When she lifted her eyes, Jennifer beamed. “Okay, I’m prepared to be wowed.” She took a bite of the Italian bake and moaned. “This is so good.”
“Thanks.” Maggie tasted it herself. “I’m not sure I’m putting this one in the book. It might just be mine.”
“For your family,” Jennifer added.
“Yeah.” Agreeing, as if she and Cash were going to stay together forever and have children and settle into this beautiful house and all that that entailed. It might not be. But it might. “And I made it for you because I wanted to thank you for your sage advice in the produce aisle.”
Jennifer eyes went wide as she tried to chew faster so she could talk. “What advice?” She choked and had to take a drink.
Maggie laughed. “Careful there.”
Jennifer drank again, rolling her hand for Maggie to continue.
“About forgiving things.” She speared a piece of sausage but didn’t eat it.
“Who did you have to forgive? If you don’t mind my asking. Honestly, I’m a curious person, which makes for a great reporter, but sometimes a nosy friend. At least you can trust that I won’t broadcast this.” She locked her lips. “What’s said in the trailer stays in the trailer. Or you can tell me it’s none of my business.”
“It’s fine. When Cash and I dated before, he broke up with me out of the blue and broke my heart. One day we were kissing and making plans for the weekend, and the next he told me he never wanted to see me again. I tried to talk to him, but he told me to quit stalking him—in front of a lot of people. Then I was humiliatedandhurt.” She paused to take a drink. “I’d given him my heart, and he stomped all over it.”
“Oh my gosh—why did you marry him?”
Maggie laughed. “I’m finding that there is a difference between the boy and the man. He’s changed in so many good ways.”
Jennifer frowned. “But—and no offense—but forgiving him didn’t mean you had to jump back into a potentially hurtful situation.”
“I know. I had other reasons. And I haven’t regretted it.”
Jennifer’s brow furrowed. “I just have to say that I’m here. Okay? I’m rooting for you guys, but if you need me …”
“Thanks.” Maggie patted her arm. “That means the world to me.”
They each took a bite and chewed.
“So how’s work?” asked Maggie.
Jennifer rolled her eyes. “Nothing ever happens in this town. I’m dying to get a good story, and all I find are fluff pieces.”
“Why are you here, then? Not that I’m complaining …”
“I can’t jump from grad school to CNN, ya know? I gotta pay my dues.” She snapped her fingers as if sayingshucks. “I’ll get there, though. One day.”
“I don’t doubt it.” Maggie grinned. Having a friend over for dinner made Moose Creek feel all the more like home. She could see herself settling in, making a family. Cash might have grown up and said he wanted kids, but was that a general “kids would be fun” comment, or was it more of an “I’d like to get started ASAP”?
That wasn’t a conversation she’d felt they could approach when they were still in thisjust trying it outstage. She had some hope, though. Maybe one day they’d get there. He just had to finish the house, and she had a book to write. That was all …
Chapter 18
Cash was working late on the dining room addition when his phone dinged.
Maggie: I’m going to dinner with Jennifer. Have a great night.
He stared at the text for a moment, wishing he could tag along. The two of them were spending a lot of time together this week. Not that that was a bad thing. He just missed his wife.
Cash: Have fun.
Maggie: We will. ;)
Tucking his phone away, he got back to measuring the piece of sheetrock leaning up against the wall. He’d sent his crew home at quitting time and worked alone. Anything he could get done today would get them that much further ahead for the next day.
