“That’s not it. I have a delayed appreciation for your career and what it means.” We stand, and I’m surprised I’m no longer shaking. “I’m sorry again, Lincoln. Especially for Turner.”
“Turner doesn’t know anything, Maeve. I told him you were traveling and were unable to call to check in. He’s written you a letter each day he hasn’t seen you. I always intended on dragging you back kicking and screaming. Didn’t see the value in upsetting him.” He winks. “I’m glad I don’t have to drag you back.”
How perfect can the man be? He’s able to guess my needs before I need them. I cover my face with both hands. He hugs me. “Don’t be upset. Everything is going to settle down now.”
“I’m upset because you just keep saving me. From everyone. From myself.”
He kisses the top of my head. “You saved me first.”
Chapter 14
Lincoln
Jogging up the steps of the girl’s rental house, I knock a few times when I find the door locked. Aspen lets me in, but she seems shocked to see me. Or she’s just really drunk. “Oh, a man,” she says, stepping back to let me in. Definitely drunk.
“Where’s Maeve?” It’s late and work took longer to finish up than I thought it would. “Is she asleep?”
Aspen shakes her head. “She’s in the hot tub, I think. No wine for her tonight. After she got so blitzed last night, we had to cut her off.” I give her a look, and she explains further. “You guys were broken up, I think? She took it out on the wine.”
I nod. “Which way to the hot tub?”
“Before I tell you, are you going to defile it? I’m okay if you do, but we’ll have to drain it.”
“Uh,” I say, hiking a thumb over my shoulder. “I’ll find it myself.”
“Down the hall and to the left,” Aspen calls at my back. I hold up a hand in thanks. I adjust the duffle bag on my shoulder when my phone rings. It’s home calling, so I answer it straight away.
“Daddy?” Turner whispers.
“Hey, little man. Shouldn’t you be in bed? What time is it?”
He sighs. “I’m sneaking a call. Grandma and Grandpa are watching tv.”
“Are you okay?”
“I miss you.”
“I’ll be home soon,” I say. “What else is it?”
“I just really miss Maevey. Will she be home soon, too? Her phone isn’t working.”
I hold my breath as emotion clogs my throat. I turn left and find the huge indoor pool, the scent of chlorine strong and pungent. “You know what, hold on a second. Okay?”
Turner agrees, his voice low and sad. I see Maeve sitting next to the hot tub in the corner, her head in her hands. I call out her name, and her whole body brightens when she sees me. It will never get old. I jog over to her and she leaps in my arms, and I clutch my phone so it doesn’t drop.
Maeve kisses my neck, my ear, my cheek, my lips. “I didn’t think you were coming.”
“In what world would I not come? Hey, I have Turner on the phone. He called me because he misses you. Would you like to say hi?”
Her eyes go round as saucers as she seeks out the phone in my hand. “Turner,” she says, and I can tell she’s trying not to break down. “Oh, gosh, I miss you so much. Yes, I’m with Daddy.”
“No, don’t be sad you’re not with us. It wasn’t planned. We’re both working and happened to run into each other. We would never leave you home if we were going anywhere fun.” I point to the pool and wink at Maeve. A pool is always fun for a kid. “Not fun at all,” she repeats, pressing her lips together in a firm line. “I’m going to bring you home something awesome.” She pauses. “Yep, I’m sure Daddy is going to bring you home something, too.” Another pause, then she laughs. “Two presents!”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been able to talk to you,” Maeve says, wincing. “I’ll be home with Daddy and then I won’t leave for a long time. How’s Chonk?” I fold my arms behind my head and let myself relax for the first time all day. The past weeks have been exhausting, and I’m so weary from life coming at me with fists from all angles. This moment is the first moment I can take a deep breath and know without a shadow of a doubt that everything is as it should be.
“We can talk about that when I get home,” she says softly. “I love you, Turner.”
She hangs up the phone, and I turn to face her. “He didn’t want to talk to me?”