Page 44 of Fractured Reunion

“I’ll make a note of that too.” Ms. Douglas didn’t seem overly happy, but her gaze softened when she looked at Joey. “He does seem content with you.”

“Yes, he is.” Maggie’s smile lit up her face. “Thank you so much. I promise to take excellent care of Joey.”

“I would like to see the child psychologist’s report, though,” Ms. Douglas said.

“Of course.” Maggie glanced up at the clock on the way. “I asked for a referral yesterday, but obviously, I don’t know how many patients they need to see. If someone doesn’t swing by soon, I’ll ask the nurse to page the psychologist on duty.”

“As a physician, you understand how the system works,” Ms. Douglas said.

“Yes, I do.” Maggie looked determined. “And that’s why I think I’m the best option for Joey.”

“It’s nice to know Krista and Adam Monroe have already been approved. That should make things easier.” The caseworker turned to leave. “I’ll be in touch soon,” she said over her shoulder.

“I don’t like her,” Joey said. “She’s mean.”

“She’s not mean, she’s doing her job, and it’s not a very easy one. You need to treat her nicely,” Maggie admonished. “I don’t want to hear you say anything bad about her.”

Joey ducked his head. “Okay.”

Aaron fought the urge to smile. Watching Maggie and Joey only reinforced what he’d always known. Maggie would be a wonderful mother. To Joey and other children too.

And he very much wanted to be her partner in that endeavor.

“Maggie, would you please have dinner with me?” She’d refused his offer to have lunch together, but he was determined not to let her go without a fight.

The way he should have fought for her prior to their divorce.

“I’m not sure what time Joey will be discharged or if he’ll really get to go to Krista and Adam’s home.” Her gaze clung to his for a long moment. “I’ll probably need to stay close to Joey.”

“I understand.” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his lab coat. “I’ll check back with you later. If Joey does get discharged to Krista and Adam’s, maybe I can bring dinner to you.”

She tilted her head to the side, eyeing him curiously. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” He looked at the little boy. “Joey, do you like spaghetti?”

Joey nodded. “Meatballs!”

“I like spaghetti and meatballs too,” he assured the boy. “How about if I bring that over for dinner later?”

Joey nodded, then glanced up at the television. “Can I watch my movie now?”

“Of course.” Maggie settled the boy back in his hospital bed. She lifted the edge of his gown to double-check his incision, then smiled. “I’ll restart the movie Cars for you.”

“Goodie,” Joey said, reclining on the pillows.

Maggie played with the controls, then moved toward him. “Let me guess, takeout spaghetti and meatballs?”

“Yep, from Giovani’s,” he said with a smile. “Better than anything I can make.”

“Oh, I’m well aware of your lack of cooking skills,” she said dryly. “Nice of you to offer to bring dinner.”

“Maggie, I’d really like some time to talk.” He had to restrain himself from reaching out to draw her into his arms. “I know I made some mistakes, but I don’t think I’m solely responsible for our breakup.”

He half expected her to argue, but she nodded thoughtfully. “No, you’re right in that we both share that responsibility.” She tucked a wayward curl behind her ear. “I’d like to make sure Joey is settled in before leaving him, though.”

“I know, that’s why I figured I’d bring dinner. Maybe after he falls asleep?” Hope swelled in his heart. “I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

“Okay.” She managed a smile. “I’ll let you know if anything changes with Joey’s condition or his discharge plan.”

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