14. Maggie
MAGGIE
“You were right.”
“Right about what?”
“We weren’t quiet.” Ronin walked over and placed a glass of water on the bedside table. “I’m pretty sure Nathan heard us.”
“Oh God, nooo,” I groaned. “What did he say?”
“Nothing. He just gave me a look.”
“A look? That’s it?” I was grasping for any shred of hope when I said, “Maybe he didn’t hear anything. Maybe it was something else.”
“He knows, babe. You’re just gonna have to trust me on that.”
“Damn. Did you say anything to him?”
“I was going to, but he closed the door before I got the chance. I could go try again.”
“No, I’ll do it.”
I started for the door but stopped when Ronin said, “Hold up. You might wanna give him a little while before you go in there.”
“You think?”
“If I was in his shoes, I’d need a minute.”
“How long is a minute? Later tonight? Tomorrow?”
“A month or two should do the trick,” he teased.
“Ronin!”
“Give him a day or so when it’s just you and him. And hey, I might be wrong. He might not have heard anything. He could be pissed that I ate his fortune cookie.”
“You ate his fortune cookie?”
“I was still hungry.”
“But the fortune cookie is the best part!”
“Yeah, I know. That’s why I ate it,” he teased. “I mean, if you don’t want me eating his cookies, then you best be gettin’ me some more snacks around here and get some good ones. None of those off-brand Twinkies like you got Samantha. Poor kid. Don’t know how she could choke those down.”
“They aren’t that bad.”
“They are. And those fake Oreos are pretty awful, too.”
“You’re a snack snob. I can’t believe I’m just finding that out.”
“I don’t know what to tell ya.” A sexy smirk crossed his face as he stepped over to me and slipped his arms around my waist. “I like what I like.”
“Um-hmm.”
“It’s true. And just so you know, you’re the best snack of them all.” He leaned down and trailed kisses along the crook of my neck. “And I keep wanting more and more, and I gotta tell ya. A night here and there just isn’t enough.”
“So, what do you wanna do about it?”
“I was thinking maybe you and the kids could come stay with me this weekend?”
“At your house?”
“Yeah, why not?” Ronin actually sounded excited as he said, “The kids would love it. I’m right on the water, and there’s plenty to do. We could grill out. Build a fire. Maybe take the kids sledding, and on Sunday, we can go to the clubhouse for family day.”
“That sounds pretty great. I’ll talk to the kids and see what they think.””
“Just let me know.” He glanced over at the clock before saying, “It’s getting pretty late.”
Ronin had stayed over several times but never when the kids were there. Even though things were going well, it was too soon, but that didn’t mean I didn’t want him to stay. I did, which is why I wrapped my arms around his neck and said, “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
“Yeah, me, too. More than you know, but we’ll give things a test run this weekend. I have plenty of room. We won’t have to worry about any big ears or ex-husbands driving by.”
“This weekend visit is sounding better all the time.”
“Good. Then, my plan is working.”
He gave me a wink, then took my hand and led me out of the room. When we reached the front door, he stopped and said, “Don’t forget I’ll be out of pocket tomorrow.”
“When do you think you’ll get back?”
“Can’t say for sure, but I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
Ronin reached up and gently cupped my face, then leaned in and pressed his lips to mine.
His touch was both tender and affectionate as he kissed me good night.
He lingered for a moment, then said one last goodbye before heading home.
He’d barely made it out of the driveway when I found myself missing him and wishing he could stay.
I locked up then headed back to my room.
When I passed Nathan’s room, I thought about what Ronin had said about giving him some time, but my motherly instincts told me something different.
So, I tapped on his door and eased it open.
He was sitting on his bed, playing his video game and hadn’t even noticed I’d walked in until I stepped in front of the TV.
He removed his headphones as he said, “What?”
“Can we talk for a minute?”
“About what?”
“Earlier.” I took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to ease his mind. “And what you might’ve heard.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I couldn’t tell if he was telling the truth and was completely oblivious or if he was just too embarrassed to talk about it—which was completely understandable.
Hearing what he did had to have been quite a shock.
It definitely shocked Ronin when he walked out of my room and found Nathan in the hall.
I needed to try and smooth things over, so I walked over and sat down on the edge of his bed. "You didn’t hear anything tonight?”
