by J. L. Wilder
Maverick shook his head and looked back at where Milo had gone. “I think we can manage a fresh start and a lot more respect. Sorry, Uncle Jonah.”
Uncle Saul scoffed. “And me?”
Maverick raised his eyebrows. “You’re fine, old man.”
Uncle Jonah sat back down and sighed heavily. “A fresh start tomorrow. For all of us.”
Maggie came out from the back with a fully clothed Milo and a towel in her hand. She passed Milo to Maverick and went to Uncle Jonah. “I’m so sorry about that. I heard what you said and...I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am. I can only imagine what this is like for you. You’ve been amazingly patient with Milo and me, and I appreciate that. I’ll do my best to keep us both in line better. I didn’t realize what this would mean to you.”
Sawyer watched as she bent forward and pressed a kiss to Uncle Jonah’s cheek before taking his hand and squeezing it. Uncle Jonah hadn’t interacted much with Maggie, so no one could tell what he really thought of her, but as he looked up at her with shiny eyes, Sawyer could see that his uncle cared for her.
“You’re going to be a great addition to this clan, little Maggie Holcomb.”
Maggie smiled and nodded. “I hope so.”
He looked out at his nephews and smiled back at her. “I know so. Now, why don’t you leave that towel with Maverick and get on home? I hear your sister started her treatment and is feeling under the weather.”
Maverick instantly moved forward, taking the towel from Maggie and gently touching her arm as he moved past. Sawyer saw the tender moment and looked away. It wasn’t out of anger, he realized, though. He found himself wanting to give his brother that moment. The idea of that struck him and he found he had to push it away because he couldn’t unpack what it meant in that moment.
“She’s tough. She’ll be okay. I appreciate the thought, though. I think I will sneak on back and annoy her some more with my mothering.” Maggie grinned. “Turns out she hates when she’s the one being mothered.”
Uncle Jonah laughed and patted Maggie’s hand. “Get on home to her. Tell her that we’re all thinking of her and we expect to see her back at bingo soon.”
Uncle Saul shook his head. “She should find a different hobby when she feels better. She calls the numbers too fast.”
“Too fast for you, maybe, but you’re just old and bad at bingo. That’s not Sasha’s fault.”
Maggie hugged both of their uncles and even kissed both men on the cheeks. “I’ll give her both messages because I both love her and love to mess with her. See you both tomorrow.”
Maggie met his gaze, and a warm smile crossed her mouth before she looked to Wyatt and did the same. Then, she took Milo from Maverick and gave him a similar look before hurrying out of the room. With her went some of the life in the place.
He found he suddenly just wanted to sit down and sigh. That smile was genuine for each of them, he knew. Maggie cared for them all. He couldn’t help wishing it was just for him, though.
“She’s special.” Uncle Jonah interrupted his thoughts. “Already, she’s been able to smooth over so many ruffled feathers. Just by existing.”
Wyatt didn’t spend a ton of time in town, so he looked confused. “What do you mean?”
Maverick grinned. “She’s like a ray of sunshine. People can’t help but like her once they get to know her. Already, half of the clan has changed their tune and are supporting her.”
Uncle Jonah nodded. “I suspect there will be a round of apologies given to our Maggie in time. She cares about this clan, even if she’s just coming to understand that. She’s special, I tell you.”
Sawyer nodded. “Don’t think any of us would argue that.”
“We have a story we’ll have to tell you boys eventually. When the time is right.” Uncle Jonah stood up and looked around. “I think this is all going to go really well, after all.”
Uncle Saul stood up and they both left the room, leaving the triplets to look at each other, wondering what the hell their uncles were talking about. What story could they have that they hadn’t already told a million times?
Sawyer blew out a breath and then laughed when the image of Milo peeing crossed his mind. “Milo is definitely a Walker.”
Wyatt even cracked a smile at that. “I thought Maggie was going to blow a gasket when he started peeing everywhere.”
Cleaning up said pee, Maverick just shook his head. “He definitely knows how to pull focus, that’s for sure. Thank god, though. I’d hit my limit before Uncle Jonah cleared things up.”
