Read Online Winter's Thaw by Stacey Lynn Rhodes - Free Book Online Page B

neck, wondering if she should make herself some coffee. Part of her wasn’t looking forward to Sam’s visit, only because she was exhausted and would rather just shut everything down. But Sam was the only person she really couldn’t say no to—Sam knew her so well and always seemed to have her best interests at heart. Like tonight, for example. It was just like her to announce that she was bringing dinner by because she would know that Maggie had gone through the whole day without eating. And once there, Maggie knew Sam would listen to her vent if needed, stay until the words ran out, then give her back her privacy without overstaying her welcome.
    She gave in to temptation and started brewing a cup of coffee with her single-cup machine. She glanced at the house phone and noticed the message light blinking. Purposely turning her back on it, needing a break from the constant calls, even those from friends and extended family, she went about fixing her drink then grabbed her cell phone and wandered into the living room.
    As she settled on the couch, she thought back to that morning when she’d sat with Nick in almost the same position she was in now. A small part of her was a bit disappointed that he hadn’t called her today, though… She cocked her head as she wondered, did he even have her phone number? That was probably why he’d given her his numbers and said for her to call him. That, and leaving the decision to make contact ever again up to her.
    She took a sip from her brimming mug before she spilled any then set it down on the coffee table. Glancing at the wall clock, she figured with the time change that Mom and Cass would be done with dessert and probably watching a movie. Good time to get the goodnight call done. Maggie settled back and dialed.
    “Hi!”
    The sound of her daughter’s voice was both a balm and heartbreaking at the same time. She inhaled sharply through her nose to try to control her sudden emotions. “Hi, baby. Is your grandma around?”
    “Of course she is, where else would she be? Guess what we did today? We went shopping today and had lunch at that Chinese buffet place. Oh my God, I ate so much. I had, like, thirds and then you know how they have that dessert bar?”
    “Mm-hmm…” Her daughter’s exuberant rambling lifted her spirits. Relaxing, she reached for her mug then tucked her legs up to side and leaned into the corner of the couch.
    “So I had to have a dish of the twist ice cream, of course, but they also had éclairs and…”
    Maggie sipped her drink and lost herself in the fairly one-sided conversation with Cass for a few minutes as she excitedly filled Maggie in on her day. Her coffee mug was about half empty when Cassie asked, “How’s Champ?”
    “I haven’t seen him, honey. He’s still at Auntie Sam’s since I’ll be coming back there in a couple of days.”
    “Oh good. I miss you. I mean, I’m having fun with Grandma, but it’s kinda weird without you here. Why did you have to go home anyway?”
    Maggie’s breath caught. They hadn’t said anything to Cass about the accident, wanting to wait until they knew more before mentioning it. Then Wade had died…
    She purposely kept her answer vague and brief. “To do something I had to be in Oregon for. Is Grandma handy? Sam’s coming over soon and I’d like to talk to her before she gets here.”
    Thankfully, Cassie didn’t push. “Okay, yeah, she’s right here. Goodnight, Mom. Tell Sam to hug Champ for me.”
    “Will do, baby. Goodnight.”
    There was a pause and a murmur then her mom came on the line. “Hi, honey.”
    “Hey, Mom.” That awful wave of emotion came back at the sound of her mother’s voice. “How are things going?”
    “We’re just fine. No need to worry yourself. More importantly, how are things there?” Maggie heard the tell-tale squeak of the door into her mom’s garage opening and knew she’d walked out to give them some privacy. “Did you have to go to the