Can't Stop Loving You (16 page)

She opened her eyes, met his. “I lay awake at night worrying, though. What if my show's a flop? What if no one buys my clothes? What if no one even comes to the showing?”

“It won't happen, Mags.”

“Oh, I wish I was that certain. That confident.”

“Wait a minute.” He pulled back to stare into her eyes. “Aren't you the same woman who only minutes ago said you'd knock them dead?”

She put a hand to the side of her face. “I know. See what I mean? It's awful. I flip-flop back and forth, back and forth. One minute I'm on top of the world. The next I wonder why I ever thought I could do this.”

“You shouldn't worry, Mags. I've seen your work. Annie walked into the Now and Then fund-raiser in Dallas wearing that dress of yours, and everyone in the room grew envious. The men because Annie was on Cash's arm and not theirs. The women because the dress was on Annie's back instead of theirs.”

Maggie grinned. “Thank you for that.”

“Hey, just telling it like it is.” He hesitated. “So your dream's coming true.”

“Finally, yes.”

“You gonna be happy being a big-city career woman?”

“Why wouldn't I be?”

“No reason at all. I watched you with Ty's boys yesterday and with Davey Iverson today. You're good with kids. You've never wanted any of your own?”

Maggie reeled from the unexpected punch. Hurt, so deep-seated, so intense, tore through her.
Now. Tell him now
.

But she looked into those soulful blue eyes, and she couldn't. He didn't need to know. It was in the long-ago past and had nothing to do with now. With this sunny spring day.

So she forced a smile. “I don't know. Maybe at some point it'll be time for babies. A career and a family don't have to be mutually exclusive.”

“No, they don't.” He traced a pattern over her arm, sending shivers along her spine.

His innocent question had scraped the old wound raw. She couldn't stay, couldn't make small talk.

“As nice as this has been, Brawley, I need to get going. I have to drop off the first few boxes at my parents', then drive back to Lone Tree and finish packing. My guess is that by now they're wanting you back at the clinic, too. You're doing a booming business.”

“I think a few of this morning's visits centered around checking out the changes I made more than making sure their dogs were taking the right vitamins.”

“And a few dropped in to check out the new doctor.”

He snorted.

“Hey, it's not every day a town like Maverick Junction welcomes a hot, new vet.” Her cheeks burned, and she could have bitten off her tongue.

“So you think I'm hot, huh?”

“Did I say that?” She went for a teasing tone.

“In a roundabout way? Yeah, you did.”

She shrugged. “I suppose someone might think that.”

“But not you.”

“Fishing for a compliment, Doctor Odell?” She walked to the trash receptacle outside Mel's and dropped her soda can inside.

Brawley stayed where he was, took an overhead shot with his. When it dropped in cleanly, his fist pumped the air. “Two points!”

“Men,” Maggie muttered.

“What would you do without us?”

“Don't even get me started.” She sent him a small smile, softening her words.

He walked her to her car. “Drive carefully. I'll see you tomorrow night at Bubba's.”

Her head snapped up. “What?”

“Your dad invited me to your going-away dinner.”

She said nothing.

“If you don't want me there, say the word. I won't show.”

“No,” she said quickly. “Everybody else is going to be there. You should, too.”

“You sure?”

“Totally. See you there.”

Time to escape. Keep it friendly, but get out of Dodge. Her emotions skittered all over the place.

Once that plane took off Wednesday morning, she'd be fine. Absolutely fine.

She would be.

M
aggie felt like a dog chasing its tail. She needed, more than anything, a couple forty-eight-hour days.

At her mom and dad's, she unloaded several boxes and a suitcase full of clothes she wouldn't need. At least not right away. She and her dad stacked them in her bedroom closet.

Her mother met them at the bottom of the stairs. “Can you stay for lunch, honey?”

“Oh, Mom, I have so much to do.”

“It's all ready. We promise we won't hold you up. It's just that, well, come Thursday, you won't be here. And you have to eat.”

Okay, Maggie thought. Reality had finally sunk in. She'd wondered when they'd get to this. She'd actually expected it much sooner.

“Sure.”

The three of them sat down to eat, and Maggie realized her mother had gone to a lot of trouble with this lunch. When she placed Maggie's favorite macaroni and cheese casserole on the table, her mouth watered. So much for losing a few pounds before she boarded that eastbound plane.

The conversation revolved around her upcoming move until her mom got too emotional. Then they switched and talked about a neighbor's herd, the prediction for this summer's weather, anything and everything except the elephant in the room. They skirted what was foremost on all of their minds.

When she finally drove away, she left a teary-eyed mom behind. This might be harder than she'd imagined. But they'd all get used to the change. Eventually. And it wasn't like she couldn't fly back anytime she wanted. She'd really only be a few hours away.

She drove back to Lone Tree and found Ella swamped. She helped with the rush of customers, then hid away in the back room to finish the month's orders.

Ella knocked on the door, then stuck her head in. “Maggie?”

“Yes?” Her eyes felt crossed from filling out too many online forms.

“I have to go. I need to pick up the kids.”

“What time is it?”

“A little after five.”

“You're kidding.”

