He nailed her with a look. “Because I couldn’t haveyou.”
“Well, I didn’t know that then.” The sheepish look on her face tugged at his heart.
“It’s okay. I guess it must’ve seemed like I had massive commitment issues.” He kissed her forehead as his laughter died off. “I did make my marriage work, for a while anyway. I really thought I might be able to make a life with Samantha. I did love her at one time, though not the same way I love you. It was... lovelite, I guess you could say. I hoped it would grow into more. Thought that as it did, my feelings for you would surely subside.
“But they never did and I felt terrible about that. I was swamped with guilt. First because Ethan was my brother and then because the woman I really loved wasn’t my wife. All that guilt caused me to put up walls with Samantha—took me a while to see that—and it caused a lot of insecurity on her end. Then she found out how I felt about you.” He shook his head. “There was no coming back from that.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“You couldn’t help how you felt, Josh. You kept it inside. You never acted on it.”
“Till a few years ago.” He gave a wry laugh, remembering the playful moment that turned serious on her living room couch. “That kiss rocked me back on my heels.”
“You and me both.”
“You didn’t admit it to me, though. You let me believe you were thinking of Ethan. And when we finally got together this summer—even though it wasn’t for long—I loved every minute of being with you. I always felt a little second best to Ethan, but this summer I thought if I could just haveyou, I could live with playing second fiddle to my brother where you’re concerned.”
Maggie’s eyes went glassy. “Oh, Josh, that’s not the case at all.”
“You don’t have to say that, honey. I know he’ll always be your first love.”
Maggie shook her head, an adamant look coming over her features. “You don’t understand. You’re not my second choice, Josh—you’re the first man to love me for who I truly am.”
He blinked, trying to absorb the words.
“Counseling has been very enlightening on several fronts. Among other things, I’ve learned I was afraid to be myself with Ethan—but never with you. I was myself with you and you loved me anyway. You have no idea how precious that is to me.”
Was that true? She seemed so certain. He wasn’t in competition with his brother: She would always love Ethan, as she should. But the revelation soothed some wounded part of him. “You’re perfect the way you are.”
“Perfect for you.” Her smile trembled. “Everything you’ve been through all these years... It must’ve been so hard for you. I hate that I caused you so much pain.”
His thumbs swept across her cheeks. “It was hard. But I’d go through it all over again if it ends with you in my arms. I love you, Maggie.”
“I love you too.” She brushed his lips with hers. “You’ve always been there for me, always loved me just the way I am, flaws and all. I’m yours, Josh, if you’ll have me.”
He took her mouth in a kiss that left no doubt about his answer. It betrayed all the love, all the passion he felt for her. He couldn’t believe she was finally his. He was never going to let her go.
When they broke apart, she beamed. “I haven’t even said hi to your family.”
“Might as well do that now.” He jerked his head toward the beach house, where his entire family gawked from the deck.
She burst out laughing. Gave a wave.
They whooped and hollered.
Owen jabbed his fist in the air. “Way to go, Uncle Josh!”
Josh laughed, taking her hand. “I think our private little interlude is officially over.”
Maggie fell in step beside him. “Just as well. Isn’t it about time you introduced me to your son?”
Epilogue
The gondola climbed slowly, the wheel lifting them above the fray. Above the shouts of carnies, the trill of a game, the squeals, and the peals of laughter. All of it faded as Maggie and Josh rose into the night. Off to the side waves rolled onto the beach with their steady rhythm, and the moon hung overhead, casting a silvery light on the water.
The May wind tugged at Maggie’s hair and she captured it in her hand. Leaned into Josh’s side, getting cozy. “It’s such a beautiful night.”
