I’m not talking about the car or the license, I’m talking about practicing driving. Would you take her? It might be a nice way for you guys to spend time. Get to know each other, like you said.
Okay.
I’ll keep an eye on Caleb.
Or he could come with.
No, I think it would be good if you went alone. Just you and Anna. Is that okay with you?
Noah had said yes, and it had turned out to be his second big mistake.
The first mistake was allowing Anna to move in.
Chapter Twenty-four
Maggie, Before
“Hi!” Maggie answered Kathy’s call on her way downstairs to get snacks for Noah, Anna, and Caleb, who were setting up Anna’s bedroom, since the furniture had been delivered. It was already Sunday afternoon, but she hadn’t had a spare moment to call her best friend and fill her in.
“Hey, girl, I’m dying to hear what happened with Anna.”
“You’re not going to believe it.” Maggie hurried down to the kitchen. “I brought her home. She’s here.”
“Who is? Anna?”
“Yes! She’s living with us now.”
“Wait, what?” Kathy gasped in delight. “Are you serious?”
“I am, and you know what, Florian told her that I abused her and that’s how I lost custody. Can you believe that?”
“Oh my God! But wait, is she really there? Right now?”
“Yes!” Maggie launched into the whole story as she fetched sodas, a bag of popcorn from the cabinet, and the gleaming copper tray that she reserved for special occasions. If this wasn’t a special occasion, she didn’t know what was.
“Oh my God, this is amazing! I’m so happy for you!”
“I know, isn’t it incredible! I have her back again! My baby girl!”
“This is so exciting! So you’ve got to get her in school and everything.”
“I know, I’m going to take her tomorrow and get her registered. She’ll start classes Tuesday.” Maggie opened the freezer door and filled the glasses with ice.
“I can’t wait to meet her! What does she look like?”
“She’s pretty and smart, but she doesn’t have much confidence.”
“You mean she’s insecure?”
“Kind of, yes.”
“Guess where she gets that from.”
Maggie laughed, at herself. “She’s getting along great with Caleb.”
“Of course she is! How can you not?”
“It makes me really happy.” Maggie lowered her voice. “She’s worried Noah doesn’t like her, but of course he does.”
