Page 47 of Fractured Reunion

When Aaron arrived with dinner, they all took their seats at the kitchen table. Maggie propped pillows on a chair situated between her and Aaron.

Adam said grace, and she was surprised at how Aaron bowed his head and joined in. They hadn’t prayed before meals when they were together, but she remembered his parents had done that at holiday gatherings.

Believing in God was one thing; practicing your faith on a daily basis was another. A practice they could have done better during their marriage.

Later that night, once she’d gotten Joey to fall asleep in his new room, she joined Aaron, Adam, and Krista in the living room. Aaron jumped to his feet.

“Let’s take a walk.”

She flushed and nodded as Krista and Adam cuddled close. No doubt they were basking in the news of their pregnancy.

“This is a really nice neighborhood,” Maggie said as they strolled down the driveway. “I can see why you and Adam have chosen to live here.”

“And it’s not that far from our parents,” Aaron agreed. Then he caught her hand in his. “I want you to know I plan to resign my position as Chairman of Pediatric Cardiac Surgery.”

“What?” She stopped, staring at him in shock. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I want a second chance with you, Maggie.” He turned so they were facing each other. “I’ve been miserable in the two years since we split. Seeing you again has made me realize how much I still love you.”

She gaped, unsure what to say. “Aaron, I can’t give you a baby.”

“I handled it badly when you mentioned your test results, but that was partially because I had already assumed we’d adopt. I shouldn’t have been texting about my patients during our conversation, and that’s something I promise to work on.” His gaze was earnest. “That’s why I plan to resign from the chairman position. I don’t want that additional responsibility. Not when I need to be there for you and Joey.”

“I still love you, too, Aaron,” she said, feeling as if the weight of the world had rolled off her shoulders. Why hadn’t she realized it before now? “I love you very much. And I should have handled things better back then too. I should have told you how I felt rather than expecting you to read my mind. I told myself you deserved to father the next generation of Monroes. But I realize now that I used that as an excuse to leave.”

“Ah, Maggie, we’re a pair, aren’t we?” He drew her close, and she willingly went into his arms. “We both made mistakes, but I know I need to make some changes in my life. Starting with you, Maggie. I never stopped loving you.”

“I never stopped loving you either,” she whispered. Then she reached up and pulled his head down so she could kiss him.

The familiar heat and desire flared as if they had never been apart. Maybe even more so now that they were back where they belonged.

With each other.

After a long kiss, Aaron finally lifted his head. “Do you think God sent Joey to bring us together?”

“Yes.” She stared up at him. “I think God knew that we needed Joey as much as he needs us.”

“We’ll have the family we always wanted.” Aaron spoke with confidence. “Because love heals all wounds.”

“Yes, it does.” She shivered in the chilly autumn air, moving closer to his warmth. “It’s always been you, Aaron.” She looked up at him. “I’ve always loved you.”

“And you have my heart too,” he said. “Always and forever.”

She couldn’t help but smile. He was right about God bringing them together.

“Maggie, will you marry me again?” he asked. “Not just for Joey, but for us?”

It was a serious question. She pulled out of his arms so she could see his expression more clearly. “I can’t lie, Aaron. I’ll be devastated if we don’t get to have Joey. But I have learned that we are stronger together. And if God has another plan for Joey, then we’ll focus on the next child in need. We can do anything as long as we’re committed to each other.”

“Eloquent, but is that a yes?” he teased.

“Yes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “That’s a resounding yes.”

As Aaron kissed her in the moonlight, Maggie knew she was right where she belonged. In Aaron’s arms.

And God willing, Joey would be a part of their family too.

EPILOGUE

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