Page 133 of Keeping Score

“So my dad, he owns this hardware shop in town. I practically grew up in it. Did my homework on the counter. Worked the cash register on weekends. I know the ins and outs of that place like the back of my hand. My plan was always to take over for him when I was old enough. I think now he’s sort of scrambling to figure out what to do with the place now that he’s getting up there in age,” I said, trying to piece my feelings about it together. “I mean, he doesn’t need to keep working. I’ve got them covered for life and they know it, but—Liam, it would kill him to sell it. It’s been in the family for years. His grandad opened it and passed it to his father, who passed it to him, and now here I am, ruining the family legacy by playing some stupid game.”

“I doubt your dad sees it that way, Brody,” Liam said. “He’s probably just happy you’re following your dream.”

“But that dream has an expiration date,” I exhaled again, “and it’s really fucking soon.”

“I get it, man,” he said. “I’ve been in your spot. And you know what Cassie told me when I was freaking the fuck out the way you are right now?”

I raised my brows, waiting for him to continue.

“She told me that I should think of it as an opportunity to… what did she say? Find a new dream?” He laughed to himself, staring down at her sleeping form with a fondness he reserved solely for her.

I looked away, giving him that privacy, and jerked my gaze when I found myself staring down at Maggie. She was beautiful, dark hair fanned out on the couch, face relaxed—for once not on guard or ready for the next battle she might have to face.

That was the thing about Maggie. She always had her armor on. Sword at the ready. Sometimes I think she was so braced for attack, she forgot some of us were on her team.

Find a new dream.

Maggie had been my dream for so long. Or at least, she was always at the forefront of the picture. Everything else could take the back burner as long as I could have her. But it was too late for that now.

I cleared my throat, trying to bite down the thick swell of emotion to no avail.

“Cassie’s pretty wise sometimes, huh?”

“She’s wise all the time,” Liam rolled his eyes affectionately. “She’s just so bubbly that people sometimes overlook it.”

“So, what do you think Maggie’s plan of action is now?”

“You know Maggie,” Liam said. “She does whatever occurs to her that moment. Kinda plays it minute by minute.”

“That’s a hard way to live,” I said, looking down at her again. I couldn’t help but look at her. Always.

“Her choice,” Liam said. “She’s always been that way.”

But I didn’t think it was a choice at all.

I think it was the result of trauma. Of the fear of everything being taken away from her eventually, until she learned to just be content with what was in front of her at that present moment and let go of the rest.

“I’m gonna take Cass up to bed. You can take the guest room if you want, since Mags is out here,” Liam said.

I moved to stand up, but Maggie shifted, and I froze, terrified to wake her up and see those sleepy green eyes look up at me the way they used to every morning.

But they didn’t flutter. Instead, she just moved closer, as if sensing my presence even in sleep. And then, before I knew what was even happening, she curled up against me and exhaled a contented sigh.

I looked down at her, holding my breath in fear of breaking the moment.

Do I wake her up? Do I let her sleep? Do I wait a few minutes and see if she moves on her own?

I looked to Liam for guidance, but he just smirked at me and shook his head.

“On second thought, you look pretty cozy here. Good night, Brody,” Liam said over his shoulder, carrying Cassie out of the room.

“Good night,” I said.

And before I could overthink it, I sunk back into the couch, letting myself feel the warmth of Maggie’s body so close to mine again. I could have this, just once.

Because in all likelihood, this would probably be the last time.

Chapter Forty-Two