Chapter 49
After Maggie returned to Fayetteville, she picked up Zoey from her friend’s house and took her to the neighborhood park. As
she pushed Zoey on the swing, the humidity beaded on Maggie’s skin. The day was blistering hot, but she’d promised Zoey a
trip to the park upon her return.
“Higher, Mommy!”
“If we go any higher, you’ll have to become an astronaut.”
“Astronauts have rockets and special suits and helmets.”
“Then we’d better not go any higher.”
“You’re silly.” Zoey kicked her feet out, then tucked them under her.
“Look, Mommy, there’s Jada! Stop the swing. Please.”
Maggie did as her daughter asked and the minute the swing stopped, Zoey hopped off and ran toward her preschool friend on
the jungle gym. Maggie waved at Jada’s parents but opted for a spot in the shade. She settled on a bench at the perimeter
of the playground, where she could keep an eye on Zoey from the shadow of a live oak.
As Zoey and Jada got reacquainted, Maggie’s mind went back to Robyn’s house. To the revelation that her husband had not been unfaithful. Once again profound relief poured through her. On that two-hour drive home, she’d mentally apologized to Ethan a hundred times. How would she ever forgive herself for suspecting him of cheating?
Despite the emotional roller coaster she’d been on this summer, she couldn’t bring herself to regret the journey because it
had led them to Josh’s son.
Josh’s son.
The wonder of it stung her eyes. She was so very happy for him. He might have missed out on the boy’s childhood, but he would
be a great father to Will as the boy stretched his wings and came into his own. She hoped Will would be open to a relationship
with him. It sounded as if he would.
She was so hopeful that Josh would have a constant, steady someone in his life. Not long ago she had dreamed of being that person. But just because Ethan hadn’t cheated didn’t mean Josh had
changed. He was still that fickle guy who flittered from relationship to relationship. He might never settle down with one
woman, and her heart couldn’t bear another loss.
Especially the loss of him .
Her chest squeezed tight. She missed him so much. Seeing him today had only reminded her how much.
Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and when she checked the screen, a smile spread across her face. She accepted the call.
“Hi.”
“Is it okay that I called?” Josh’s voice buzzed with excitement.
“I would’ve been upset if you hadn’t . Josh, you have a son!”
His laughter was full of joy. “I know. Isn’t it the craziest thing you ever heard?”
“How’d it go? What did Will say? Is he open to a relationship? Are you just now leaving?”
“Slow down there, Mags. It went great. He’s always wanted to know who his biological father is, and it sounds like his relationship with his dad is strained. He wanted to know all about how we found him and I relayed the whole story.”
“Was he upset that you didn’t tell him?”
“Not at all. He understood.”
“I’m so happy for you, Josh. I was just sitting here thinking about that. What else did he say?”
“He wanted to know everything about me and the family. He’d already done some research online. He’s smart as a whip, Maggie.”
“He gets it from his dad.”
“I don’t know about that, but I’m pretty proud of him. That’s probably stupid when I had nothing to do with his upbringing.”
“He’s part of you, Josh. You’re allowed to claim that. How long did you stay? Did you talk to Robyn again?”
“Just for a bit, mainly to reassure her. She’s kind of freaked out. She’s had Will to herself all these years. I’m actually
just now leaving. I have you on Bluetooth.” A long beat of silence followed. “I couldn’t wait to call you.”
The ragged edge of his voice scraped the corners of her heart. “I’m glad you did. I was dying to know how it went.”
“I wanted to check on you too. You must be so relieved.”
“Good news all around. Except now I feel so guilty for even questioning Ethan’s fidelity.”
“Me too. But be kind to yourself, okay? Give yourself a little grace here. You’ve been through a lot.”
“Thank you for saying that.” She wished it were that easy. “Well, now what? How’d you leave things with Will?”
“I made sure he was okay with me telling my family. And since we’re having our annual Labor Day picnic at Mom and Dad’s—you’re
still invited by the way—I’ll tell them the news tomorrow.”
That was fast. But then, why delay such good news? “That’s great, Josh. They’ll be so happy. So surprised.”
“No doubt. And I meant what I said, Maggie... You’re welcome to join us.”
She so wanted to be with them. To be with him . But her heart wasn’t ready for that. She was still in love with him and needed to put some boundaries in place, as hard
as it might be. “This is your story, Josh. Your good news. Besides, a friend from school is having Zoey and me over for a
pool party. She’s looking forward to it.”
Silence swelled across the distance. “I understand.” His words were weighted with sadness.
She hated that she’d deflated his festive mood. “I’d like to meet Will sometime if that’s okay. I mean formally.”
“I’d love that. If I have my way he’ll be at all the family functions from now on.”
“I’m sure your parents won’t settle for anything less. They’ll be ecstatic.”
“They will be. Will’s excited to meet them too. Robyn’s folks live out of state and don’t make an effort to see him, so he’s
never had real grandparents.”
Maggie thought of Brad and Becky’s enthusiastic grandparenting and laughed. “He’s in for a real treat then.”
“That he is.” His voice held a smile.
Maggie was reluctant to disconnect the call. Maybe Josh was too. She tightened her grip on the phone as if she could hold
on to him for just a minute longer.
I miss you. I still love you.
She imagined him returning the sentiment. A fanciful thought. Still, her vision grew blurry and she blinked back tears.
“Well,” he said at long length. “I should probably let you go. I just wanted to chat a minute.”
“Thank you for calling. And good luck with your family tomorrow, though you won’t need it.”
“Thanks. Don’t be a stranger.”
“I won’t. Bye, Josh.”
“See ya, Maggie.”
Tears pooled in her eyes again as she disconnected the call. She pressed the phone to her chest and told herself they were
happy tears.