Page 25 of I Got You

Just like when I watched the six of them dancing together at the party, as Maggie describes each of the kids, I can see the enormity of love she has for her siblings. I can’t help but think about what it would’ve been like to have that. How different I’d be.

“I want to help you,” I say confidently as my knee bounces under the table.

She holds one slim finger up. “You might hold that thought for just a second. I made a list of things we’ll have to do. My friend, Simone, is afraid it’ll scare you off.”

“That so? I can’t wait.”

She rolls her eyes, and it’s the first time tonight I feel like I’m seeing the real Maggie.

“I’m sure you have some expectations too.”

Actually, I don’t. I haven’t thought that far ahead, but I’ll keep that shit to myself. “Just so you know, I’m not signing anything.”

She pulls a crumpled piece of paper out of her purse, which I can see is filled with handwritten notes. This may require another beer, but also, for some reason, I want to smile.

“So,” Maggie starts. “We have to seem like a family unit, and you’ll have to live with us. The kids need to get to know you, and we’ll have to spend time together. I know your schedule will be crazy with games, but when you’re home, you’ll live with us.”

“Fine.” I figured I’d have to move in with them, so this isn’t surprising.

“Sundays are our family day. We go to church in the morning and then spend the afternoon eating and watching football. Cole comes with us when he can.”

“I’ve never been to church.” I put it out there, but I don’t mention I’m not interested in starting. “I’m good with eating and watching football. Have you said anything to Cole about this?”

She scrunches her nose, her lips moving to one side. “No, I have no idea how he’s going to react, and I wasn’t saying anything until we talked.”

“What else? I’m not joining any committees or sewing circles.”

“Fine, no PTA for you. The moms are going to be highly disappointed. Speaking of.” Her finger moves in my direction, and I have a feeling if there weren’t a table between us, it’d be poking my chest. “No dating or being involved with other people. If we get married, I’ll be committed to you, and I expect the same until we know there’s no longer risk of me losing the kids and we dissolve the marriage.”

“Ok.” She has no idea what a nonissue this is for me. I’ve never been all that good at dating, and most of the women I find myself surrounded by are only interested in me for my name.

She starts fidgeting with the paper and peeks at me from under her long dark eyelashes. “We’ll sleep in the same bed.”

I can only look at her. I hadn’t thought about this, and sleeping next to her brings about a whole bunch of thoughts and ideas. She holds up her hand, stopping my mind in its tracks.

“I’m not going to tell the kids we’re getting married to prevent them from being taken from me. They don’t know much about Cliff and Joan. I won’t lie to them, but I also don’t want them to worry about something that hasn’t happened yet. Plus, we can get married, and they could win anyway.”

I tug on the collar of my shirt like it’s suddenly stuffy in here as she marches on like this will be no big deal.

“My lawyer says that being married and having additional support will be highly beneficial in my case, but there are no guarantees. I don’t want the kids' first example of marriage to be some weird fake arrangement where you sleep in the basement, and the whole you or I sleep on the floor thing is just not happening. We’re both adults, and I love my bed.”

“What if my bed is better and bigger?” I’m not a small guy, and I already know any amount of touching could be a real issue.

Her face does this thing that tells me my question couldn’t be more ridiculous. “My bed is my sanctuary and the most comfortable bed in the entire universe. It’s a California king because I like to sleep in the middle and feel like I’m in a giant cloud. This is non-negotiable. I will move over to give you room, but it’s my bed or nothing. Sorry.”

“You seriously have that big of a bed? Do you get lost in it?”

“I wish.” She sighs.

“Do you snore?” I need to get a grip and not let her see me sweat over the idea of sleeping together. She’s insanely beautiful, funny, and a fighter. There isn’t a man who would have an issue sharing a bed with her.

“No, I don’t snore, but I’ve been told I talk in my sleep.”

“Great,” I grumble.

“And.” She jumps back in. “Before you even think it, there will be no sex. Just because we’re married doesn’t mean we’re married like that.” I choke on my beer, and she grins. “I’m sure you haven’t heard the word no often, but I don’t do friends or whatever we’ll be with benefits.”

She seems so convinced this will be no big deal. I can’t help but want to tug her down to my level of uneasiness. “How can you be confident you won’t change your mind?” I watch her cheeks flush as her phone starts ringing.

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