“Nooo.” His brows furrowed. “What would I have heard?”
“Umm, nothing,” I quickly back pedaled. “I was just talking with Ronin and thought...”
“Thought what?”
“He seemed to think you were upset with him.”
“I was,” he huffed. “He ate all the fortune cookies and the last Twinkie!.”
“I can buy more snacks.”
“Well, if you do, you better hide ‘em or they’re as good as gone.”
Since I’d opened the door, I figured it was as good a time as any to say, “You know how I've been spending a good bit of time with Ronin, and I really like him a lot.”
"Yeah, Mom. I know, and it’s cool.” Nathan shrugged. “Ronin’s a good dude.”
"Are you sure about that? Because I don’t want you to think that I’ve forgotten about you or Samantha." I reached over and put my hand on his knee. "I love you and your sister so much. You guys mean the world to me, and I wouldn’t ever want to do anything to hurt you or make you unhappy.”
Nathan had grown up so much over the past year. He was taller, more mature, and reserved, but he was still the same sweet kid he’d always been. He pondered for a moment, then shrugged and said, "Mom, it’s really not that deep. If he makes you happy, then we’re happy.”
“Nathan.”
“I mean it, Mom. It’s cool.””
I reached over and wrapped my arms around him, hugging him tightly. "I love you more than you could possibly know.”
“I love you, too.”
“Since you’re good with everything, Ronin has invited us to come spend the weekend out at his house. He lives out at the coast, and he said we could grill out and make a fire. Maybe go sledding.”
“Yeah, that sounds awesome.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah, I just have one favor.” His face twisted into a grimace. “If you were talking about what I think you were talking about, don’t be doing that where we can hear or whatever.”
“Yeah, I can do that.”
“Good. Then, we’re golden.”
I chuckled, grateful for my precious son. “You know if you are ever worried or....”
“Yeah, I know.” He motioned his head over to his TV. “Can I get back to my game now?”
“Yeah, go ahead, but don’t stay up too late. Since you’re out of school tomorrow, we’re going to go see your grandparents.”
“Oh, man. Do we have to?”
“Yes, we have to go. They haven’t seen you in weeks, and they’re really looking forward to seeing you. And I hate to break it to you, but you’re gonna need to take a shower before we go. Either tonight or in the morning.”
“Oh, man. Now, you’re just being extra.”
“I don’t want you going to grandparents with the funk, Nathan.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll take a stupid shower.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear.” I stood up and gave him a quick kiss on the forehead. “Goodnight, sweetie.”
“Night, Mom.”
I left his room and went to check in on Samantha.
To my surprise, she was already in bed and sound asleep.
I walked over and tucked her in. After I gave her a quick kiss goodnight, I went to my room and got ready for bed.
I’d just gotten into my PJs when the Imperial March from Star Wars ringtone started playing on my phone, and I immediately groaned.
It was the one I’d chosen for Chad, and I cringed every time I heard it. I grabbed my phone from the bedside table and checked the message:
Chad:
I want to take Nathan hunting this weekend.
Me:
It’s my weekend.
Chad:
I know, but we were invited in on a big hunt.
He will want to go.
Me:
I’ll talk to him, but we already have plans.
Chad:
What plans?
Me:
I’ll talk to Nathan and get back to you.
Chad:
I miss you.
Me:
Don’t.
Chad:
But I do.
We had a good thing.
We can again.
Me:
It’s not going to happen. You need to stop.
Chad:
I’m not giving up on us.
Me:
Goodbye, Chad.
I tossed my phone back on the nightstand and collapsed into bed. I was exhausted, but I couldn’t stop thinking about Chad and his stupid messages. I was growing very tired of his nonsense, and I wasn’t sure how to make him stop. It was a thought that weighed on my mind as I drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I got up early and took a quick shower.
Once I was dressed, I woke the kids, and twenty minutes later, we were in the car and headed to my parents.
I hadn’t gotten far when the nerves started to kick in.
I hadn’t had the chance to tell them about Ronin, and I wasn’t sure how they would take the news, especially my mother.
She got me better than anyone, and while I knew she would want me to be happy, she hadn’t forgotten how hard it was for me to get over what happened with Chad.
