Page 72 of The Angel and the Agent

“Enough to take down a pregnant rhino, apparently,” Maggie said.

“Oh, no, did I embarrass myself?”

“No, you were cute. The embarrassment came from other quarters,” Maggie said. “Do you remember the doctor being in here?”

“Vaguely. He said I had an ovarian cyst, right?”

Maggie nodded. “He also told us his theory on why it ruptured.”

“Why it ruptured…” she mused, thinking. “He said vigorous activity and something about Ethan…oh, oh no. I’m so sorry you had to hear that.”

“Sisters don’t have secrets,” Maggie told her.

Amelia quirked an eyebrow at her. “Really?” Maggie was holding on to a treasure trove of secrets.

“Okay, not secrets like that,” Maggie amended.

“Was Ridge in here, too?” Amelia asked.

Maggie nodded, and Amelia groaned. “Don’t worry about it. After so many years in the navy, there’s nothing he hasn’t seen or heard. Besides, with the way those two are with the competition thing, my biggest concern is that Ridge is going to try to one up Ethan by rupturing a cyst on both of my ovaries.”

Amelia laughed and clutched at her stomach. “Oh, don’t, it still hurts when I laugh.”

“Sorry,” Maggie said. They finished their croissants in companionable silence before she spoke again.

“Was Piedmont also here, or was that a dream, as I’m desperately hoping it was?”

“Piedmont was here. Good news, you guys broke up, and I’m fairly certain I let him down easy,” Maggie said.

“Thanks. And sorry.”

“Don’t mention it.” She paused. “So, you’re married.”

“I wasn’t aware you knew that part, too,” Amelia said. “I guess we really do have no secrets.”

“Weren’t you going to tell me?” Maggie asked, trying not to sound wounded.

“I would if I thought it was going to stick,” Amelia said, using the back of her hand to swipe at her eyes.

“What makes you think it won’t?” Maggie asked.

“Come on, Maggie. You know him.”

“Yeah, I do, and I’ve never seen him the way he is with you. And Ridge has known him forever, and he said the same thing.Besides, who could let go of a catch like you?” Maggie reached for a tissue and handed it to her. “Come on, Amelia. Pull yourself together. Know your worth. If Ethan knows a good thing when he sees it, he’ll get himself together. And if he doesn’t, there’s nothing you can or should do to change his mind.”

“You’re right,” Amelia said, wiping her eyes. “It’s been a long, exhausting week.”

“I know, but you’re home and safe and loved and everything is going to be okay, I promise you,” Maggie said.

Amelia nodded and reached for the bakery box again. “How come you only got four?”

“I thought maybe you wouldn’t be hungry after being sick,” Maggie said.

“Why? My stomach didn’t rupture.”

“I’ll bring you something else on the way home from work, if you’re still here. If you get out early and you need a ride, call me and I’ll come get you.”

“I’ll be fine. Stop mother henning me,” Amelia said, hugging her tightly.

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