“But, honestly, how are we supposed to learn exact pronunciation from Saul? It’s not fair.” Wyatt did laugh finally, his mood lifting. “We’ll need to streamline this for Milo, when he’s ready. I can just see the three of us shouting different versions of the same word at him.”
Maverick laughed quietly. “It’s crazy. This little kid is going to be alpha one day. We’re going to be alphas soon. It’s happening. Doesn’t feel real, honestly.”
“You gave that to us. You and Maggie.” Sawyer threatened their delicate balance by bringing up the sensitive topic of Maggie. “We gave you shit for breaking the promise, but without you doing it, we’d be watching our clan crumble.”
Wyatt sighed. “Sawyer’s right.”
“Do you guys...is it—”
Wyatt stood up. “I’ve got to get back to the ranch.”
Sawyer watched as Maverick clammed back up and nodded. “I should get going, too.”
Sawyer stayed in his chair as he watched his brothers hurry out. They were going to have to handle their shit soon. They’d need to figure out what was happening with Maggie. He knew that it wouldn’t end well if they didn’t. Like the first time. Only the first time, there wasn’t a kid and the alpha power involved. It wouldn’t be great.
19.
***Maggie***
Maggie got a second of notice that the Walker men were at the door before they knocked. Her sense of smell wasn’t fast enough, apparently. It wasn’t enough notice to do anything, much less fix her hair or change into something that wasn’t embarrassing. Sasha, sitting in the living room, saw her panic and laughed.
“I guess I could’ve mentioned that they were coming up the road, but I thought this would be better.”
She glared at Sasha and thought about running upstairs to hide. Why were they all there? The three of them together at her house couldn’t be good.
“Come on in!” Sasha shouted and laughed even more. “This is great.”
Maggie was standing halfway out of the living room when all three of the Walker triplets walked in. They were each carrying flowers, each of them looking awkward. She wanted to scream, she was so embarrassed. What were they all doing? It was different than seeing them all at the ceremony practice. They were all in her home.
Sawyer winked at her and then looked to Sasha. “It looks like we all had the same idea to come and check on you. We all brought flowers, too.”
Sasha was beaming. “Come on in and sit down. I’ve been stuck in this house with my kids and Maggie. I need this.”
With that, the guys all settled next to each other on the couch across from Sasha while Maggie still hovered between leaving and staying. Sasha, of course, wasn’t giving her the option.
“You can sit next to me, Mags.”
Maggie narrowed her eyes at her sister but walked over and sat down, suddenly facing the three men she’d been seeing, with no distraction in between them all. No bossy uncles or screaming Milo, just her and her men. It felt like she’d forgotten how to speak. She wasn’t sure what to say and her brain was going a mile a second to try to make sense of what to say, but it just ended with her being quiet for even longer.
Maverick cleared his throat. “Where’s Milo?”
“Oh, Aubrey and Gabbi took him for ice cream. They should be back soon.”
He nodded. “And the dogs?”
Sasha grinned. “Upstairs with Jack, sleeping. They’re finally giving me space.”
Sawyer clasped his hands together in front of him and leaned forward. “How have you been feeling?”
“Better now.” Sasha nudged Maggie and smiled. “You okay, Mags? You’re so quiet.”
Maggie reached over and took her sister’s hand, squeezing it hard. “Just worried about you.”
Wyatt stood up and looked anywhere but at his brothers or Maggie. “Well, I just wanted to drop off flowers for you. I could put them in some water.”
Sasha laughed and rolled her eyes. “God, this is too easy. Just sit down, Wyatt. This is awkward, we all know it. It doesn’t need to be, though. I appreciate you all bringing me flowers and definitely all coming to see just me and not Maggie.”
Maggie groaned and crossed her arms over her chest. “I’d kick you if you wouldn’t suddenly scream that I’d hurt your cancer.”
Maverick set his flowers down on the coffee table and stretched his legs out. “Good to see nothing has changed between the two of you. You still fight just like always.”