“Nope. Been busy back here, haven't you?”

Maggie scooped her hair off her neck. “Oh, boy, and how. Go.” She shooed Ella away. “Get those kids. Kick your shoes off and relax.”

Ella laughed. “I'll do that. Don't work too late.” She paused. “Do you want me to put the closed sign up?”

“No, I'll get it in a few minutes.”

Ella waved and left. Maggie heard the outside door shut behind her and realized this would be her last night to close up alone.

She finished the order she'd been working on, keeping an ear open for any customers who might wander in. No one came, and she found herself grateful for that.

Walking into the boutique part of the shop, she flipped the open sign to closed. She leaned against the door, her gaze moving over the space. Proud of what she'd done and feeling more than a little nostalgic, she blew out the vanilla candles she'd placed around the shop, powered off the stereo, and picked up her purse. Everything in place; everything under control.

Except her damn emotions. She'd fought back tears so many times today she was beginning to feel like the Hoover Dam. If anybody caught sight of her right now, they'd guess she'd been handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole instead of the break she'd been fighting for years to get.

She locked the door behind her.

Ollie knocked on the window across the street and waved.

She waved back and blew him a kiss.

As she slid behind the wheel of her car, she met her own eyes in the rearview mirror. “Nobody here but us girls, Maggie Emmalee. Why don't you admit it's not only the leaving that's got you tied up in knots? It's that damn cowboy come home from Dallas eating at you, too.”

Brawley had picked a heck of a time to return. If he wasn't here, she swore she'd be escaping Lone Tree all grins and giggles—or at least with fewer misgivings. But he had come back, stirring up emotions she'd long held at bay. Feelings she'd thought she'd dealt with.

Obviously not.

There'd been a time when his name and hers were linked. Almost synonymous. Maggie and Brawley. Brawley and Maggie.

And that was in the past.

She stopped at the mailbox. Nothing important.

She walked into the quiet house. No one there.

This sucked.

She switched on the stereo. When Josh Turner started to sing about dancing up the stairs with his baby, she turned it off and headed for the stairs herself. Only one cure for this. A long, indulgent bath.

Maggie swiped a bubble from the end of her nose. A bath and a bottle of wine. She'd been certain the combination would smooth out the rough edges of her emotions. Would dull her hunger for Brawley.

Wrong.

She wanted him, and if she wasn't careful she'd be calling him, begging him to come to her.

Damn it!

Stretching toward the vanity, she snagged her phone. Annie and Sophie both had lives. Husbands. Too bad! She tipped her wineglass and finished it.

Before she could talk herself out of it, she texted them.
Busy tonight? Need you.

She tossed the phone onto the towel heaped on the floor and refilled her glass. Resting her head against the back of the tub, she reminded herself exactly how lucky she was. She told herself how many people would sell their souls to trade places with her.

Brawley had screwed it all up by coming back to town. Damn him all to hell and back!

The ringing of the phone startled her, and her wine sloshed over the glass rim.

“Hello?”

“We'll be there in ten minutes,” Sophie said.

“Ten minutes?” Maggie's head felt fuzzy. Too much wine and not enough food. “What? Is Cash flying you here in his plane? How can you get here that fast?”

“Annie and I are already in Lone Tree. We just left Ollie's.”

“Ollie's?”

“Yep. Hope you're in the mood for pulled pork because we have enough to feed an army.”

“Why?”

“Because we're hungry.”

“No. I mean, why are you on your way?”

“We thought we'd help you pack. We intended to surprise you.”

“Well, you did that.”

“What do I hear?”

“Water.”

“You're in the tub?”

“Yep.”

“Drinking wine?”

Maggie eyed the nearly empty bottle. “Yep.”

“All alone in that big old house.”

“Yep. And feeling pretty maudlin.”

“Throw on your pajamas, Maggie, and set the table.”

She hung up, feeling better already. Her friends had been on their way even before she'd called. She grinned.

Water spilled onto the floor as she stood. Oh, well, she'd wipe it up later.

Sophie was true to her word. Within ten minutes, the house no longer felt empty. It rang with the warmth of friendship and smelled of Ollie's rich, tangy sauce. Lights blazed in the old farmhouse, and happy music played.

Halfway through her meal, Maggie blurted, “I can't believe I came so close to sleeping with him again.”

Sophie set her sandwich on her plate. Annie sloshed her water and turned startled eyes to Maggie, then Sophie.

“Brawley?”

Maggie nodded.

Annie looked at Sophie. “You knew?”

Sophie nodded.

“And you didn't tell me?”

Sophie shrugged.

“I told you this would happen.”

Sophie gave her a disgusted look. “Nobody likes an I-told-you-so.”

Annie turned to Maggie. “I thought you two were long over.”

“We are.”

“Oh, honey.”

A tear slid down Maggie's face. “He left me.”

“He was only nineteen.”

“And I was only eighteen and pregnant.” Horrified, Maggie clamped a hand over her mouth. “Oh, my gosh. I didn't mean to say that. Nobody but my mom knows. You can't breathe a word to anyone.”

She registered the look of shock on her friends' faces.

