Lynn curled on her side as she watched. She still couldn’t believe this beautiful young woman wanted to be with her every day and every night. Her life was so surreal right now she didn’t know if anything could ruin it.

  Maggie took Lynn’s face in her hands and gave her another long, lingering kiss. “Don’t move from this spot. I’m coming back later, and we’re going to do this again.”

  For the past few weeks they’d been spending most nights and mornings in one apartment or the other exploring each other’s bodies, a habit Lynn couldn’t seem to break. Something had always been missing in her life, and Maggie seemed to fill every crevice of the void.

  * * *

  Earlier, when Maggie had woken Carrie to go running, she’d opened one eye and simply said “No,” then rolled over onto her side. After that, she’d immediately flopped to her back and said, “Bring doughnuts.”

  Maggie had rushed out the door and upstairs to Lynn’s apartment, not expecting anything that had come next. Her knuckles had barely hit the door, when it swung open. She was ecstatic knowing that Lynn wanted her as much as she wanted Lynn, and that thought settled her fears of losing her once again. Carrie was a huge obstacle in their path to happiness, but Maggie hoped in some roundabout way she could convince Carrie that she loved her aunt and would never do anything to hurt either one of them. First, she would clue Carrie in on how wonderful her new relationship was. Lynn would remain Sunflower until Carrie’s acceptance became clear. If she could tolerate a relationship between Maggie and an older woman, how could she not understand it if the older woman turned out to be Lynn?

  It had taken Maggie forever to get Carrie moving today. They’d drunk coffee and eaten doughnuts on the couch while they continued binge-watching shows and were still watching TV when Stacy came home and suggested they go out to dinner and hit the usual bar after.

  She’d hoped her new relationship with Lynn didn’t become the topic of conversation tonight. It usually did, even though she tried to avoid it as much as possible. Several other interns were at the bar, but only Stacy and Russell knew Maggie’s secret. They were very supportive, in between their sarcastic jabs that she was cougar bait and had a curfew. She couldn’t help that she was attracted to smart, older women. They possessed a finesse and maturity she’d never found in anyone her age. She craved emotional maturity in a relationship—always had. The meaningless drama she found in younger women didn’t exist. Plus, Maggie admired people like Lynn who had done well for themselves in the midst of adversity.

  “So when are you moving?” Russell asked.

  The jabbing had started sooner than she’d expected, but she was prepared. “What? I’m not moving. Stacy’s my favorite girl. She handles all my needs.”

  Stacy winked. “And vice versa.”

  “Not nearly as well as your lovely lady,” Russell said as he raised an eyebrow. “You don’t hit your own bed much.”

  “Ever think that’s because you two make too much noise?” The smile that came across Russell’s face made her realize that was the wrong thing to say. Damn it.

  He tilted his head and raised his glass to Maggie. “I think we’re pretty even in that category.”

  “Can we talk about something else?” Just what she needed tonight—her half-lit friends spilling all kinds of information to Carrie.

  Carrie put up a hand and said, “Hold on. Aside from your wild sex life, I want to hear what your friends think about your love interest.”

  Stacy raised an eyebrow and leaned closer to Carrie. “Many others have attempted the ice queen but have gotten nowhere.” Her voice was low and covert, as though she were plotting a coup to overthrow the woman sitting on the iron throne.

  She shot Stacy a look of warning. “She’s not an ice queen. She just doesn’t fraternize with the riffraff.” She pointed to each of them.

  “And you’ve risen above that title, while the rest of us are still struggling to climb the side of the castle,” Stacy said, irritating as fuck. She’d thought she at least had an ally in her. Stacy didn’t mean any harm, but alcohol always made her mouthier.

  “Seems Mags here is the special one. Either that or they have a past.” Russell bounced his eyebrows at her. “You went to college in Baltimore, right?”

  “Okay, that’s enough.” The table rattled as she shot up from her chair. They were definitely trying to sabotage all her efforts to keep her relationship with Lynn from Carrie. “We’re out of here.” The confusion on Carrie’s face was clear when Maggie took her hand and tugged her out of her seat and to the door.

