Chapter 45
Almost two weeks passed without word from Maggie. Then on the Thursday before Labor Day weekend, after his morning tour, Josh
checked his phone.
How are you? she’d texted.
He gave a wry laugh. Well, funny she should ask. He was pretty miserable in fact. He thought about her all the time. His arms
ached for her. His heart was broken. He’d written her a dozen texts only to delete them.
Also, the Charleston Yacht Club had already given that job to someone else. Yes, he’d checked. Because the thought of sticking
around here, seeing Maggie every time she brought Zoey to see the family, was something he’d sworn he was finished with.
He waved good-bye to the last guest, reboarded the vessel, and joined the crew in cleanup. He’d search for another job. Or
maybe move the Carolina Dream to another port and start over somewhere else. But he sure hated the thought of letting down Big D and his crew.
Will.
He felt a ping of guilt every time he saw the guy. Like now. His nephew was elbow deep in the greasy popcorn machine. Josh
would have to address that soon. But first he had to tell his family. And before that he needed to check in with Maggie, owner
of his heart.
He rolled his eyes at his melodrama, put down the broom, and whipped out his phone again.
Just friends. Just good ol’ Josh checking in on his sister-in-law. Doing okay. How’s school going?
After he sent the text, three dots appeared immediately. Josh waited, his heart skittering in his chest.
Her reply came seconds later. It’s going well.
When more dots appeared, Josh delayed his response.
Have you told your family yet?
I told you I’d wait awhile.
Go ahead. You shouldn’t put it off any longer.
He was feeling exactly the same. It was hard being around Will, being around his family when he held this bombshell. He’d
been avoiding his family because of his discomfort, but he could hardly dodge Will. Though he was only part-time now that
his classes were underway again. But the guy deserved to know the truth.
He reread Maggie’s text. Had she thought about how this might change things going forward? Sure you’re ready for that? We can put it off a bit longer.
Her reply was immediate: I’m sure.
Josh paused, thumbs hovering over the keyboard. How are you doing? Would she be more forthcoming than he would? Three dots appeared. But there was such a long pause that he almost grabbed the
broom again.
Then her reply appeared. I’ve been better. I’ve starting seeing Miss Allison again. Hoping to sort some things out.
Good. That was good. Between her mother and everything with Ethan, Maggie had had a lot to deal with. You’re stronger than you know.
Hope you’re right.
He was about to reply when she added, Gotta run. Time for my next class.
Chat later , he replied.
But would they? Once he told his family and Will, the boy would likely become a part of family gatherings. Would Maggie want
to be around him? Wouldn’t he be a constant reminder of Ethan’s infidelity?
Josh stuck his phone in his pocket and grabbed the broom. Will was still cleaning the popcorn machine, blissfully unaware
his life was about to change.
Josh had considered approaching Will’s mother first, but Will was nineteen and a legal adult. Plus she hadn’t exactly been
receptive to Maggie, which made it pretty clear she didn’t want her son to know the truth. She wouldn’t welcome their intrusion
into Will’s life. But he had a right to know who his biological father was.
But first... Josh’s family. How would they react to the news that their golden child had apparently cheated on Maggie?
They would undoubtedly find it hard to believe at first, just as he and Maggie had. But once presented with the evidence,
how could they deny it?
The weekend was full up with tours, being the last weekend of high season. But there were no tours on Labor Day, when Mom
and Dad were having the family over for their annual picnic.
He would tell them then.