by Jackie Wang
Roman looked at me, then back at his sister. “God willing, yes.”
I blushed. “We’ll have to see,” I added. Indecision gnawed at me like a persistent beaver attacking a fallen log. I hated that I still wasn’t one-hundred percent sure about our future. After everything we’d been through…I mean, I was sitting in his mother’s living room on Christmas Day for God’s sake! It pained me that I couldn’t give him a definite ‘yes’.
Amelia didn’t seem pleased with my answer. “You two are dating, and you’re not even sure if you’ll be staying in London?” She shook her head in disbelief, then went to fill her mug with hot water.
“Have you had a bite to eat yet?” Alice asked, popping in to check on us. “I’m afraid Amelia and I still have a lot of prep work to do for dinner.” She slipped an apron around her neck. I wondered if she’d overheard our conversation. Suddenly, I noticed Alice was completely bald. She’d removed her hat, and the top of her smooth head gleamed in the dim light. Of course—I’d completely forgotten that she was sick. Roman had told me his mother had lymphoma last year. Which meant…this was quite possibly the last Christmas they’d spend together as a family. Shit. I hated Roman for not reminding me how important this Christmas dinner was. But maybe he just didn’t want to dampen the festive mood.
I shut my gaping mouth and tried to distract myself by looking at the eight-foot-tall Christmas tree in the corner. It was decked in red, green, and white tinsel, as well as countless glass and ceramic ornaments. Quite spectacular, actually. This might be the last Christmas Roman and Amelia spent with their mother. I felt like I was intruding. I was an outsider…I…
“Yes, we ate a couple of hours ago,” Roman answered. “How can we help?”
“Well…” Alice began rattling off a long list of things to do. From washing brussel sprouts to making stuffing for the turkey…Before long, we had our hands full with chores. I was happy to help prep for dinner. It distracted me from the whirlwind of thoughts that tore through my mind. My brain was evidently not my friend.
While I was boiling potatoes, I hissed to Roman, “You could’ve reminded me about the…cancer,” I whispered.
“We’ve embraced it, Maggie. In fact, Mum even jokes about how hair loss has helped her shed some weight. She used to have hair down to her knees, you know.”
“But this might be—”
“All the more reason to introduce you two,” Roman said. He sighed a little, grating his teeth. “This might be the first and last time you ever see her. I wanted her to meet the amazing woman and her sons, the three people who light up my world.”
“Don’t say stuff like that. Science is getting more advanced all the time…”
“It’s okay, Maggie. Really. I’ve made my peace with God. We cherish every second we have left with Mum.”
I wrapped my arms around Roman and squeezed hard. “Thank you, Roman. For bringing me here today.” Thank you for making me feel like the most special woman on the planet.
“No, thank you, Maggie. I haven’t seen my mum look so happy in a long time. I think she’s glad that I’ve found you. Her only regret, she once told me, was not seeing me get married, and have kids, before she passed. I think she’s happy that I’m happy.”
Chapter 43
Evening rolled around after no time at all, and I was glad that we spent most of the afternoon engaged in pleasant and superficial chatter. Alice didn’t ask about my past and never pried. I told her about my parents and Crescent Hill Lodge. She seemed fascinated by the fact that I practically grew up in a hotel. We exchanged stories of single parenthood, and Alice even told me about a few of Roman’s embarrassing childhood ‘accidents’. Like the time he pissed his pants on the first day of school, and had to spend the entire day walking around with soiled trousers. She also showed me old family photos of Roman and Amelia, when they were kids. They looked identical as babies, and Alice used to dress them up in matching clothes. Even Amelia’s cold exterior had melted somewhat, and she cracked a few jokes here and there.
Once we’d finished cleaning up, and while we waited for the turkey to finish, I video-called my parents, who were probably getting ready for lunch. Jesse, Caitlyn, and even Grandma were there as well. I couldn’t have asked for better.
After all, I had an important announcement to make. One of the biggest announcement I’d ever make.
Roman’s mom and sister had popped out to give cookies to the neighbors. Roman was in the kitchen with the boys. It was the perfect time to talk to my family.
Mom picked up after the fourth ring.
Mom’s ruddy face took over the entire screen. “Hi, darling! Merry Christmas!”
“Mom, you’re leaning too close to the camera again.”
Mom pulled back a little, enough for me to see her head and shoulders. “Better?”
“Much.”
“How’s your class, honey? Are you learning lots?” Mom asked. “Is that mean teacher still bullying you?”
“Loads. Just in this past week, I’ve learned more than I did all year back home. My head’s about to explode from all the knowledge. And no, she never bullied me, Mom.” Closette was a tough mentor, but never a bully.
“Where are the boys? I’ve just finished all my Christmas shopping, and they’re going to love what I got them this year,” Mom said. “You’ll be so surprised.”
I glanced over at the kitchen, where the boys were watching Roman take the pudding out. “They’re making dinner…with…Roman.”
“Roman? As in Roman Finnegan?” Dad interrupted.
I nodded slowly, letting the reality of my words sink in. I wasn’t sure why I didn’t tell them about seeing Roman sooner. Now I felt guilty for withholding this information for the past week and a half.
