Page 126 of My Favorite Boss

I pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Let’s go.”

Magnolia was asleep when my phone vibrated on my bedside table. Hedgy looked at me, blinking and sleepy, then padded to her pillow, curling back up as if he knew he needed to move. I slipped from bed, already knowing what I would be told when I answered. I had given my number to the head nurse, asking to be contacted in the night if need be.

A few moments later, I stared down at Magnolia, finally asleep, although not resting well. Her brow was furrowed, and her hand clutched the pillow tightly, as if warding off bad dreams. The worst of which was about to come true when I woke her up and told her that her father had passed a short while ago. Peacefully and in his sleep, the nurse assured me. I doubted that would be much comfort to the woman in my bed. I’d had the strangest feeling while we were at the hospital and he was so clear. It was as if he knew it and was saying a final goodbye to the girl he loved so deeply. I crouched beside the bed, reaching out to stroke Magnolia’s hair, surprised to see her dark eyes open and staring at me.

“Hey,” I whispered, pushing her hair from her face.

Tears filled her eyes. “He’s gone, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, Maggie darling. He is.”

She sat up, and I wrapped her in my arms.

“I knew it. He was saying goodbye earlier.”

“I think so.”

“He needed to be sure I was being looked after.” She shuddered. “He was tired.”

“I know, baby,” I murmured, having no idea how to comfort her or what to say. I had little experience with death and grieving. I had been a child when my dad died and had lost my grandmother much earlier. I recall missing them, but not the feeling of adult grief. The understanding that came with the knowledge of losing someone you loved.

“I have to make arrangements.”

“I’ll help you.”

She turned her head to my chest and began to cry. Quiet, subdued tears, unlike the ones earlier.

Somehow, these tears hurt me more.

I held her tight. “I have you, Magnolia. I won’t let go.”

And I meant it.

The following Monday, I faced her in the bedroom. “It’s too soon.”

Magnolia shook her head. “I want to come back to work. I’m going crazy sitting around.”

“Maggie darling⁠—”

She cut me off. “You need me at the office. I need to be busy. I’m coming with you today.”

I stared at her in wonder. She’d been so strong. I’d helped her arrange a small celebration of life for her dad. There had been a good turnout. Many from the office came and paid their respects. Sam came, as did Rylee, and I noticed the friction between them, even though they were polite and stayed away from each other. I met her small group of friends. Many of Dan’s friends, who were still alive and able to, had come and shared stories. She laughed as much as she cried. Smiled and shared her own stories. It was touching to watch.

I had all his things boxed up and sent to the condo, ready for when she wanted to sort through them. And then she grieved. Privately, quietly.

Now, she wanted to start living again.

And if I was being honest, I wanted that as well. I missed her desperately in the office. Her smile and teasing. The way she had of keeping me in line. I missed hearing her laughter. I knew she went to her apartment at times, no doubt reliving memories.

“If you’re sure,” I agreed. “But if it’s too much, you can come home.”

She smiled. “Really, Bane. I’m sure the people in the temp office will rejoice. I heard you’re driving them crazy. You’ve gone through the lot of them. Twice.”

“I have been on my best behavior.”

She smiled. A real smile that showed her amusement. “Not what I’ve been told, but whatever lets you sleep at night.”

I held out my hand. “Let’s go, then.”