Chapter 35

Maggie woke up the next morning alone and was shocked to find that it was after nine. She was a little sad to be alone but was very well-rested after a crazy few days.

She got up and took a quick shower, pulling her hair back in a braid and slipping on some shorts and a tank top.

She went downstairs to find Joan in the kitchen and was grateful for the large mug of tea she put in front of her.

“Liam wanted me to remind you that he would be gone until early afternoon,” Joan said as she slid a plate of eggs and toast in front of her.

“Thank you. I remember that. I have some work to do, so if I am in the way at all, just let me know.”

“Maggie, this is your house too. You can be anywhere you want, and you will not be in the way! If you need anything, just ask!”

Maggie smiled and ate her breakfast. She got up and went to the office and started on her emails, taking a new mug of tea with her.

She answered her work emails and then sent one to all her students' families, thanking them for their concern.

Each one had sent her a message making sure that she was okay and wanting to know if she needed anything. She was touched and remembered why she loved her job.

She finalized her lesson plans for the next week and printed out some things she would need first thing Monday.

Finally, she emailed the girls on her softball team reminding them about the team meeting in two weeks to talk about summer training.

She was done with her work by noon and went back to the kitchen for a piece of cheese and an apple. She changed into a bikini, grabbed her sunglasses, and went down to the pool.

It was a beautiful day, with the promise of summer in the air. She sat on a lounger and ate her snack, relaxing. She needed this serenity in her life, especially after the week she had.

Maggie went and swam several laps in the pool, stretching her muscles and raising her heart rate. She should get back in shape too, especially if she was expecting the girls to train so hard.

After her swim, she got out, sprayed on some sunscreen, and went to lie on the lounge chair, enjoying the sun and the ocean breeze. She closed her eyes, listening to her favorite playlist.

That was how Liam found her after his very productive errands. He couldn’t wait for next weekend and Maggie’s birthday to show everyone what he had spent his morning doing.

He watched her from the patio and quickly changed into his trunks to join her. He sat next to her and rubbed her soft, silky shoulders to get her to open her eyes.

Maggie opened her eyes to see the handsome and sexy man she loved next to her. She quickly sat up and threw herself in his arms, kissing him on the mouth.

“I missed you, babe!” she whispered to him.

“I missed you too! Sorry, it took me so long to get back. One of my errands ran longer than I had anticipated.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Want to swim with me?”

Liam nodded, picked her up, and jumped into the pool with her in his arms. They came up laughing and played in the water for the next few hours.

“The next few weeks are going to stink, aren’t they? I only have three weeks left of school, and then I am off for the summer.

“But I got so used to spending my days with you, that I really don’t want to go back to work and not be around you. This week has totally changed my perspective!

“I have no idea how I am going to teach all day without you by my side!”

He laughed and kissed her on the head. “I understand, darling. I have gotten very used to having you by my side, as well. Any chance you want to be a lawyer?”

“Oh, hell no! Any chance you want to teach third grade?”

Liam laughed. “I have never been a good teacher, darling.”

She pouted. “Well then, I guess we are stuck! Damn it!”

He laughed again, kissing her. They got out, wrapped towels around themselves, and went inside, deciding to grill some jumbo shrimp they found. They ate on the patio, talking and drinking.

On Sunday, Liam invited Brett, Makayla, and Mike out on the boat, fishing and relaxing. Joan and Maggie packed a huge cooler full of food and munchies.

They were out all afternoon, laughing and having fun. Maggie enjoyed the time they all spent together and knew that once the baby was born in August, things would change.

If Maggie was truly honest with herself, she was jealous and desperately wanted what Makayla and Mike had. She wanted the husband who adored her and the baby in her belly so much that it hurt.

She thought that she had a chance of that with Jason, but after a few months, his dark side began to show, and Maggie didn’t know what to do.

Walking in on him and Olivia was a blessing in so many ways, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he was treating her well.

Maggie knew she was crazy for thinking about it, but she had known her friend for twenty years and couldn’t just turn her heart off. Her grandmother always said it was too big.

And while that was good for being a teacher, it wasn’t always great for adult relationships. Maggie usually ended up hurt.

They all hugged as they got back to their cars with the promise to see each other again for Maggie’s birthday the following Sunday. Liam promised a good time, and nobody doubted his words.