“So you did end up looking for him,” Jesse said. He turned to Caitlyn and added, “I knew she’d cave.”
“We bumped into each other on the street,” I said.
Jesse rolled his eyes and grinned. “Like anyone’s going to believe that. The chances of—”
“Suit yourself.”
“Call him over,” Mom urged, “I want to say hi.”
I leaned forward and angled my head toward the kitchen. “Roman, boys, come here. Mom wants to say hi.”
Roman brought the boys over seconds later. Their faces were covered in chocolate sauce and icing sugar.
“What are you making over there?” I asked, looking at their smudgy cheeks with disapproval.
“Surprise,” Roman said with a wink. “Hi, Mercy. Langston. Oh, Jesse, Caitlyn, and Rita! What a surprise.”
“Maggie says you ‘ran into each other’,” Jesse said. “Is that true?”
“It’s true. I’ve opened a new inn just down the street from where Maggie goes to school. And I happen to be close friends with her pastry school instructor, Madame Closette.”
“Huh. Small world,” Jesse said. “What are the chances…”
“You’re always skeptical about everything, Jess,” I said.
“So, is there something going on that we should know about?” Dad said, looking at Roman, the boys, then back at me. Suspicion was written all over his face and for a good reason. He shoved tobacco into his pipe, tamped it down, and patted his pockets for matches.
“Well…” I glanced at Roman, who nodded.
“Mom and Roman are dating,” Greg blurted out. “They’re in love.”
“I didn’t say—”
Roman leaned in so my family could see his face better. “I don’t know how Maggie feels, but I can tell you, I’m head over heels in love with her.”
“Roman! This—When did all of this happen?” Mom cried, clasping her hands over her mouth. Her expression was almost theatrical. “Last time we spoke, Maggie said—”
“—Mom, we’ve got a lot of catching up to do,” I interrupted.
“That’s an understatement,” Mom said. “So what does this mean, that you two are dating…?”
“Yes,” I admitted. “We’re—
Greg is right. We’re in love. And we’re seeing each other.”
Mom clapped her hands together. “I always knew you two would end up together! Oh, this is fantastic! Just wonderful.”
“Mom, Roman’s new inn is called Maggie’s Inn. He’s offered me a job there, as a pastry chef and café manager. I think…I’m going to take it.” My entire family was silent. I wasn’t sure if it was a good silence or bad one. I bit my nails. “Well?”
“I take it you’re going to stay in London, then?” Mom said after a while. “Is that what you’re trying to say?”
“I—Yeah. Yes, I’m going to stay.”
Roman’s face lit up beside me, and he squeezed my hand. “Yes,” I said more resolutely. “I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I want to stay and see where this goes.”
“So you won’t be flying back in January?” Dad asked, squinting at the computer screen. Smoky tendrils swirled around his face, and he coughed a little.
“I’m going to stay here a while longer,” I said. “Just to see—”
“Hopefully more than a while,” Roman said, kissing my cheek.
“This is…” Dad began. “Quite a shock.” He coughed into his elbow, and Mom patted his back. “This is what she wants. This will be good for her, honey.”
“Good for you, Maggie,” Mom finally said, tears welling in her eyes. “We’ll miss you lots, but good for you. You’ve always wanted to run a business. Boys, how do you feel about staying in London?”
Greg and Jason, who were licking their fingers, stopped and looked up at the screen. “Roman’s the best!” Jason said. “He’s been showing us all the coolest places in London.”
“We love London!” Greg said, grinning. Then he added, “We’ll miss you lots, though.”
“Now who’s going to get me breakfast every morning?” Grammy spoke up.
“I can arrange for—” I began.
“I’ll do it,” Caitlyn volunteered. “It’s the least I can do. Is that alright with you, Rita?”
“I guess so,” Grammy said, chewing on a thumbnail. “The island won’t be the same without you, Maggie.”
“I can fly you all over here, anytime,” Roman offered. “I’d love for you lot to see what I’ve done over at Maggie’s Inn. Maggie loves it, don’t you?”
“I do,” I agreed. “It’s beautiful and so charming.”
“He named an inn after her, of course she’s going to stay,” I heard Dad whispering to Mom. “It’s practically bribery.” They looked back up at us.
Tears were streaking down my mom’s cheeks like raindrops. “You take care of yourself, Maggie. And boys, don’t be getting into any trouble at school. Do your homework, you hear?”
The boys nodded. “We love you, Grandma,” Greg said. “We’ll come visit and stuff. It’ll be great.”
“Love you too,” Mom said. “Don’t go outside wearing t-shirts like you do on the island. The weather is different there.”
“We know,” Jason said.
“And send us lots of photos. Whenever you can,” Mom added. “Email them, so I can save it on my what-do-ya-call-it…desktop.”
“We will,” Greg replied.
“And Maggie?”
“Yes, Mom?”
“You deserve this,” Mom restated. “I’m happy for you. I’m glad you reconnected with Roman. He’s a fine young man, and I have no doubt he will take care of you. Don’t be a stranger, though. Call us!”
