ADDIE OPENED THE door to find Marcus standing on her doorstep. She hadn’t expected anyone, least of all him. A part of her wanted to slam the door in his face. The polite school principal said, “Hello.” She didn’t smile, though another part of her, the part she chose to ignore, was jumping up and down for joy.
Stifling a gasp, she curled her hands tighter around the precious piece of carved wood, instinctively holding it tight against her chest.
“Hope you’re not practicing your incantations to turn me into a toad,” he said.
She stared at him for a long minute, then realized he was referring to the wand. “Uh, maybe just—” She waved it absently. “Making a couple wishes,” she whispered.
“Do you have a minute?” He stood there, his hands in his pockets, his shoulders hunched a bit, reminding her of Ryan.
She nodded and slipped back, opening the door wider. Was that relief on his face? She led the way into the living room, perching on the wing-backed chair. He didn’t sit, choosing to pace in front of the fireplace instead.
Silence stretched out. Finally, Marcus cleared his throat. “There’s a pretty awesome kid at my house who would really like to have a relationship with his mother.”
She gasped, her fingers suddenly aching as she gripped the wood. She looked down at it and made herself let go before she broke it. Carefully, she set the wand on the end table before turning to face him again. Without something to hold on to, she twined her fingers together, gripping so hard her knuckles turned white. She ached to touch him.
Oh, how she wanted to touch him. Memories of that last night they’d spent together came back, taunting and teasing.
“How do you feel about that?” She had to ask, had to know how he really felt.
“I won’t stand in the way of that.” He didn’t look at her, simply stared at the empty fireplace. “He’s afraid of losing you.”
“I won’t—”
“I know you’d never hurt him.” He looked at her then. The pain in his eyes was so deep she actually felt the brunt of the hurt. “Addie, I’m sorry.”
“S-sorry for what?” Why was he here? Just for Ryan? Or was there more?
“For everything.” He turned to face her. “For you losing Cal, and having to give up Ryan. But to be honest, I have to thank you, too. Your sacrifice allowed Carolyn to have her dream of being a mom.”
Addie’s eyes burned. This wasn’t what she’d thought they’d talk about if they ever saw each other again, which she’d seriously doubted would ever happen. “I’d say you’re welcome, but—” She shrugged, trying, and failing, to keep control of her hurt.
“Yeah, a little weird, I know.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “Ryan deserves to have you in his life, and you deserve to watch him grow up.”
She stood there, letting time slip away, afraid to rock this precarious boat. “What...what do you deserve?” she finally asked.
Marcus looked at her then, the fire in his eyes causing her to take a step back. She swallowed.
“I don’t deserve anything.” He turned and paced away. “I read the book. Ryan and I did it together.” He paused. “Then I went and saw my folks.” He spoke quickly, as if forcing himself to focus, needing to get the words out.
“How are they?”
“Good. Better now.” He shoved his hands into his back pockets, and she wished he’d reach for her instead.
“I finally understand, Addie.”
His voice broke, and she couldn’t stand it anymore. She walked over to him. “Marcus, I’m confused. What’s going on?”
He didn’t speak, but he didn’t push her away, either. Progress or just a lull in the storm? Her heart beat loud in her ears, hard against her ribs.
“The memories—” He pulled away from her, shoving his fingers through his hair as he paced away. “I pushed you to remember, just like I did with my dad.” He paused. “I had no right to hurt you like that.”
She ached to hug him. His understanding warmed her heart, and scared her just a little bit. Something big, something unexpected loomed over them. Dare she hope? “You had no way of knowing.” She followed him. “If I’d told you, you might have. But I didn’t. I didn’t tell anyone, and I’m sorry for that.”
“You don’t have anything to be sorry for.” Suddenly, he was there, right beside her. As if he couldn’t resist any longer, he reached out.
“Ah, sweet Addie.” He gently cupped her chin with his hand. “So sweet.”
“Marcus—”
He laughed, a warm sound she’d missed so very much. He stepped even closer, bracketing her face with both hands. “I came here to apologize and leave. I thought I could do that, but I can’t. I can’t let you go, Addie.” His voice deepened. “I need you. I love you.”
She’d hoped, but she hadn’t expected that. “Marcus?” His image wavered, and she blinked away the damp. “You do? I was afraid to hope—” She threw her arms around him. “I love you, too. So, so much.”
He swooped in then, pulling her tight and kissing her with a wildness she’d never felt before. She returned his kiss, finally free from the secrets and pain of the past.