“That depends on your answer.” I press another kiss to her lips. She kisses me back, her lips beckoning me on. I tease her mouth open, and she melts into me. All good signs.
“How about now?” she says, this time her voice slightly weaker. “All done?”
I nod, swallow, and wait for her to talk.
“I’m going to change my clothes?—”
“What for? You look hot.”
She smirks. “Well, I slept in these things. So, I’m changing anyway. You go upstairs. Gather up my family. I have something to share.”
I study her. Gather the family? I can’t imagine Maggie gathering her family to break my heart. She’s too kind.
“Okay,” I say. “I meant what I said.” I exhale. “We’re worth this.”
She breathes out a laugh. “I heard you. I believe you. Now, go.”
So, I find Gordon. I relay the message, and he gathers Hailey and Lindy while I get Wyatt.
“Do you think she’s buying a cat? Grandpa’s allergic, and now we have Nanners, but she still might be going for it.” Wyatt slips his hand into mine, and together we walk into the McCraes’ living room. “Or maybe she’s taking us all to Disneyland. I’ve never been, but Aunt Maggie said she’d take me one day, and Aunt Maggie never breaks promises.” He shakes my hand in his, his excitement growing. “Lucca! Maybe today is the day!”
Maybe todayisthe day. “I honestly hope so,” I tell him.
Hailey follows Wyatt and me in, then Maggie comes up the stairs. Jeans, T-shirt, and her hair falling in damp waves over her shoulders.
Dang, she’s beautiful.
“Family, Lucca,” she says, her hands clasped in front of her. “Sit. I have something I wanted to talk to all of you about.”
Surely, she isn’t breaking up withallof us. My friends are full of crap.
“Six months ago, I was offered a promotion.” Her eyes scan over each of us, lingering on me for twice as long as the rest. “I’m certified to ref in the major league, and six months ago, they came calling.” She swallows, her eyes again falling on me.
I move to the edge of my seat, unsure what’s happening here. Is Maggie moving? Maybe she is breaking up with all of us. And leaving town.
“At that time, I chose to turn it down. But now”—she licks her lips, staring at me and only me now—“I’ve changed my mind. I called the Professional Referee Organization, and theoffer still stands.” She pulls in a breath through her nose and exhales, slow and shaky.
“Yes!” Wyatt breaks the silence by pumping one fist in the air. No Disneyland, but he’s happy for his aunt. He is a sweet kid.
“If you aren’t all on board, I won’t accept.” With wide brown eyes, she scans her family. “It’s going to mean more work trips. And my schedule is going to be busier. I’ll have to accept more jobs. It means less time for me at home.” She stares at Lindy. “Someone will have to pick up my slack.”
“That’s okay,” her sister says with a grin. “I’m in.”
“Me, too,” Hailey says.
“So proud of you, darling,” Gordon tells her.
“And you?” she says, looking at me.
“This means…” I start, my heart pattering until I think it might explode.
Her chest rises with a deep breath. “It means I will no longer be affiliated with the minor league.”
I stand, certain that if I don’t, I’ll black out. I take one step toward her, not caring that the entire McCrae family watches me. “Which also means?—”
“Which also means,” she says, “Lucca Cruz, I am officially yours.”
I laugh, swooping in and wrapping my arms around her back. Picking her up, I hold her close and swing her around once. Maggie wraps her arms around my neck, and I tilt my head to hers, kissing her sweet lips.
