sure you want me? I’m going to be healed in another few weeks, you know.”
“But you’re still short, so you’ll still need me to grab the vase from the top shelf.”
“Funny.” But she needed to know. “Why, Reggie? Why did you let Amy step all over you? Why do I worry you’ll do that again? You seem to have no problem arguing withme.Heck, we’ve argued with each other a bunch of times.”
“Because I know you’re strong.” He sighed. “I should probably get counseling.”
