Page 32 of Married to the Frenemy

“Come on. Let’s get settled,” I say, not wanting to start our marriage by arguing, even if we’re good at it.

It might be the one thing we are good at.

Well, that’s not entirely accurate. There’s another thing we were damn good at, too, even as teenagers. I can only imagine how incredible it would be now.

Which is the last thing I should be thinking about, considering I’m about to share my bed with her for the foreseeable future.

“Great.” Her response comes out at a slightly higher pitch than normal, evidencing her nerves about the prospect of living under the same roof.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t uneasy about it, too. Just a few months ago, we barely acknowledged each other. Now we’ll be living together. And not just in the same house, but also sharing the same room. The same bed.

I’ll have to fall asleep next to her, knowing how sweet she tastes, how incredible she feels, and not be able to do anything about it. I shouldn’t want to do anything about it. But my brain and my body seem to be on two different wavelengths when it comes to Haley.

“Is this really my new house?” Maggie asks excitedly as I open the door and they step inside.

“It’s really your new house,” Haley replies.

Monte wastes no time in bounding down the hall toward us, his nails clacking on the hardwood floors. When he sees Maggie, he barks excitedly.

“Is this really my new dog?”

I chuckle as he licks her face. “It’s really your new dog.”

Maggie wraps her arms around Monte, showering him with love and affection. “I’ve always wanted a doggie.”

I steal a glimpse at Haley. I can’t quite read her expression. It’s happiness, but mixed with sorrow. I know her well enough to know she’s probably already thinking about how Maggie’s going to react when it ends.

I can’t blame her.

I’m already thinking about it, too.

“Do you want to see your room?” I ask Maggie.

Her entire face brightens. “I get my own room?”

“Sure do.”

“I’ve never had my own room before.”

My heart squeezes.

I know Haley hasn’t had an easy time the past few years. I don’t know the details about her relationship with Maggie’s father, but I do know he’s not in her life. Our differences aside, I certainly admire Haley for everything she’s done for her daughter. And for having the strength to keep her in the first place.

“Let’s go see it.” I scoop Maggie up in my arms, and her excited squeals fill my house with life. Something I never thought I’d hear within these four walls.

Monte follows as we make our way up the stairs, Haley bringing up the rear. When I reach the door to her room, I set Maggie back down on her feet.

“I know you’re used to sharing a room with your mom, but she’ll be right across the hall.” I point toward our door. “Okay?”

“Okay. Can I see my room now?”

I nod, pushing the door open. When I do, her eyes go wider than I’ve ever seen them, her jaw dropping.

“Is this really my room?” she all but shrieks as her gaze darts around the space that was once all drab walls and lackluster furniture.

Now three of the walls are painted pink with the wall behind her bed an accent of teal. I asked my younger sister, Dylan, for a recommendation on what kinds of toys and books she might like, since she’s been taking care of my niece and nephew to help out my brother. Thankfully, she came through with a long list of things Maggie might like.

I wasn’t sure what books or toys she already had, but I wanted to do something to make this transition as easy as possible. I filled a small bookcase with books, and got her some stuffed animals, as well as a few Barbies to go with the four-foot dollhouse in the corner.

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