“Maggie just can’t help herself. She never realized that I know best and she should just listen to me.”
Wyatt sank back into the couch and shook his head. “It’s good to know that we both have siblings that don’t get that we’re always right.”
Maggie narrowed her eyes at him and felt her stomach flutter when he winked at her. “Don’t encourage her. She’s been bad enough lately.”
“Not bad. I’m just trying to make sure no one implodes while I’m stuck here. That involves some gentle prodding.”
“You’re about as gentle as a machete.”
“Such a baby.”
“Such a brat.”
Laughing, Maverick looked between the two women and seemed as if he was debating who was crazier. “Do either of you need anything? Not anything sharp, of course, but anything else?”
Maggie heard Bash and Bully running down the stairs and braced herself. Instead of taking out her legs, though, they ran over to the guys and started happily sniffing them. They both ended up with Wyatt, loving all over him.
Wyatt, ever the animal lover, knelt on the floor and rubbed each dog. He glanced up at Maggie from that position and smiled. “They’re beautiful.”
She smiled back at him. “They’re both rescues. I’ve had Bash for seven years and Bully for six.”
Sasha looked back at Maverick. “You asked if I needed anything. Let me think...how big of a need are we talking?”
Maverick met Maggie’s eyes and held her gaze. “Anything.”
Once again, the room heated around Maggie. She looked away, just to have her gaze clash with Sawyer’s. She could practically feel the hunger radiating off of him, and it sent her body into overdrive. They were killing her. She wanted them all to leave, just so she could breathe normally again. Without massive amounts of attraction slamming over her.
“I do need some help with Jack.”
That got Maggie’s attention. She jerked her head towards her sister and raised her brows. “What do you mean?”
Sasha looked earnest for the first time and her hand found Maggie’s. “With his dad gone, I worry about him. He’s got all of us here for him, but I worry that he needs someone who understands him a bit more.”
Maverick immediately nodded. “I have more time on my hands than these two. I’d love to spend some time with him.”
Maggie smiled to herself as she thought about how sweet it was of Maverick to do that. He was going to be a really, really great father. Milo was lucky to have him. And he was lucky to have two uncles who would do anything for him, too. She realized how glad she was that she’d come back. It was the best choice for Milo. He deserved his family.
Sawyer nodded along. “Once the ceremony is over, Jack can hang out with us doing alpha things. If he wouldn’t be too bored.”
Wyatt shrugged. “The farm is always good, too. He could come help me there.”
Sasha looked away, her eyes damp. “I appreciate that. A lot.”
Maggie thought about letting her sister have her moment, but she also knew Sasha would be feeling awkward, so she leaned over and nudged her. “Oh, my god, is the stone-cold Sasha crying?”
Sasha elbowed Maggie in the boob and growled. “I don’t cry.”
“Ow, you ass.” Maggie rubbed her boob without thinking and then stopped when she realized everyone was staring at her. “What? It hurt. Jeez.”
Sawyer stood up and edged around Wyatt, who was still loving on the dogs. “I think I’ll get going. Don’t want to wear out my welcome.”
Maverick nodded and followed. “Same. Just let me know about Jack, Sasha.”
“Bye, pups. Be good for your mom.” Wyatt stood up and nodded to Sasha before coming over to Maggie and pulling her up and into a tight hug. “See you later, Mags.”
Maggie barely had time to swoon before Maverick and then Sawyer both did the same, hugging her tight and telling her goodbye. It was heady to feel them so close to her, but all three at the same time was too much. She wanted to call Uncle and run away. Instead, she walked them to the door and gripped it so tight that it creaked under her grip and had all eyes in the room turning to look at her.
Embarrassed, she gave a little wave goodbye and shut the door harder than she meant to. Then she screamed and ran back to where Sasha was laughing on the couch. “Oh, my god! Sasha, you’re such an asshole!”
Sasha just cackled and fell over on the couch. “That was the best. That made my life. Wow. Just wow. That was awkward.”
