My Heart to Keep: A Maxwell Family Saga - Book Four

by Alexander, S. B.

  Momma rushed up. “What’s going on?”

  I expelled every ounce of air I had in my lungs. The food table was tucked on the other side of the bar and not in Momma’s line of sight. So I was thankful she hadn’t seen me up on the big screen, although she had to have heard my voice.

  “Your daughter is a whore,” Claire said.

  Momma raised her hand, but I caught it before she did something stupid. “Mom, I can handle this.”

  My body warmed at how Momma was ready to defend me.

  “Young lady,” Momma said to Claire. “I suggest you leave my presence before I do something you won’t like.”

  Trevor grabbed Claire’s arm. “Let’s go. Mrs. Thompson, I apologize.” Trevor practically dragged Claire out of Momma’s view.

  “Now tell me what happened,” Momma said to me in her motherly tone that was equal parts scary and concerning.

  I wasn’t about to tell her anything in front of a crowd full of kids. Thankfully, the band returned to the stage and launched into an upbeat song. Kids dispersed, and some started dancing since a fight wasn’t imminent.

  Maiken entwined his fingers with mine and pulled me through the club as we followed Momma. Kade stood at the door of the storeroom, holding it open for us. He had a knowing look in his copper eyes as though he’d been in my shoes.

  Once we were behind closed doors with the music muted, Momma stuck her hands on her hips. “What happened out there?”

  Maiken let go of my hand, watching me with as much concern as Momma had.

  There was no sense in lying to Momma. She would find out anyway.

  “Claire, the girl you told to leave, leaked a video of Maiken and me in a compromising position.” My gaze was glued to my strappy gold heels, because I was afraid to see the disappointment in Momma’s eyes.

  “As in a sex video?” Momma was on the verge of screaming at the top of her lungs.

  I shook my head, still not meeting her eyes. “Not really. I was unbuckling Maiken’s jeans, and—”

  “Don’t finish that sentence. I don’t want to know.” Fury threaded through her words. “Do you know what that could do to your college and future employment if that got out on the web, Quinn? And you, Maiken. How could you let this happen? Your basketball career could go up in smoke.”

  Maiken cleared his throat. “Ma’am, the video was dark and grainy, and we weren’t naked. I also have the evidence.” He held up the thumb drive.

  I cringed at the word “naked.” What if we had been? I’d been so flipping stupid to drink.

  “It’s my fault, Momma. That was the night of my party, and well, I wasn’t thinking straight.”

  Someone knocked on the door, and then Trevor came in. “Can we talk?” He addressed all of us, holding his head high. “I know ‘sorry’ doesn’t cut the mustard.” He cupped his hands in front of him, his expression dour. “When I first arrived in Ashford, my world had been turned upside down. A new town. A strange home. A new school. My dad thought a fresh start would temper the memories of my mom’s death. He got on with his life like she didn’t even exist.” He took a breath as he kept his focus on Momma.

  I found a crate to sit on. Maiken didn’t move from his spot near a shelf of toilet paper.

  “I was furious with him,” Trevor continued. “I lashed out any chance I had. That night when Sloane said she was going to a party, I followed her to the farm. I was walking around the property when I spotted you two.” He looked at Maiken and me. “I had no intentions of malice. I film a lot of things.”

  “You saved it on your computer, though,” I said. “And you failed to tell me that part.”

  “When I hooked my phone to my computer that night to charge it—like I do on most nights—my photos and videos download automatically. Honestly, I didn’t even think about that when you deleted the video from my phone.”

  Maybe I was crazy, but I believed him.

  “And Claire?” Maiken asked. “Does she normally go snooping into your things?”

  “She hates Quinn, man. I’m sorry about what Claire did. I will wipe the video off my computer. If you want to watch me, I’m cool with that.” He addressed Momma. “Ma’am, please forgive me. You and your husband have been kind and like a second family to me.”

  Momma grasped his arms. “Son, I appreciate your honesty. You’re a good boy. And I’m so very sorry about your mom. You have a home with us at any time.”