Those wounds ran deep, and being the protective mother she was, she wouldn’t want me to get hurt again—not when I was finally getting back on my feet.
I didn’t either. In fact, it was the last thing I wanted and one of the many reasons why I hadn’t let myself get too carried away with him. I would let myself like him a lot, but I wouldn’t give him my heart until I knew for certain that he would take care of it.
As soon we got to the house, I parked the car, took a deep breath, and turned to the kids.
"Okay, guys, we're here. Now remember, you haven’t seen your grandparents for several weeks. They’ve missed you and will want to spend some time with you.
So, hang around and talk to them for a bit.
And keep the phone time down to a minimum. Just while we’re here.”
Nathan and Samantha exchanged annoyed glances, then grumbled, “Yes, ma’am.”
I opened the car door, and together, we walked up the path to the front door.
As soon as we stepped onto the porch, the door opened, and Mom and Dad welcomed the kids with warm hugs and smiles.
Once she’d hugged them both, Mom turned her attention to me.
She was squeezing me tightly as she said, “Oh, my goodness. It’s been too long. ”
“It’s just been a couple of weeks.”
“That’s too long,” she fussed. “We’re old. We need to see our sweet babies as often as possible.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Please do.” Mom motioned us all inside as she teased, “Now, get in here and tell me what’s been going on with you all.”
We followed her inside, and I was immediately hit with the familiar scent of vanilla and lavender—Mom’s favorite scent.
She and Dad guided Nathan and Samantha into the living room, and they all sat on the worn-out couch.
They’d barely sat down when the kids delved into animated tales of the past few weeks.
Nathan told them about being nominated to the Student Council, while Samantha shared her experiences on the volleyball team.
My dear, sweet parents listened with affectionate ears and seemed genuinely disappointed when they had no more tales to tell. I could hear the pride in Dad’s voice when he said, “You two have done quite well. I’m very proud of you both.”
“Thanks, Grandpa,” Nathan replied with a smile.
“There’s some ice cream in the fridge if you’re interested.”
“Yes!”
They both hopped up and rushed towards the kitchen.
I could hear them giggling and whispering as they opened the fridge and started searching for the ice cream.
When I heard the bowls clinking together, I knew they had everything they needed.
That’s when I turned to Mom and said, “I have some news, too.”
“Oh? What kind of news?”
“There’s a reason why we haven’t been around very much lately.”
“I figured as much.” Mom and Dad exchanged a knowing glance before Mom announced, “You’ve been seeing someone.”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I have.” Dad shifted in his seat as he listened to me continue, "His name is Ronin, and we’ve been going out for several weeks now.
He’s not like anyone I’ve ever met before.
He’s smart and funny and handsome. And he’s so thoughtful.
He’s always doing these little things to help me and the kids, and I don’t even have to ask.
He just does them... and I really like him a lot. ”
“He sounds like a very nice young man.”
“He is. He really, really is.” I swallowed the knot that was forming in the back of my throat. “The kids have met him several times, and they really like him, too.”
“That’s good.”
“I thought so.”
I went on to tell them about his job and that he lived in town.
They both listened attentively and once I’d finished talking, I leaned back and braced myself for their response.
The room held a moment of suspended silence before Mom finally broke into a warm smile.
"It sounds like you are very fond of this Ronin fella.”
“I am, but don’t worry. I’m being careful.”
“What do you mean careful?”
“I’m not letting myself get carried away. I’ve already messed up once. I’m not going to let my heart get broken again, so I’m keeping my guard up.”
“Oh, honey. You can’t go into this like that,” Mom fussed. “It’s not fair to him, and it’s not fair to you.”
“I know, but I just...”
“You have a good heart, Maggie. You always have, and if you liked him enough to introduce him to the children, then that tells me all I need to know.” She reached over and patted me on the leg. “Now, when are your father and I going to get to meet him?”
“I’m not sure. He had to go out of town today, and I’m not sure when he’ll get back. But we’ll figure out a time to come by soon.”
“Good. We both look forward to meeting him.”
I thought having their blessing would ease my mind, but it didn’t. Instead, it made me feel even more anxious. That’s when I realized that my worry had nothing to do with them and everything to do with me.