The stairwell door clanged loudly as she threw it open and took the stairs by twos. She had to get out of there now. She rushed to the locker room, gathered her things without changing out of her scrubs, and headed home before she turned into a sobbing idiot. She couldn’t let anyone at the hospital see her like this.

  The run home was a blur. She saw only the streetlights as she dodged everything on the sidewalk. Lynn was waiting outside her apartment when Maggie bolted out of the elevator and down the hallway.

  She tried her best to slide the key into the lock but couldn’t make it happen. She pressed her head against the door. “They went out for a fun day at the lake, and some asshole changed their life forever.”

  “I know.” Lynn rubbed her back gently.

  She let out a huge sob as she turned, fell into Lynn, and grabbed hold as all her strength left her. Lynn held her close while she cried until she could finally catch her breath.

  Lynn took the key from her and unlocked the door before she wrapped her arm around her and led her inside. She moved on autopilot to the bedroom, stripped her clothes off, and crawled into bed. She couldn’t get the horrible thoughts out of her head, and then the memories of the day she received the news of her father’s death hit her. Her whole life had changed in that instant. A drunk driver had killed her idol and her mentor, and she’d had to pick up the pieces when her mother fell apart. She hadn’t had time to grieve then, and now everything rushed back full force. As she sobbed into her pillow, she felt Lynn slide in behind her and caress her arm softly.

  “Talk to me,” Lynn said.

  “When my dad died, I was all alone with no one to help me. My mother was a complete zombie.”

  “I know, honey. I’m sure these kids have family to help them.”

  “You think?” She certainly hoped they didn’t have to go through the same shit she had.

  Lynn nodded. “We won’t know for sure until tomorrow, but I plan to think positively, and you should too.”

  She sucked in a ragged breath. “I’ll try.” Maggie twisted to face her, and when Lynn kissed her forehead, she wrapped her arm around her waist, pulled her closer, and buried her head in Lynn’s shoulder. No matter how it turned out, everything would be all right as long as Lynn was with her.

  * * *

  Lynn went to check on the children, whom they’d placed in the same room to lessen their stress. She stopped just outside the door and listened while Maggie finished reading them a story. This morning, she’d gone directly to the bookstore and picked up a number of coloring books and pens, as well as some storybooks for each of them. Captain Underpants for Chase, teen magazines for Tiffany, and The Hunger Games boxed set to read to them both, a happy medium that they seemed good with. Maggie had told Lynn before that reading had always provided an escape for her when she was a child.

  They were both keeping a close eye on the children, who were doing better than anticipated. Still somewhat medicated and in recovery mode from their injuries, they hadn’t been hit by the reality of the situation yet. Although the staff had no way to lessen the impact of them losing their parents, they wanted to make the children as comfortable as possible during their hospital stay.

  Maggie glanced up and raised a finger to Lynn, signaling she’d be out in a minute. Lynn let the door close and rested a shoulder against the wall while she waited just outside. Maggie wouldn’t take the news about the children’s guardian well.

  Maggie came out and leaned against the wall facing her. “Were they able to contact the grandparents?”

  She shook her head. “No grandparents or aunts and uncles.”

  Maggie pushed off the wall. “Then who’s going to take care of them?”

  “They have an older sister—”

  “Where is she? Why wasn’t she with them?”

  “She’s been away at college in Boston.”

  Maggie put her hand to her forehead and paced the floor. “Oh my God. Her life will be ruined. Has anyone talked to her?” Maggie stopped pacing and stared at her. Lynn felt the tears well in her own eyes. “You told her?”

  She swiped the moisture from her eyes and tried to gain the courage to speak. She hated everything that had happened to this family. “I told her about her brother and sister over the phone, but not about her parents. That needs to be done face-to-face.” Maggie swept her into her arms and held her there until she regained her composure. She knew people would see them, but Lynn didn’t care. She’d found an ID badge in the father’s wallet and contacted his place of work. Once she’d been connected to the right person in human resources, they’d transferred her to his supervisor, and he’d filled her in on the lack of extended family and given her the contact information for the older sister, Ariel, in Boston. After a number of unanswered calls to the girl’s cell phone, Lynn had finally located her through the college, and Ariel was scheduled to arrive today sometime.

