She’d hoped he would allay her fears. But he’d given her honesty at least. Brad and Becky definitely shouldn’t come home to this startling news on top of the anniversary they were all facing. Waiting a couple weeks made sense. They’d tell them before Maggie went back home.
“Maggie...” His gaze sharpened on her. “You’re not having second thoughts, are you? About us? Please don’t let what your mom said scare you off.”
“I’m not.” She gave a wan smile. “She knows just how to get to me, though.”
His thumbs swept her cheeks as he stared at her adoringly. “Don’t let her ruin this. We’re just getting started and I’m loving every minute. I think you are too.”
Her heart buckled. Until ten minutes ago Maggie couldn’t remember the last time she’d been so happy. He swept her away. “I am.”
His expression softened. “I don’t want to lose this. I don’t want to lose you.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then glanced toward the door. “Does she always bust right into your house like that?”
“Pretty much.” Though at home Maggie was more deliberate about locking the door for that very reason. She had no reason to do that here.
He drew away and took her hand. “Come sit down with me. Let me hold you awhile.”
“If you don’t mind, I think I just want to go to bed. I’m so exhausted all of a sudden.”
He squeezed her hand. “Of course.”
She walked him to the door, where he turned and gave her a soft, soothing kiss. “If you need to talk, call me, no matter the time.”
“Okay.”
Then he pressed one last kiss to her lips and slipped out the door, leaving Maggie alone with her thoughts.
Chapter 33
Maggie watched with pride as Keondre took another lap across the pool. His hands sliced rhythmically through the water as his legs propelled him forward in a long, lean line. He was already faster than he’d been at their first lesson. He was swimming as straight as an arrow and his sneaky breaths were nice and smooth.
Kyra came up beside her, offering a glass of lemonade.
“Thank you.” After standing in the August heat for almost an hour, she found the cold liquid welcome and refreshing. “Mmm. Very nice.”
“The key to good lemonade is simple syrup.”
“I’ll take your word for it.”
They watched Keondre turn at the far wall and begin another lap.
“I can’t believe how far he’s come with you in just a matter of weeks. We’re ecstatic with his progress.”
“He’s eager to learn. It’s a joy teaching such a coachable athlete.”
“His confidence has soared. He’s so sad you only have one more lesson together. We both are.”
“I am too.” Maggie also hated the thought of leaving—not only Keondre, but Erin and Josh and Seabrook. In all her efforts to avoid the island since Ethan’s death, she’d forgotten this was her home too. There were good memories here. Memories worth hanging on to.“He’ll be fine. I’ll give him some things to work on. He’ll make the team and he’ll learn a lot more from his coach.”
“Are you sure we can’t hide you away in our attic? We’ll take real good care of you.”
Maggie laughed. “Tempting. But I can’t afford to quit my day job.” Though the lessons had ended up being more lucrative than she’d imagined. She hadn’t planned on making any money this summer.
Kyra sipped her lemonade. “Pity.”
Ten minutes later, Maggie started her car and put the windows down to release the stuffy air. It was after one now. Keondre’s lesson was her third today—she’d grouped them together to make childcare more feasible.
Today she’d left Zoey with Sharon. Her neighbor’s granddaughter was visiting for the day, and the woman thought the girls might enjoy each other’s company.
Maggie had just been glad for something to do. Ever since she’d awakened this morning, she dreaded her mother’s phone call. Speaking of which...