  “You’re not going to fire me?” he asked, seemingly holding his breath, looking like he was about to lose it.

  “Everyone deserves a second chance,” Momma said. “But I want you to learn from this.” She wagged her finger at each of us. “All of you. Intimacy between two people belongs behind closed doors.” She gave me a pointed look. “I also hope, young lady, you’ve learned some valuable lessons this year.”

  My heart was beating out of my chest as I waited for the bomb to drop. I just knew she was about to ground me or tell Daddy what I’d done.

  As if she was in my head, she said, “We will not speak of this to your father. However, the three of you will make sure there is not another piece of evidence of the video. I would hate to see it surface years down the line when you’re trying to get a job.”

  “I promise, Mrs. Thompson,” Trevor said. “I will erase it.”

  “You will,” Maiken finally piped in. A smidge of fear washed over him. “If not, I will do whatever it takes to make sure you don’t get into a college basketball program.”

  Trevor’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “We’ll do it together, man.”

  “Good,” Momma said. “Now, I’m going to return to my post. I’ll see you at home, Quinn.” Then she walked out.

  Trevor apologized once more then walked out, hanging his head.

  Once Maiken and I were alone, I bent over and held my knees, blowing out a ton of air. “I hate high school.”

  Maiken glared at me. “How come you didn’t tell me?”

  I straightened. “I didn’t tell anyone because I was embarrassed and mortified.”

  “With me?”

  “No, of course not. With myself.” I grabbed his hands. “I did something under the influence. You told me to stop. You even thought someone was watching us, and I didn’t listen. I was mad at myself. When Trevor let me delete the video from his phone, I thought that was the end of it. I wasn’t thinking about where else he could’ve stored it. I was only thinking about how I dodged a bullet. Because if Trevor had turned out to be the creep I thought he was and the video went viral, then you might not have gotten the offer letter from BC.” I might’ve been reaching on that one.

  “Maybe,” Maiken said. “But it hurts to know you didn’t tell me.”

  A pang of anguish clutched my chest. “I love you, Maiken Maxwell, to the stars and back. I promise I will never keep anything from you again. Ever. I swear on Daddy’s heart.”

  He cupped my face with one hand, and I leaned into his touch. The warm, gentle, soothing, and loving gesture sewed my emotions back together.

  “From this day forward,” he said, “we are partners through thick, thin, highs, lows, and everything in between. No secrets. No lies. We support each other. We tell each other everything. Because someday, Quinn Thompson, you’ll be my wife. I will marry you.”

  A swarm of butterflies went wild inside me. “My heart is yours, Maiken Maxwell. It’s yours to keep forever.”

  He brushed his lips over mine before he kissed me, slow, wet, and sensual.

  He was the love of my life, and he was spot-on. I would marry him someday.

  The energy in the air was electric. The senior class occupied the front half of the gymnasium while I sat on stage, looking out at a sea of blue and gold caps and gowns. Two hundred seniors would walk across the stage in about thirty minutes, their pulses beating hard as they stood tall and smiled broadly.

  Our teenage years were coming to a close—the fun times, the bad times, the drama, sporting events, tests, and everything else that came with be
ing a teenager. But like my peers, I was proud of myself. I was proud that I’d made it through the awkward stages, the bullies, the long nights before exams, the parties I seriously wanted to erase from my memory, and most of all for turning into a strong individual.

  As I half listened to Principal Sanders address our graduating class, I thought back to the first day I walked into Kensington during my freshman year. I’d been scared, timid, and excited. The last four years had been a series of firsts. My first crush. My first boyfriend. My first kiss. My first argument with Maiken. And my first time with a boy I loved.

  Nerves churned in my stomach. I was about to make my first public speech in front of an audience with my parents, my brothers, my boyfriend, my close friends, and peers. I’d never addressed an audience that big. I wasn’t even sure if words would come out of my mouth.

