“I’m only doing what Dad would do if he was alive. He’d be asking Chase the same questions I am.”
Chase watched as the stiffness gradually left her shoulders, and after an awkward moment, Maisy nodded. “I know you mean well, but, Sean, this is completely unnecessary and extremely embarrassing.”
Turning around, with cheeks flushed, she offered Chase a weak smile. “I apologize for my brother and—”
Chase stopped her. “Sean was doing what any big brother would do.” He didn’t know that for a fact, as he’d never had a sister, but it sounded right.
The door opened again, and Patrick stepped outside, a mitt and a baseball in his hand. “Chase, do you want to toss a few balls before you go?” he asked, completely oblivious to the tension that surrounded them.
Before Chase could answer, Maisy said, “Sorry, sport, Chase was just about to head to the airport.”
“Okay, but next time stay longer, okay?”
“There probably won’t be a next time,” Sean said, and then gestured weakly when Maisy whirled around to confront him.
“But if there is,” Sean quickly added, “then maybe Chase could throw you a few balls.”
“Do you have time?” Patrick asked his big brother.
Sean ruffled the top of Patrick’s head. “Sure thing, kiddo.”
Patrick beamed with pleasure and skipped down the steps.
As Sean and Patrick left the porch, Maisy lowered her head. “I’m so sorry, Chase.”
“Don’t apologize.”
It looked as if Maisy was close to tears. She swallowed a few times and then cleared her throat before she offered him a weak smile. “You best not keep your driver waiting.”
This was her way of telling him she was ready for him to leave.
“It will be late by the time you land in Chicago,” she added, as if he needed incentive. “I can’t thank you enough for the lunch and the lovely afternoon.”
“It was one of the best days of my year, Maisy. I enjoyed every minute.”
She swallowed again, and when she spoke her voice was barely above a whisper. “I did, too, more than you know. Thank you again, Chase, and good-bye.”
She said it with such finality that it sounded as if she never expected to see or hear from him again.
Then, before he could stop her, she returned to the house and softly closed the door.
Chase had half a mind to follow her inside and assure her he had no intention of staying away, no matter what her brother had to say. He hesitated for a few moments, then headed down the porch steps. His mind swirled, reviewing his conversation with Sean.
It was growing dark as Chase approached the Town Car. The driver stepped out and opened the rear passenger door. As Chase climbed inside, he glanced back toward the house. Patrick had gone inside to finish his homework. The lights were on in thebedroom upstairs, and Chase wondered if that was Maisy’s room. In that moment he knew, no matter what anyone thought or said, he wouldn’t be able to stay away from Maisy Gallagher. She’d changed him far more than she knew. This evening had given him his first taste of what it meant to be part of a family. A real family.
—
Four hours later, when his plane landed, Chase had already devised a convenient excuse to see Maisy again, but all in good time. She’d been embarrassed and would need to sort through her feelings. While he was eager to prove himself, there was no reason to look overeager or, worse, desperate. He wanted to give Sean the impression that he’d taken his concerns seriously. However, Chase had every intention of spending more time with Maisy.
When his phone buzzed, he felt his heart soar, hoping it might be her. Wishful thinking on his part.
Instead, it was Astrid.
“Astrid, hello.” Hearing from her was unexpected. He was pleased they’d parted on amicable terms, which allowed him to feel comfortable about his interest in Maisy.
“What time is it there?” she asked. “I can never figure out the different time zones between us. Math was never my strong suit.”
“It’s late,” he said, and then asked, “Are you enjoying the cruise?”