  Carrie stopped and jerked Maggie around to face her. “Why are you so sensitive?” Maggie was silent. “You’re really hung up on this woman.”

  She blew out a breath and nodded. “You’re right. I’m totally in love with her, but that doesn’t change the circumstances or the obstacles between us.” She moved toward the door, and her arm stung as Carrie yanked her back.

  “So she has a kid. Get to know him or her?” Carrie said, as she squeezed her hand.

  “Her,” she said into the air as she stared across the room. She couldn’t look at Carrie, or she’d crumble and spill everything.

  Carrie moved in front of her and made Maggie look at her. “You’re awesome. What’s not to love about you?”

  “It’s not about me. It’s about getting between her and her mother.”

  “That’s not a big deal if she likes you.”

  “You really think so?”

  “Yeah. I mean if Auntie started seeing someone, I’d be okay with it as long as I liked her.”

  “Would you? Even if she was a lot younger?”

  Carrie’s eyebrows pulled together. “Are you—”

  “Dance with me, Mags. Stacy won’t get out of her chair.” Russell didn’t wait for an answer as he dragged her onto the dance floor and left Carrie standing at the edge. She immediately went to the bar, ordered another couple of drinks, then walked over to the table and sat with Stacy. Maggie couldn’t wait for the song to end. Stacy was drunk, and who knows what she was telling Carrie.

  “You need to shut it,” she shouted at Russell as they danced, and he leaned in closer to hear. “Carrie is Lynn’s daughter.”

  He twisted his head and stared at their table. “Oh, shit. I had no idea.”

  “Well, you do now. She doesn’t know, and she can’t.” She slapped him on the shoulder to stop him from staring. “Not until I know how’s she going to take it.”

  “Why don’t you just tell her?” He shrugged.

  “Lynn doesn’t want me to say anything until she’s ready.” Maggie really wished she could, but Lynn would never forgive her if she did.

  “Gotcha. I wouldn’t do anything she didn’t want either.” Russell had worked with Lynn enough to know how tough she could be if you crossed her.

  “You want another drink?” Russell asked as the song faded.

  “Nope. I’m done for the night,” she said, and rushed back to the table as Russell strolled to the bar.

  Carrie and Stacy were deep in conversation when she got back to the table. “You ready?” she asked. Neither of them paid any attention to her as she stood at the table, so she gripped each of their chairs and squatted between them. If she sat down, they’d be there for at least another hour.

  “Your friend, Stacy, here is the best.”

  “Oh?” A chill went through her, thinking Stacy had let out the information.

  “She won’t tell me a thing about Sunflower other than she’s smart and sweet and you two really click.”

  Maggie sat and relaxed in her chair as she realized she was safe for now. Stacy had clammed up, and Maggie knew she’d almost blown it. She was thankful Russell had dragged her away, because Maggie had been just about to spill her guts to Carrie about Lynn. If she’d told Carrie, it would’ve been a colossal mistake.

  * * *

  Maggie’s stomach bounced when she heard the knock on the door, and she rushed to answer it. Carrie had texted Lynn earlier and asked her to go to breakfast with them. She yanked the door open and then slipped into the hall and kissed her.

  “Well, good morning to you too,” Lynn said with a huge smile. “Miss me?”

  She nodded and kissed her again. “I love your daughter, but I can’t wait for her to go home.”

  The door swung open and Carrie said, “Are we ready?”

  “Yep,” Maggie said, hoping the heat in her cheeks didn’t show.

  “How was your night? Did you girls go out?” Lynn asked.

  “We did,” Carrie said as they walked to the elevator. “Maggie’s friends are awesome. We hung out and drank for a while, and I got some inside info on her new love interest.” She swung around to Maggie. “Ooh, I forgot to ask you. Have you seen anyone new roaming around the building? I think Auntie has a new thing going too.”

  Maggie’s neck tingled as the elevator doors opened to the lobby. She leaned forward and sliced Lynn a sideways glance. “Seriously?” Happiness rolled through her. Had she told Carrie about them? “Who?” Lynn’s mouth dropped open, like she’d just been blindsided on Survivor and voted off the island in the final tribal council. Her eyes widened, and Maggie knew she hadn’t told Carrie anything. She was fishing.