“He left you to have the baby alone?” Enraged, Annie said, “I hate him. What a piece of scum.”

Sophie, her fairylike face red with anger, shook her fist. “I'll never speak to him again and neither will Ty.”

“You guys are the best friends ever.” Maggie rested her elbows on the table and dropped her head in the palms of her hands. “But I can't let either of you do that. As much as it kills me to, I have to stand up for him.”

“How can you?”

“Because he didn't know.”

“You didn't tell him?” Annie asked.

Maggie shook her head.

“You should have,” Sophie added.

“I know.”

“What did he say when he finally found out? God, I've seen Brawley's temper,” Sophie said. “When he flew threw my door and saw Nathan—” She broke off. “That's neither here nor there.”

She leaned toward Maggie and stared into her eyes. “Uh-oh.”

“What?” Maggie drew back.

“You never told him.”

“Sure she did,” Annie said.

“No. She didn't. Look at her face.”

“You didn't?”

Maggie shook her head.

“Oh, my God, Mags. He doesn't know?”

“No. And you can't say a word about this. Ever. Not to Ty, not to Cash. Definitely not to Brawley. It doesn't leave this room.” She closed her eyes. “I can't believe I blurted it out like that. Too much wine. Speaking of, now I definitely need another glass.”

She poured herself some, took Sophie's glass and filled it.

When Maggie made to pour a third glass, Annie shook her head. “None for me, thanks.”

“Since when did you start turning down a perfectly fine zinfandel?”

“Since the doctor said I'm going to be a mommy.”

Nonplussed, Maggie and Sophie both stared at her.

“I know. The timing totally sucks to tell you this now.”

“Boy, is this a night for confessions or what?” Sophie whispered. “But don't look at me. I have nothing to confess.”

Annie shot her a skeptical glance, then took Maggie's hand in hers. “I am sorry. I should have waited.”

“No. On the contrary.” Maggie grinned. “This is the very best news. You and Cash. Parents!” She hopped up and flung her arms around Annie. “I'm thrilled for you.”

Sophie joined them and wrapped her arms around both women. “I know technically I'll be second cousin, but can I play auntie? Please?”

Annie laughed. “You're both going to be auntie to this little one.” Her hand moved to her stomach.

“How far along are you?”

“Girl or boy?”

“Whoa.” Annie held up a hand. “Three months, and I have no idea. We're going to wait to find out the pink or blue. We want to be surprised.”

“I have one more blessing to add to my list,” Maggie said. “Looks like I'll have to come back to Maverick Junction more often than I thought.”

“Yes, you will.” Annie grew serious. “I have to ask, Maggie. Where is your baby? Did you put it up for adoption?”

“No.”

“But—”

Sophie shot her cousin a warning look. “It's okay, Maggie. You did what was right for you at the time.”

She vehemently shook her head, the wine buzzing through her. “I didn't have an abortion.”

Sophie's body relaxed and, again, Maggie realized what staunch supporters she had. Sophie had been ready to back her regardless.

“I lost the baby.”

“Oh, honey.” Tears welled in Annie's eyes. “I'm so sorry.”

“Me, too. I'd have loved him.” She smiled through her own tears. “Our baby was a little boy.”

“Why didn't you tell Brawley?”

She sniffed. “He made it very clear he had big plans when he dumped me. Plans that didn't include me. I didn't want someone who didn't want me. My mom was a pillar, though. I couldn't have gotten through it without her.”

“Guess that's why I noticed a little animosity from your dad toward Brawley.”

“Actually, he doesn't know about the baby. Mom took me to a doctor in Austin. Dad thought I had a bad case of the flu and never questioned my lying around in bed for a week.”

“Good for your mom,” Sophie said. “I'm so glad she stuck by you.”

“I was scared to death to tell her. But, then, nature took it out of my control. When things started going wrong, I had no other option. She held me afterward, let me cry my heart out. She never once scolded me about it, and I know that must have been hard. I did, after all, get my redhead's temper from her.”

“Yes,” Annie said. “I've experienced her fire a couple times. It's pretty scary.”

“No kidding,” Maggie said. “Anyway, Dad was already furious with Brawley for leaving like he did. Why add fuel to the fire?”

“Brawley hurt his little girl. I can understand that.”

“I've told him to let it go.”

“But he hasn't, and neither have you.”

“I don't hate Brawley. Certainly not because of the baby. That wasn't his fault.” She swiped at a renegade tear. “He never knew, and that lies on my shoulders.”

“Have you ever considered giving him a second chance?” Sophie asked. “I mean, I know you can never forget what happened,” she added quickly. “I only meant that maybe—I don't know—that maybe the two of you could have a new relationship, a different relationship. We're all going to be together.”

“No, I'm not. I won't be here. I'll be back East.”

Annie and Sophie glanced at each other, then Sophie turned her attention back to Maggie. “But you'll be coming back.”

“For short visits.”

“But even then,” Sophie persisted, “Brawley will be in town. His business is here now. It would be nice if the two of you could get along.”

“We can get along.” Maggie practically growled the words.

“With a whole lot of surly beneath the surface,” Annie said. “Everybody deserves a second chance. That's what kept my grandfather alive.”