“He didn’t mean to make me sad. Sometimes it’s nobody’s fault.”
Zoey’s brows furrowed as they stepped up onto the curb and headed toward the playground. “Like when Swishy died? That made me very sad and it wasn’t my fault.”
“That’s right. Goldfish die sometimes. It was nobody’s fault.”
Zoey tugged Maggie to a stop in the grass and held her arms up.
Maggie picked her up and Zoey wrapped her arms around Maggie, squeezing her in a hug. “Feel better now, Mommy?”
Josh met Maggie’s gaze, finding her eyes wet with tears.
“So much better, honey. Thank you. I love your hugs.”
A moment later Zoey wiggled free and Maggie set her down. The girl ran toward the playground, her little legs eating up the distance.
“Uncle Josh! Come push me high on the swings!”
Chapter 14
Maggie’s heart was heavy after the trip to Rock Hill. It was difficult to act as if everything was okay. Finding out the truth had triggered those old feelings of loss and anger. A part of her felt abandoned by Ethan all over again. It didn’t make sense, but there it was.
So over the next week and a half, Maggie focused on establishing a routine. Their arrival had been so disrupted by that random sighting of Ethan’s twin that they hadn’t had a chance to settle in.
In the mornings they ate a healthy breakfast, got ready, and took a walk on the beach. Zoey collected shells, asked a million questions, dodged waves, and petted every friendly dog they passed. During their walks Maggie also shared random facts about Zoey’s father: his favorite childhood book (The Foot Book), his insatiable curiosity, his ability to remember just about everything he read. Sometimes Maggie shared a brief memory or two. After their walk they worked on Zoey’s numbers and letters, then she played while Maggie piddled around the house. Then came lunch.
Afternoons were usually spent on the beach. Sometimes Erin and the kids joined them. Wednesday and Fridays were for swimming lessons with Mia and poolside chats while the cousins played.
But even as she went through the motions, she feared her joywould never be restored. That all her work toward healing had been in vain. But about a week after their return, Maggie found herself climbing out of that mire of despair and hopelessness. She still had her beautiful daughter and a summer at the beach. She wouldn’t waste it rehashing her grief.
Josh checked in regularly via text. He came over the following Sunday and had dinner with them. His sidelong looks betrayed his concern. But they watched a movie with Zoey and shared some laughter, and by the time he left, Maggie was in a better place.
Then the Fourth of July was upon them. June seemed to have vanished like vapor. Early in the morning Maggie staked out a spot on the beach. Erin and her family were coming over later and so was Josh. The group would grill burgers, then they’d watch the fireworks from the beach. Zoey was beyond excited to see the “firelights” and hear the big booms.
Erin arrived first, juggling three sacks of groceries. “Figured I might as well shuck the corn over here.”
“Come on in.” Maggie helped her with the bags, then covered the pot of boiling eggs and set the timer.
“Aunt Erin!” Zoey threw her arms around her aunt’s legs as if she hadn’t seen her just two days ago. “Where’s Mia?”
“She’s coming later with Uncle Patrick and Owen. Wanna help me shuck corn?”
Zoey tilted her head, wrinkling her nose.“What?”
Erin laughed. “Oh, you’re gonna love this. We’ll do it on the deck so we can keep the mess outside.”
“I’ll join you while the eggs are cooking.” Maggie grabbed the trash can and followed the two outside.
Erin set down the sack of corn and settled in one of the chairs. “I can’t wait to have your deviled eggs again.”
Maggie’s eggs, topped with candied bacon, were a hit with the whole Reynolds family. “I’m more than happy to send you the recipe.”
“I’d rather you keep making them for me.” She handed Zoey a corncob and demonstrated how to peel away the layers.
Zoey took right to the task. When she got down to the corn silk, she held up the ear. “Look, Mommy, it has hair.”
“It sure does. But we don’t want to eat that part, so we have to pull it off like this.” Maggie demonstrated.
Zoey followed suit but soon gave up on the tedious task, leaving the ear covered in corn silk when she set it in the finished pile.