  Thankfully, she’d gone to college close to her home and not halfway across the country. Boston was only a five-hour trip, so she’d be here soon. It was common for kids to want to go to college just far enough away to experience their freedom, but also close enough to drive home. Lynn ached for her, for what she would learn when she arrived. She couldn’t imagine how it would’ve been for Carrie or how she would’ve handled it even without any siblings to care for.

  * * *

  When Lynn got news that Ariel had arrived and was in the family waiting room, she rushed straight there. She rounded the corner to the room designated on the fifth floor where the children were being cared for and came to a complete halt. Between the grief counselor, the chaplain, and the social worker, every seat in the room was occupied. Her stomach dropped when she found Maggie holding an inconsolable young lady. Ariel.

  How had Maggie gotten there first? It was difficult to tell anyone they’d lost a family member, but being with someone from what seemed to be such a close-knit family was gut-wrenching. Lynn had wanted to spare Maggie such pain, but Maggie was taking charge on this one.

  After Maggie got Ariel somewhat settled down, Lynn approached. “Do you have a minute?” she asked.

  “Sure.” Maggie patted Ariel on the leg and said, “I’ll be right back.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’ve got this.” Maggie glanced back over her shoulder. “She’ll be all right. She just needs time to absorb everything.”

  She shook her head. “You can’t be her counselor, Maggie.”

  “I know, but she needs my support at this moment.”

  “Are you sure that’s wise?”

  Maggie nodded. “I’m fine, and she will be too once she sees her brother and sister.”

  “Is she prepared to see them without losing it? She hasn’t even had time to grieve for her parents.”

  “It’s better for her not to.” She stared straight ahead as though reliving something in her head. “If she does, she won’t be able to do anything for Chase or Tiffany, and they’ll all be screwed.”

  Something between sorrow and pity filled Lynn. Maggie hadn’t taken time to mourn the loss of her father right away and had lost any opportunity to do that when her mother stopped getting out of bed every day. Maggie hadn’t confided in anyone. She couldn’t. If she’d let anyone know what was going on, they would’ve removed her from her mother’s care, and neither one of them might have ever recovered. As it was, Maggie’s mom had come out of her depression with the help of medication and a good counselor, but Maggie had still never fully dealt with losing her father.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  “How many different choices?” Lynn rubbed her forehead. “Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She punched the off button on the phone and dropped it onto the counter. “I don’t remember having to make so many decisions when I got married.” She pulled her sweatshirt on. “I have to go. Carrie’s already in town and is meeting with the caterer in an hour. I can’t help her over the phone.”

  “What?” Maggie said as she towel-dried her hair. “I thought you weren’t supposed to meet her until later. Did she come in last night?”

  “I guess so. They must’ve stayed at Scott’s parents’ house.”

  “Just wait a few minutes until I dry my hair, and I’ll go with you.”

  “No. I really should—” Maggie’s hands slipped around her waist, and at that moment it was the most comforting thing she could’ve ever done for her.

  “They won’t be there for an hour.” She rested her chin on Lynn’s shoulder. “Besides, you need to calm down before you get into that car. I don’t want you taking out any fences or possibly ending up in a ditch on the way there.”

  “God, you know me so well.” She rested her head against Maggie’s.

  “Come on. I’ll fix you a cup of coffee. By the time you finish it, I’ll be done, and we can go.” She released her waist and took her hand, leading her into the kitchen.

  * * *

  “I don’t know if I made the right choices, but I’m glad that’s over,” Lynn said as she came through the door. They’d been out making wedding choices since early that morning. First the caterer, then the bridal shop to get a dress fitting, next the card shop for the invitations, and the last and the best part of the day, which was tasting wedding-cake samples. She didn’t know how they were going to accomplish everything with their crazy schedules and lack of time. It felt like they’d crammed everything into one day as it was, and they still had so much more to do.