  Lynn sped out of the elevator into the lobby and out the door ahead of them onto the sidewalk, so Maggie probed Carrie for more information.

  “How do you know she’s seeing someone?” Maggie asked Carrie as they failed to keep pace with Lynn.

  “I found boyshorts under her bed, and she was really evasive when I asked her about them.”

  So that’s where they ended up. “Are you sure they’re not hers?”

  They weren’t. Maggie had searched for quickly removed clothing many times in recent days, both hers and Lynn’s.

  “She may not wear a lot of makeup, but Auntie’s a pure femme in the undergarment category.” Carrie flattened her lips and raised an eyebrow. “She would never wear boyshorts.”

  “No. I guess not.” It was true. Maggie couldn’t imagine Lynn wearing anything the slightest bit butch. She was all woman, and Maggie loved her femininity.

  They were all silent until they were seated at the restaurant with menus in their hands. Maggie and Carrie sat on one side of the booth, Lynn on the other.

  Lynn looked up from her menu briefly. “Why is my love life so important to you all of a sudden?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe because I don’t want you to be alone for the rest of your life? Or because I want you to be happy? Is it wrong for me to want that?”

  Although Maggie was encouraged to hear Carrie’s explanation, she was thrilled to see the waitress approach. Lynn wasn’t at all ready for this conversation. “You ladies ready to order?”

  Carrie glanced at the waitress, then at the menu, then back at the waitress. “I need a minute.”

  “I’m ready,” Maggie said, not wanting her to leave and let Carrie continue her interrogation. “Scrambled eggs, bacon, and a short stack of pancakes.” She handed the waitress the menu. “Oh, and coffee.” She glanced across the table at Lynn and widened her eyes. “Lots of coffee.”

  “Me too on the coffee, and I’ll have the spinach and mushroom omelet,” Lynn said.

  “Orange juice for me, but I’ll have the same as her.” Carrie pointed at Maggie.

  “Thanks, ladies. I’ll be right back with your coffee and juice.” The waitress picked up the rest of the menus, left them in silence, and immediately returned with their drinks.

  Carrie laced her fingers together on the table in front of her and stared at Lynn. “You haven’t answered my question.”

  Lynn took a sip of her coffee. “Okay, fine. I’m seeing someone.” The cup rattled against the table as she set it down.

  “I knew it.” Carrie’s eyes widened. “What’s her name? Is she cute? Where’d you meet her?”

  Maggie stiffened as she anticipated Lynn’s next words and readied herself for Carrie’s reaction.

  “Her name doesn’t matter,” she said as she glanced at Maggie and then back at Carrie. “She’s beautiful, I met her at the hospital, and it’s very new.”

  Conflicting emotions flew though Maggie. She’d wanted Lynn to tell Carrie so badly, yet in an odd way she was relieved that she hadn’t. It seemed neither one of them was completely ready. What exactly did that mean?

  “Is she a nurse?”

  “A doctor.” Lynn’s voice wasn’t as strong as Maggie had hoped it would be.

  Carrie sat quietly for a moment, seeming to gather her thoughts. “Are you sure you want to get involved with another doctor?”

  Maggie didn’t mistake the worried look on Carrie’s face as she stared at Lynn, and that was only the first problem. Lynn seemed to be planning to give partial details and possibly come up with some kind of story to pacify Carrie, which would only complicate their relationship more.

  “Am I sure? No. Do I like her enough to see if it works? Yes.”

  Maggie took in a breath and settled her nerves. This was far from the end of their secrets, though it wasn’t a make-or-break moment. It was only the beginning.

  “Wow. You really like her.”

  Lynn nodded. “I do. So just let me see where it goes for now.”

  Maggie’s cheeks warmed as Lynn made subtle eye contact and then quickly went back to Carrie.

  “Okay.” Carrie blew out a breath. “But I want to meet her as soon as you’re sure.”

  “Count me in on that,” Maggie said, trying not to make it obvious that she already knew Lynn’s secret.

  “Deal,” Lynn said and took a drink of coffee.