Maggie hit her with a pillow and growled. “Yeah! It was! I can’t believe you just invited them all to sit down and talk for a while!”
“You see them together every day, Maggie. What’s the big deal?”
“This wasn’t a meeting about a tradition-filled ceremony! This was our house! This was personal and it was so awkward. I can’t believe that happened. I’m never opening the door again. Maybe I’ll just never go out again.”
“Or you could pick one of them and just sleep with that one.”
Maggie sucked in a sharp breath of air and stopped speaking, the thought painful.
Sasha nodded. “I thought so. It is what it is. You should just accept that you’re in love with three men and that you want all of them. It’s not a big deal.”
“Not a big deal? Wow. Have you tried telling anyone else that?”
“So, you’re not correcting that you’re in love with all three of them?”
Sinking into the couch opposite her sister, Maggie sighed as the scent of the men engulfed her. “Shit.”
“Yeah. That’s what I thought. Do you think there was ever a time when you stopped loving them?”
Thinking back over the years she’d spent lonely and sad, surrounded by people who wanted to be closer to her, she couldn’t imagine she’d ever stopped. They’d always been at the back of her head, lingering and slowly torturing her with what could be. Even when she found a nice, boring man to sleep with once every so often, the whole time, she felt wrong, like she was cheating.
“Oh, Mags. You love them. That’s okay. How can love ever be wrong?”
Maggie was sure that plenty of people would find it wrong. It was part of the reason she’d left Brady in the first place. The night of the party when she’d hurt that human, it’d been because he’d made a comment about the Walker guys.
She’d been drinking too much because she did everything to excess back then. The guys had just left the party because they’d gotten into an argument and had fought with each other in front of everyone. Wyatt had landed on a piece of a broken beer bottle and cut his eyebrow open, so they’d all gone home, angry and sullen. She’d been the reason they fought, but they hadn’t even talked about it then. One of them had started the fight over who was supposed to work the lumber yard the next day and it’d just blown up.
Being left behind, because she couldn’t very well go home with all three of them, Maggie had been sad and disgusted with herself. So, she’d drank and felt sorry for herself. She�
��d done her best to ignore all the talk about her being a slut, but it wasn’t easy without one of the guys there to help her. When the human had come up to her and touched her, she’d gotten angry. She didn’t know he wasn’t another dragon. She’d tried to push him off, but he wasn’t backing off. He’d said something about how she fucked everyone, so why not him. Still, she hadn’t snapped. Not until he raised his voice and insulted the guys. The things he’d said had been gross and so wrong. Her anger had bubbled over, and she’d lost herself.
She’d half shifted into something monstrous and had thrown the guy across the room and through a wall. He’d been taken to the hospital by an ambulance. She’d fled the party before the ambulance came. She’d left town a few days later, so ashamed of herself and her actions. Her desires did hurt people. Her reactions hurt people.
Maybe Sasha was wrong. Maybe love could be wrong.
20.
***Wyatt***
Wyatt sat on his front porch at the ranch, looking out at the land he’d worked for so long that it felt like a part of him. He’d asked his brothers to come over after they left Maggie’s. It wasn’t avoidable, the talk about their relationships with her. Even with the view of his land and a glass of whiskey in his hand, he felt as stiff as he ever had. He couldn’t relax knowing that the conversation they had to have could end so horribly.
He sighed and turned his head to stare at his brothers, who seemed just as tense as he did. “Well. This sucks.”
Sawyer nodded and drained his glass. “Yep.”
Maverick nursed a beer, his eyes on the horizon and the setting sun. “Are any of us expecting a solution by the end of this conversation, or are we just sitting down to fight?”
He poured himself another glass of whiskey and took a big swallow of it. The comforting sounds of the animals around them did nothing to ease his nerves. “Maybe not a solution. Maybe just an understanding.”
“Okay. What’s the understanding?”
Sawyer glared at Maverick. “Relax, Mav. We’re all tense and unhappy about having to talk about this, but if we don’t, it’s never going to end well.”