  As the principal droned on, I recited my speech in my head. I’d been practicing it for the last two weeks in front of a mirror, to Maiken, to Celia, and to Momma. When I’d first started writing my speech, I had one message in mind: work hard and prosper. But I had changed my tune after the prom. Now I had a different theme in mind.

  Speaking of the prom, the backlash hadn’t been as severe as I’d thought it would be. Claire had been nonexistent. Celia had learned that Claire had gotten a one-day suspension. Francine, the head of the prom committee, had made sure Claire paid. I couldn’t exactly encourage Principal Sanders to punish Claire given my actions in the video.

  I felt that I was as much at fault as Claire had been. If I hadn’t gotten drunk, then the video would’ve never happened. Luckily for me, the principal hadn’t mentioned a word about the prom incident to me. I’d been quite nervous she would, but my actions hadn’t hurt anyone or broken any rules on school property. The only thing that had been broken was my pride. In addition, Maiken and I had made darn sure Trevor erased all digital copies of the video from his computer, and he’d been very accommodating and apologetic.

  “Now I would like to give the podium over to our valedictorian, Quinn Thompson.” Principal Sanders turned and nodded to me as she clapped along with the entire audience.

  I took in a quick breath, hoping to calm my nerves, and rose, smiling at her as I walked up to the podium. My pulse beat a staccato rhythm as I placed my note cards on the podium and looked out at the students.

  “Focus on one person,” Mrs. Flowers had said. “Give your speech like you’re having a casual conversation with that person.”

  I swallowed, lifted my chin, and cleared my throat as I adjusted the mike. My hands were trembling as I searched for someone to latch onto. I wanted Maiken to be sitting in the front row, but he was somewhere in the back. But when I swept my gaze to my right, Maiken was standing in the aisle along the wall, smiling warmly and proudly.

  I briefly closed my eyes, feeling a sense of relief that I had him to support me.

  “Fellow graduates, it’s been four years of firsts and lasts.” Definitely firsts with Maiken, but never lasts. “Four years of learning and growing. And as our high school days come to an end, we should be proud of what we’ve accomplished.” I scanned my peers before continuing. “We owe a debt of gratitude to those who have helped us get here today. The teachers who have worked tirelessly, giving their free time to support extracurricular activities, clubs, sports, and the list goes on. Our illustrious guidance counselor, Mrs. Flowers, who has gone out of her way to help us as we prepare for college. To Principal Sanders, who has always made sure we have the best state-of-the-art tools to help us learn and to keep us on the straight and narrow.” I took a breath and swallowed. “Let’s give them a round of applause.”

  Once the audience was done clapping, I soldiered on. “I stand before you today not only as your valedictorian but also as your peer and friend.” I held my head high. “What I tell you now isn’t from these note cards.” I tapped my heart. “My message to you comes right from here. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. Don’t be afraid to do something you think you can’t do. We are strong. We are powerful. We are ready to take on new challenges.”

  Most of the heads in the audience nodded and bobbed.

  “Since I was a little girl, my dad”—I glanced to my left and homed in on my dad, who was sitting two rows up next to my mom—“my dad always told me, ‘You will do great things one day, Quinn.’” Tears threatened as my dad beamed at me. “I believe each and every one of you will do great things. We are now armed with the tools we need to grab our dreams by the horns. We are ready to adapt, grow even more, learn, love, and build a world where one day our kids will be as proud as my parents are of me right this minute.” Tears flowed down my cheeks. “So with that, I would like to leave you with one last thing.” I puffed out my chest and opened my arms. “The future is your playground. Use it to have the best darn time of your life.”

  The senior class of Kensington High, along with parents and loved ones, gave me a standing ovation.

  I smiled through a cloud of tears, and for the first time in all my years, I wasn’t afraid of life after high school. I was ready to take on whatever was thrown my way, and I knew without a doubt that I would do great things.

  In one week, Quinn and I were off to Boston College. In one week, we would begin our new life as college students. If anyone asked me a year ago where I thought I would be, my answer would’ve been, “I’m not sure.”