  Maggie was relieved to see the waitress bringing their food, her timing perfect once again. As Carrie’s curiosity progressed, Maggie wondered if she’d connected her and Lynn’s stories. Lynn hadn’t indicated that she was seeing someone younger, or Carrie would’ve already figured it out. Hopefully, Carrie was satisfied for the time being. Lynn had just dug herself into a whole lot of untruth, and the walls would collapse on her soon.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  A glove spilled onto the floor as Maggie yanked another from the wall dispenser. She tried to catch her breath as she tugged the pair over her fingers and immediately went to work assessing the young girl, who looked to be about twelve. It was near the end of her shift, but once she’d received the page from the ER for the consult, she’d shot down the stairs as fast as she could.

  “What happened here?”

  “Boating accident. Boat going too fast, hit the wake of another, and plowed right into theirs, splitting it in half.” The ER doctor spoke so fast, Maggie almost couldn’t make out the words. “She’s complaining of dizziness and abdominal pain.”

  Maggie put light pressure on her abdomen in several areas and found the upper left quadrant to be tender. Suddenly Beth stood behind her waiting for her assessment. “Possible ruptured spleen.” She pulled the girl’s eyelids up and looked into her eyes. “Did she hit her head?”

  “From what the witnesses said, they all hit the water hard.” She glimpsed Andi standing outside the curtain as she spoke. She must have caught the call.

  “Check her CT scans for a head, chest, and abdominal,” Beth said, then walked to the next bay.

  “Got it.” She looked at the CT results and determined the girl had a ruptured spleen. She needed to take her up to surgery, where Beth would meet her in the OR.

  “Wait.” The girl grabbed her hand on the railing. “My brother. Where’s my brother?”

  As Beth pushed the curtain back in the next bay, Maggie overheard Andi tell Beth, “Thrown from the boat as well, became unconscious after they pulled him from the water, head laceration, and possible spinal injury.”

  She glanced over and saw him strapped to a backboard and collared to keep his neck immobile. It looked like Beth was examining his head injury. “Dr. Monroe is checking on him. She’ll take good care of him.”

  When she turned around she ran right into Lynn, almost knocking her over. “Are the parents here?” she asked.

  Lynn shook her head and whispered, “They didn’t make it.”

  Maggie’s stomach bottomed out, but she had to ignore her reaction as she raced back to the girl. These two children had a long road ahead of them. Life without parents would be horrible. “Can you call plastics if Beth hasn’t already? The boy has a pretty bad laceration on his forehead.”

  “Sure.” Lynn grabbed the other side of the gurney to push along with her to the elevator and then held eye contact while they waited.

  Maggie knew what she was thinking. “I’m fine. I need to get her up to surgery.”

  Lynn nodded as the elevator door opened and she rolled the gurney inside. Lynn kept eye contact as the doors closed with her on the other side. When the doors opened again she rushed her patient straight into the operating room.

  Beth arrived only a few minutes after Maggie. “Looks like your lucky day. You get to remove another spleen.”

  Her stomach churned. It was difficult to think of this little girl’s misfortune as her luck. “How’s the boy?”

  “He has a broken leg. Other than that, he’s okay. Ortho will set it.”

  “And the head?”

  “I left it to plastics to suture. Seems someone had already called them.”

  She’d decided to have them called so he’d have less of a scar. The boy wouldn’t need something in the mirror to remind him of the day he lost his parents.

  * * *

  When the surgery was finished, Maggie removed her surgical gown and mask, then leaned against the wall outside the OR. She’d let the adrenaline rush carry her through the trauma and the surgery, and now she had to keep her mind off what was going to happen when the children learned about the loss of their parents. She’d couldn’t bear to even think of that now. Who would they call? Did they have grandparents, aunts, or uncles? The thought of other siblings rushed her thoughts. What if they had younger brothers or sisters? Whether it was the exhaustion or the accident, the loss hit her like nothing she’d ever experienced. Her mother hadn’t been the best parent in the world, but at least she’d had her after her father died. She had no idea what she would’ve done if she’d lost them both and how these children would survive without theirs.