Page 24 of I Got You

“I’m not sure if you think we can just get married on paper, and I’ll be good, but that won’t work. We’re talking about having to live together. Doing life together. My phone will be blowing up any day when people find out about my dad. One call, in particular, is why we’re even here. Ideally, we have something in place before lawyers get involved.”

I pause, hoping he’s getting the message that this is more than paperwork.

“Shane, I have to prove that we’re sustaining a well-functioning family environment in which the kids are thriving to have a chance at keeping them with me. You’ll have to be a part of that. I’m not interested in letting you into their lives when I don’t know anything about you or whether you actually plan to be there.”

His gaze drifts like he’s taking in everything I said. Eventually, his eyes make their way back to me. “What do you want to know?”

“Uh, everything? Shane, why would you do this?”

Chapter 8

SHANE

Maggie’s brilliant blue eyes, which I know came from her father, sear into me from across the table. I see that uninhibited tenacity again, and if I weren’t cold and dead inside, I might think it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. She’s fearless when it comes to protecting these kids, which tells me a lot. It tells me so much about who she is and settles some of my nerves about what I might be getting myself into.

I don’t like talking about myself, especially my past or where I come from, and even though I know I should just tell her that I’ve changed my mind, I can’t. I know I should be able to explain why I’m willing to do this, but I only know that it’s something I can do.

It’s like when I first knew I was supposed to play football. It came naturally to me, and I was good at it. I’m certain that helping Maggie will be anything but natural, but I can help her make sure these kids are safe and cared for in a way I never was.

I scratch my jaw, needing out of the hot seat. “I’m not sure I can explain why I’ll do this. There isn’t anything in it for me. It’s just that after you told me about your situation, I…felt like I needed to help. And I can.”

She sits back and crosses her arms over her chest like my response isn’t good enough. Shit. I push out a breath, needing to try again.

“I grew up in the system. Foster care. I don’t have a family except for my two foster brothers, who I consider my family. I don’t have a girlfriend or floaters, as you call them. I didn’t intend to marry, so this line of thinking is new.”

Maggie's stiff posture softens slightly, but there isn’t an ounce of pity or sorrow in her focused eyes. That look I hate, like I’m broken and in need of fixing. I’m not. I’m a whole person who’s spent his life alone.

“I don’t know anything about kids or what it takes to care for them, but I know what it's like to not have anyone. My contract is for this season, and I don’t know what will happen when it ends. I don’t know where my career is going, but I can help you, and I can help these kids stay with you where they belong.”

“So you’re willing to commit yourself to me and the kids for the foreseeable future, and you don’t want anything in return?” Her skepticism is in full view.

“I don’t need anything, and I don’t expect anything. I live a simple life. Right now, I’m taking it one day at a time.”

I take a sip of my beer while Maggie picks at her napkin, determining what to do with my response. I didn’t expect this to be easy or for her to not question my motives, but I need her to settle back down so we can figure out if this will work.

“Tell me about the kids.”

I watch her chest rise as she inhales deeply. I have no doubt this is the determining moment for her. Is she going to let her guard down and her protective instincts, cracking the door to give me a peek into her world with four kids?

While she’s deciding, our food arrives. I give her the space she needs and take a bite of my burger. She picks at her plate, then turns her attention to me, showing me her vulnerability for the first time tonight.

“Hank’s fourteen. He’s quiet and moody. Actually, you two would probably get along swimmingly.” One of those brown eyebrows arches, and I force myself to remain neutral. “He’s a giant body of hormones that I have no idea what to do with. He starts on the varsity soccer team. He’s really good and should be captain, but no one asked me. He’s a good kid, softer on the inside than he’ll ever let anyone see.”

Maggie's head falls to the side, studying me like she figures that might be another thing Hank and I have in common, but I give her nothing.

“Garrett’s eleven. He’s my guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. He’s a brainiac and obsessed with all things science. I’ve no doubt he’ll skip sports and be a doctor or rocket scientist. He has a severe allergy to peas, and we have to make sure he’s not exposed, especially with all of the new health foods with pea protein in them.”

“Teddy’s eight and my wild child. He’s a lover but a maverick. He’s all about danger and pranks. You have to watch your back with him, but he keeps things light and messy and has probably shortened my life by years already.”

Her soft pink lips turn upward, and I think we might finally get somewhere.

“And you already know Liv. She told our nanny, Gwen, all about you and that you’re coming over to play princesses. She’s smitten, so you better not break her heart.”

I see the seriousness in her eyes and have to clear my throat, trying not to choke. An image comes forth of that little girl looking at me with those big blue eyes and telling me that she and I are the same. It’s the reason I’m here.

“Sounds like you have your hands full.”

She laughs. “I never thought at twenty-five I’d be making cupcakes for the team, planning birthday parties, or scheduling playdays, but even on the hardest days, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. They’re amazing kids.”

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