  “I’m sure everything’s going to be perfect,” Maggie said, following her inside.

  Carrie was right behind them. “I’m starving. Are we going to eat out or order in?” Her phone rang, she answered it, and then she paced as she listened. “Okay. I’ll see you soon, then.” She hit the end button on her phone and tossed it into her purse. “Change of plans. That was Scott. I need to run over to his folks’ house for a bit. He has a few aunts that have come into town and want me to meet them.”

  “More aunts? I thought you were going to get to hang out with me and relax tonight.”

  “Sorry, Auntie. He has a huge family, and knowing them, we’ll be there late,” she said as she rushed into the spare bedroom and emerged with a small bag. “We’ll probably stay there tonight. So I’ll see you both tomorrow to work on the other arrangements.” Carrie gave her a quick hug and left.

  Lynn was a little disappointed but understood that Carrie had to get to know Scott’s family. Even though she hadn’t been able to spend any time with Scott, she still had time before the wedding.

  “What a day,” Maggie said as she flopped down in the corner of the couch. “If I’d known it’d take that long, I would’ve let you two go ahead without me this morning.”

  Lynn could see the mischief in her eyes as she widened them. “No, you wouldn’t have.” Lynn picked up Maggie’s legs, swung them onto the leather cushion, and sat down on the edge of the couch near her waist. “I don’t know what I’d have done without you these past few days.”

  “You would’ve managed.” Maggie reached for a pillow at the end of the couch, coming within inches of Lynn’s face. “What?”

  “I think I’m going to kiss you now.”

  “Think?” Maggie cocked an eyebrow and tilted her head.

  “I am going to—”

  Maggie pounced, her lips on Lynn’s before she could finish. She fell back to the couch, pulling Lynn on top of her. “I know it’s only been a day, but I’ve missed you.” Maggie’s words came out in a breathless whisper between kisses.

  “I’ve missed you too.” Lynn moaned as Maggie’s hands moved up the length of her and then into the strands of hair draping her shoulders. It was amazing how she’d gotten used to the subtle touches Maggie gave her when they were together and how much she craved them when she was stressed, like today. “Thank you for helping me.”

  “It was my pleasure.” Maggie kissed her again gently. “I’m really glad Scott has lots of aunts.”

  A jolt of pain shot through her as she shifted closer. “Ow.”

  “That’s a new one,” Maggie said as pulled her brows together. “What hurts?”

  “Just a kink in my neck.” She sat up and rubbed the tendon between her neck and shoulder.

  “Let me help you with that.” Maggie scooted behind Lynn, moved her hair to the side, and massaged her shoulder.

  Maggie pressed her lips to the spot where her shoulder blades met, and the jolt that coursed through her blocked out all the pain. “That feels wonderful.”

  “I need a dress. Apparently we’re going out to dinner,” Carrie said.

  When Lynn heard her voice, she shot to her feet. She’d been so wrapped up in the sensations Maggie produced in her that she hadn’t heard her come in.

  Carrie stopped for a moment and assessed them. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Maggie was just helping me work this kink out of my neck.” She kneaded her shoulder as she crossed the room and flopped into the recliner.

  Carrie hesitated, and Lynn thought she might say something more, but then she hurried into the bedroom and came back out carrying a dress. “See you tomorrow.” She gave them one last stare and walked out the door.

  Lynn wiped away the sudden perspiration that had beaded her forehead. She was going to have to tell her soon or change the lock on the door.

  * * *

  Lynn had actually sent Maggie home last night. Yesterday, when Carrie had come back to get her dress, had been a really close call, and she couldn’t chance her walking in on them again. In fact, Carrie had shown up ridiculously early this morning. Lynn suspected she might have been trying to catch her with someone, because Carrie pushed open the bedroom door without knocking.

