Page 34 of Angels and Skulls
My mama holds me for hours. She doesn’t let go until I’m completely exhausted, and then she tucks me into my bed, crawling in beside me. I curl against her side like a kitten seeking warmth. She kisses the top of my head, wrapping her arm around me.
Before I fall asleep, I hear her whisper to the ceiling, “Thank you for giving me my baby back.”
After everything I’ve done to her and she’s still thanking God for my return. I would be lying if I said I hadn’t thought about seeing her again. I’ve thought about it no less than a million times … I never once pictured it quite as good as this.
Chapter Thirteen
Ray
Maggie pads across the room to the kitchen as soon as the sun rises. She turns the water on to fill the coffee pot, staring out the window as it fills. When it runs over and she still hasn’t moved, I stand from the couch.
The second she feels me behind her, she turns, letting me pull her against my chest.
“I knew. I always knew it,” she says, crying quietly.
I don’t say anything, standing strong for her. Maggie has been holding onto hope against all odds. She’d held onto it by herself for many years, until one night while we were watching the sunset she confided in me.
Honestly, I didn’t think much of it. She lost her daughter, and in such a tragic way that I thought her feelings were normal.
When she called and asked me to take her to Katie’s, and then asked me to follow them, I’ll admit it worried me a bit. I thought she was making a little too much of Rachel’s letters. I’d evenprepared myself to pick up the pieces when she finally realized her daughter was really gone.
“I know, baby, but don’t you dare start beating yourself up over this. This was the path she chose to take. It’s not good or bad. It just is. Be thankful you’re together now.”
“What do I do next?”
“You keep on loving her just like you always have.”
She chuckles sadly. “I’ve always thought about this day but never past it. I never thought about how it might affect everyone else.”
“Do you want my honest opinion?”
She tips her head back to look up at me. “I do.”
“Some aren’t going to understand. Others will. Some will come around. Others won’t.”
“Never mind. I want you to lie to me.”
I laugh. “Too late for that. Maggie, you know it has to be this way. The fair thing to do is let everyone decide for themselves.”
We hug for a few more seconds before she lets go and turns back to the sink. “Thank you for being here with me,” she says shyly.
This is my favorite side of her. I tug the tie from her braid and carefully unbraid her hair, letting my fingers trail through her stark white strands. It’s fucking beautiful. She remains still, watching me in the reflection of the window.
As I’m re-braiding her hair, I notice Jenny standing in the doorway of her room. I don’t stop what I’m doing. When I finish, I place a soft kiss at the nape of Maggie’s neck before stepping away.
“Good morning,” I finally say, leaning back against the counter. I want this girl to know that her mother has someone protecting her heart. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt, but if I sense any ill will toward my future wife, I’ll put the kibosh on all of this.
Maggie jumps. “Oh, Jenny, goodness. I didn’t know you were awake.” She continues to introduce us. “This is Ray. He’s my …” Her words trail off.
Jenny’s eyes stay on me for a second before sliding to her mother’s.
“I can explain,” Maggie begins to say, guilt pulling at her features.
I’m about to interrupt her, but her daughter beats me to it.
“I know about Daddy,” she says, lowering her eyes. “I’m glad you’re not alone.”
It’s not lost on me that she called him daddy. She was just a child the last they saw each other. She’s in a situation I can’t even pretend to understand.
