Page 34 of I Got You

Maggie smiles. “We’ll see. Shane might need some space. First, you need a bath. Head into my bathroom, and I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Do you have time to stay until I get them in bed? If not, it’s ok.” Maggie’s hair spills out of her short ponytail as she picks up a few toys.

“Sure.” I’m surprised to find I really don’t mind.

I flip channels, thinking about what it’ll be like to live here. After lunch, Maggie showed me the house, skipping her bedroom, which might soon be our bedroom. That thought makes my skin feel a little tight.

The kids’ rooms are on the second floor, and the furnished basement holds another TV, workout equipment, and Hank’s bedroom. As I walked through the house, there were messes everywhere. A constant littering of toys, school papers, books, shoes, and socks. It’s clear that every inch of this space was used, and it’s…nice.

I lived in some unpleasant conditions, and though I’m now used to organization and structure, there’s something about all the mess that’s comforting. You know that life is being lived, and memories are being made.

In a matter of minutes, Liv skips back into the room, grabs my hand, and tugs me up to her room to read her a story. No matter how far out of my comfort zone it might be, I find myself sitting on a little pink bed next to a tiny girl reading about a baby bird who’s looking for its mom.

“See, Shaney, the momma bird is waiting for her baby. I wonder if my momma is waiting for me. Maggie says I can’t look for her. I need to stay here.”

I hear the sadness in her voice, and I instantly want to protect her from everything bad in the world.

“You have a really nice family, and you’re safe and surrounded by people who love you. You should definitely stay here where you’re loved and protected.” She rests her head on my shoulder, and something inside my chest warms.

“Will you come live with us? I like it when you’re here.”

How is it that I’d do pretty much anything for this tiny child? “I think I need to talk to Maggie about that, but if I do, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Really?” She squeezes my arm with both hands.

“Yes. Now, is it time for you to go to sleep?” And like she knew I’d need help, Maggie appears in the doorway.

“Ok, missy. Time for bed.” Maggie leans over and brushes Liv’s hair out of her face to kiss her cheek. “Only the good dreams. Tell the bad ones that princesses kick serious butt.” Liv giggles, and Maggie turns out her light.

“Fifteen minutes, boys. Then lights out,” Maggie commands as we pass by their room. They holler goodnight, and we move back downstairs. In the living room, I rest back on the couch.

“You want a beer?” Maggie asks before taking a seat.

“Only if you’re having one.” She raises an eyebrow as if that was a ridiculous statement.

She brings back two bottles and settles on the couch next to me. “Are you ready to run for the hills?” She sits facing me, her leg bent and arm on the back of the couch.

“You look tired. I have no idea how you do this all by yourself. I’m tired, and I didn’t do anything but eat and watch TV.”

“I’m used to it, I guess, but yes, I’m tired.” She picks at the couch cushion, and I know she wants to say something.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just want to be sure you know what you’re agreeing to. Today was smooth, but many days it’s not, and by the time I get to this point of the day, I have nothing left. I take a long shower and crawl in bed only to do it all again the next day.”

She uses her free hand to tug the hem of her shirt down. “Shane, you have a choice. You told me you like your simple life, and I can tell you we’re anything but that. You’re single and well-known, and incredibly talented. You can do anything, have anyone. I guess….” She starts, then pauses. “I’m worried a month into this, you’ll find yourself wishing you could go back or, worse, resent me like I wasn’t honest about what you were agreeing to.”

Maggie looks defeated, like she has nothing left but to hope I’ll tell her something that will convince her I’m in for the long haul. I honestly don’t know how anyone wouldn’t want to help her.

I’m not an idiot, and I’m not naive. I have no freaking clue what to do with a wife and kids or how it will be, but I think about what Liv said about her mom and wanting me here. Teddy’s uncontrollable laughter as water ran down the front of me, Garrett’s anxiety, and his slight smile as he bumped my fist. Now, Maggie telling me she has nothing left at the end of the day and how much they care for each other and the love and bond that’s so evident.

What kind of man would I be if I didn’t help keep these kids stay with Maggie? The person willing to marry a stranger to ensure these kids know love and stability.

My mom couldn’t keep me. She couldn’t care for me and thought she was giving me a better chance at life than I would’ve had with her. Given what I know, that’s probably true.

From what Maggie has told me, the kids' mom is gone for good, and letting anyone have a chance at taking them from her isn’t something I can let happen. Giving up my freedom to come and go as I please and leaving my solitude behind seems like a small sacrifice to make sure four kids have the best chance in this world. A chance to feel loved and be a family. I can help ensure for them something I never had.

“Maggie, I have no idea what this will be like. It’ll all be completely new to me, but I’m not backing out. You all need to stay together. That’s clear to me.”

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