  She usually loved for Carrie to visit, but between her recent questions about who she was seeing and dealing with all the wedding arrangements this time, her visits had been more stressful than fun. Hiding her relationship with Maggie was becoming more difficult with each visit. When Carrie had arrived at Lynn’s door before she’d left town last time, Lynn hadn’t expected more questions, and she hoped she’d pacified her with the minimal amount of information she provided.

  “I’m so glad you decided to get married at Clear Meadow Farm. It’s absolutely beautiful in the fall, and I love the sunflower fields,” Lynn shouted from the bathroom. “Hey. Where’d you go?” She came out of the bathroom and found Carrie sitting on the side of her bed holding up a T-shirt and staring at it.

  Carrie flipped the shirt around so Lynn could see the Boston University logo. “You’re sleeping with Maggie.” It wasn’t a question.

  Heat rose on her neck. “What? No.” She snatched the shirt away. “She must have left it here yesterday.”

  “She wasn’t wearing it yesterday.”

  “Where did you find it?”

  “Under the bed with these.” She held up a pair of black boyshorts between her fingertips.

  Fuck. “Those are mine.” She tried to take them from Carrie’s hand, but she pulled them away.

  “No, they’re not. You’d never wear these.” Carrie held them from edge to edge. “They’re not even your size.” She tossed them onto the bed and shook her head as the pieces seemed to come together in her head. “You’re Sunflower.”

  Lynn took in a breath and nodded.

  “How long?”

  “A few weeks.”

  “I should’ve known she’d do this. She’s always had a thing for you.”

  “What?”

  “Ever since we were in college. Don’t you think I know she wasn’t coming over to see me? She always spent more time with you.” Her eyes widened. “Were you two fucking then?”

  “Watch your language,” Lynn said. She refused to let Carrie turn what she had with Maggie into something cheap and dirty.

  “Were you? Is that why you and Beth split? Because of Maggie?” Carrie bulleted her with questions.

  “Absolutely not. Beth was never home. It was like being single, except I had to cook and do laundry for her.”

  “So you weren’t fucking Maggie then.”

  “No. I wasn’t fucking her.” Even if she had been, she would never reduce what they had to just fucking.

  “But you knew how she felt about you.”

  Lynn nodded. “She told me. That’s why she distanced herself during your last year of college. I was still trying to make it work with Beth.”

  “I told her to stay the fuck away from you.”

  “You did what?”

  “I saw what was going on. I’m not blind. She was like a lovesick puppy helping you in the kitchen and in the yard, and following you all the time. It was disgusting.” Carrie rolled her eyes. “I told her if she wanted to be my friend, she had to stay away from you.”

  It all made sense now, especially that night she’d found Maggie drunk on the porch in the rain. Even though Lynn had squashed whatever was happening between them, Maggie hadn’t chosen to stop coming around. She’d left because of Carrie. “Are you planning to give her the same ultimatum now?”

  “I might.” She rushed through the apartment to the front door.

  “Stop right there, young lady. I’m a grown woman and can make my own decisions about who I see.”

  “She’s the reason you never came to Boston. Come to think of it, you never wanted to see her the whole time we were in med school.” Her eyes went wide. “You felt something for her too. You were seeing her then.”

  “No. No. Never. Believe me, I tried to make it work with Beth, but it was always a one-sided effort.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  “Ask Maggie. She’ll tell you.”

  “I’m going to do just that.” Carrie swung around and put up a hand as she got into the elevator. “You stay here.”

  The back of Lynn’s neck stung as she watched the doors close. Then she ran back to her apartment and searched for her phone. She looked in the kitchen, then the bedroom. Think, Lynn. Where did you leave it? She rushed to the couch in the living room and yanked off the cushions. It fell to the floor, and she immediately put in Maggie’s number. It rang three times and then went to voice mail. Shit. She dropped down onto the couch. All she could do now was wait.