Page 13 of I Got You

Another tear drips trails down her cheek, and she pushes it away.“I should go get the kids. Can you stay and see what you can get out of the doctor? You can’t let them do anything until I get back.” Her voice cracks, and it’s like a punch in the throat.

Cole swallows hard. “Yeah. I’ll wait here.”

Maggie finds a tissue, trying to gather herself before turning to me. “Can you take me back to my car?”

“Ok.”

Leaving Cole here alone doesn’t seem like a good idea, but I sense the urgency.

We move towards the door, but Cole stops me. “Coach, I…I won’t be at practice today.”

I put my hand on his shoulder in an unnatural gesture of comfort. “Sure. Don’t worry about it. I’ll let Coach Cavanaugh know.”

“Actually, can you tell Coach C what’s going on? Just Coach. He…he’s my dad’s best friend.” I hear the struggle in Cole’s voice, and I wish I could do more.

“Absolutely. I’ll let him know as soon as I can.”

Maggie gives her brother a long hug. “Don’t let them do anything until I get back.” It’s a command, not a request, and Cole nods.

A second later, we’re walking quickly and silently back out to my truck. I still have no idea what to say or even think about the unexpected events of this day.

We climb into the cab, and as I reach to push the start button, Maggie’s hand grabs my arm.

“Can we just sit here a minute? Please?”

The gentleness of her plea catches me off guard. “Sure.”

Her head falls into her hands. The only sound that fills the space inside my truck is her sobs.

I move my hand to place it on her back to let her know I’m here, but that doesn’t feel comfortable or appropriate. I sit quietly, giving her time, and eventually, she digs through her bag for a tissue.

“Is there anything I can do?” I ask, wishing for her to be specific and something tangible because I have no freaking idea how to help with any of this.

She spits out a self-deprecating laugh through her sniffles. “You?” She side-eyes me. “Tell me how to explain to four kids that it’s time to say goodbye to the father they hardly know.” She blows her nose. “Or do you know someone looking for an instant family because the minute my dad’s brother finds out that he's gone, he and his wife are coming for them.”

I’m speechless. I had no idea Tim Matthews had young kids.

“You’re taking care of four kids?” I try to process this but come up empty.

She looks at me, tears threatening in her eyes. “Yes.”

“How long?” My voice is a bit high, and I can’t hide my amazement at this revelation.

Her gaze turns to the window and away from me. “Two years. Shortly after my dad started to really deteriorate mentally, their mom took off with his doctor. Apparently, Dad was suddenly too old, failing, and she wanted to start over…without kids. She left, got a nice divorce settlement, and hasn’t looked back.”

I remain quiet, and she continues to talk like she knows this is shocking.

“The kids have the most amazing nanny, and my dad did the best he could for a while, but it wasn’t long before he couldn’t handle them. They were so young, so…I came home.”

“What’s the deal with your…uncle?” This is none of my business, and I’m definitely invading her privacy, but this is unbelievable. The fact that she’s caring for children…four children. I don’t know how old she is, but she can’t be much older than Cole.

“Tale as old as time. Jealousy. Bad blood. He’s younger and hated my dad for his talent, fame, and everything he became, including a father. What better revenge than stealing his children, especially when you have none. They couldn’t do anything while he was alive, despite their efforts. I’ve been their temporary guardian, but now, if he’s….”

She doesn’t finish, but I know.

“His will appoints me as their legal guardian, but their high society asses will take me to court. I’m just a stumbling block in their eyes.”

“Damn. Can they do that?”

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