  My senior year of high school wasn’t what I’d imagined. I’d never expected to be at a new school, away from Mom, away from Quinn. But I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I believed that year had given me a chance to grow up, to see the world in a different light, to focus on my dreams, and above all else, to deepen my love for Quinn. Not seeing her every day hadn’t been easy. But I believed we were stronger because of the separation. I believed that she and I could do anything now. Our relationship was impenetrable. We had each other through thick and thin.

  “Maiken!” Quinn shouted. “Pay attention.”

  I chuckled as I focused on my beautiful goddess. She was trying to get me on a horse, and after almost three years of telling her no, I’d decided to slay one of my demons. I’d been around horses since I met Quinn, and they weren’t as scary anymore.

  She held out the reins. “It’s simple. Apple is kind and gentle. Don’t be afraid.”

  “I’ll be fine,” I said as Apple wagged her tail.

  I slipped my foot into a stirrup as I took hold of the reins and lifted myself up onto the saddle.

  Quinn clapped, and she lit up like a Christmas tree. “See, you’re a natural.”

  If I got to see her smiling and happy, I would climb up and onto a hundred horses for her.

  I inhaled the afternoon summer air. A light breeze ruffled my hair. It was the perfect day for a trot through the woods. Our plan was to explore, but I had other things in mind once Quinn and I were deep in the woods.

  Like the horse expert she was, she mounted Lightning effortlessly. The black horse inched forward as though he weren’t used to someone riding him.

  Quinn petted his neck. “It’s okay, boy. We’ll run soon.”

  I wasn’t about to full-out gallop. But it would be fun to see Quinn fly with her horse.

  “Okay,” Quinn said. “You ready. You remember what I taught you?”

  “Hold on to the reins for dear life,” I teased.

  She rolled her amber eyes. “Silly. Apple will follow me. But if you want her to move faster, just dig your heels into her.”

  I gave her the thumbs-up. “Lead the way, Goddess.”

  She giggled as she took off on a trail along the perimeter of the farm.

  Before long, we were in the thick of the woods, and I was surprisingly fine with how Apple trotted as though she were smelling every branch and leaf along the way.

  That sense of fear I’d had for horses diminished greatly. I was actually digging how freeing riding a horse was making me feel.

  Quinn led the way for about twenty minutes until we came out of the dense t
hicket. The Maxwell Lake lay before us.

  She beamed at me as she climbed off Lightning. “Are you good?”

  “Never better,” I said as I tried to get off Apple like an expert rider. But my foot got caught in the stirrup, and I faltered.

  Quinn gasped, rushing to catch up.

  I laughed as I managed to get two feet on the ground. “I’m cool.”

  She giggled. “You still don’t like horses. Do you?”

  I clutched her waist. “What I do like is you and me and…”

  She squealed. “Let’s jump in.” She removed her tank top, revealing a yellow bikini top. “We have the lake all to ourselves.”

  That we did. My cousin Kade’s house was across the lake, but I doubted he would be watching us.

  We secured the horses to a tree before Quinn took off, diving into the water.

  I tore off my shirt and chased after her.

  Once we were both in the cool lake water, she locked her hands around my neck and her legs around my waist.

  “Are you ready for college?” she asked as I twirled us around.

  I was more than ready. I couldn’t wait to play college ball. I couldn’t wait to begin my new life with her at my side.

  I pecked her on the lips. “I am, but right now, I want you.”

  She slid off me. “Then you’ll have to catch me.” She started swimming, but not that fast.

  “I will always catch you, Quinn Thompson. Forever and ever.” As I swam up to her, I was on top of the world. I had the most beautiful, confident, intelligent, and amazing girl a boy could ever have.

  We were both ready to begin anew, and as she’d said in her valedictorian speech, “The future is your playground. Use it to have the best darn time of your life.”

  I planned on doing just that with her.

  Dear Reader

  I hoped you enjoyed Maiken and Quinn’s journey and diving into the Maxwell world. There will be books on Maiken’s siblings, but I’m not sure of the timing yet.