“You take good care of my baby girl, you hear?” Dad said. “Or you’ll have to answer to all of us.” He gestured to the rest of the family, who seemed dumbfounded by the news. I guess I needed to give them some time to digest everything. I needed to give myself some time to digest everything. Nothing seemed real at the moment.
“Yes, sir,” Roman said. “I’ll make sure she wants for nothing, Langston. You have my word.”
“Merry Christmas,” Dad said. “We love you!”
“Merry Christmas!”
After we had said our tearful goodbyes, I turned to Roman, tears streaming down my face. “I did it. I actually did it. I—”
Roman leaned in and claimed my lips, his fingers toying with my hair. “You really did it. But don’t worry. You’ll see them again. Probably sooner than you think,” Roman reassured me. “They’re just a flight away.”
“A thirteen-hour flight away.”
“That’s not so bad.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Who’s ready for dinner?” Alice called from the hot kitchen. They were back from their visit with the neighbors. “I’ve got a thirteen-pound bird waiting here,” Alice continued. “Who wants some?”
“Let’s feast, then,” Roman said, joining his mom in the kitchen. “Because tonight, we don’t just celebrate a white Christmas, and family—we also celebrate Maggie, and her wonderful sons, who’ve decided to stay in the UK with us.”
“Oh, I’m so, so glad,” Alice said, pulling me in for a hug. “Roman’s been single for too long. He’s needed someone like you for a long time. Welcome to the family, Maggie.”
I tensed, then relaxed against Alice’s warm embrace. She smelled like peppermint. I loved this woman already. She was so nice, and nothing like the judgmental people I’d grown up with. She was also strong, and optimistic, and full of smiles, despite the hard life she’d had. I could feel Alice’s tears, warm against my cheek. She barely knew a thing about me, yet she was already treating me like her own daughter. I’d been fretting all day for nothing. I couldn’t have found a more kindred spirit. “Thank you, Alice. That means a lot to me.”
“So, you’re staying,” Amelia said, coming up behind Roman.
I nodded, mouth firm. Nothing could ruin the happiness bubbling in my heart. Not even Amelia’s pessimism. “I think this is the beginning of something wonderful.”
“In that case, a toast,” Amelia said, pulling out a bottle of wine. “To Maggie. For taking a leap of faith.”
“Thank you, Amelia,” I said, surprised by her gesture. She handed me a glass and proceeded to fill three more. Was she finally warming up to me?
Everyone raised their glasses. “Cheers,” Roman said.
“Cheers!”
“If we’re all done hugging and crying now, can we eat?” Jason asked, licking his lips. “That turkey looks really yummy, and we haven’t eaten since lunch.”
Alice nodded. “Of course, dear. Let’s eat!”
Epilogue
Two Years Later…
“Dad, Mom won’t let me play any video games,” Greg whined, tugging on Roman’s sweater. “I finished all my homework and everything.”
I shook my head. “You haven’t done your Math.”
“Yes, I have,” Greg said, pulling out his binder and showing me the messy equations. “Please, just for a bit. My friends are waiting for me to join.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine, but set the timer for an hour.”
Greg jumped up and kissed my cheek. “Thanks, Mom!”
“I played video games all the time when I was young. It’s great for developing hand-eye coordination,” Roman said. “And stress-relief.”
“What happened to not spoiling them this year? Getting them a new gaming console is hardly—”
“They deserve to be spoiled. After all, when their baby sister comes in the new year, we won’t have as much time to spoil them.”
I rubbed my watermelon-sized belly, and Nathalie dealt a sharp roundhouse kick to my gut. I winced. This baby girl loved to move around and use her mother as a punching bag. “She’s going to be feisty, I can already feel it.”
“Feisty is good. She’ll have a fiery personality, like her mother,” Roman pointed out, resting his hand on my belly button. It had turned into an outie, which I thought made it look weird. But Roman said it looked adorable. He always called me beautiful, even on my worst days. I bet he’d say I looked pretty with puke in my hair and hairy Sasquatch legs.
“I can’t wait to meet her. I’m going to spoil her like crazy.” Roma
n pressed his forehead against mine. He smelled delicious, like chocolate.
“Spoil her with love, that’s all she needs.”
“And a pony,” Roman whispered against my belly. “Every proper princess needs a pony. Right, Nathalie? And a stable. Or two.”
I rolled my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
“And I’ve also done the impossible.”
“Oh, what’s that?”
“I made all your dreams come true.”
I laughed. “How do you figure that?”
“We’ve been together for two years now, and I’ve yet to see a single wrinkle or frown on your face.”
I stuck out my tongue. “What about that time you hired Fenton Mcgyver, despite my warnings?”
“A minor hiccup.”
“Or the time you forgot to pick up Jason from school?”
“A one-time accident.”
“Or when you didn’t show up for my first ultrasound?”
“There was a flood at the Earlston! And besides, I think I more than made up for that slip-up, if you’ll recall.” He winked, and sent a butterfly fluttering through my chest.
I laughed. “Okay, so you’ve made all my wishes come true. What’s next?”
“Easy. Next, we raise three happy, healthy children, and fall in love with each other over and over until the day we die.”
I smiled, brushing my right thumb against my wedding band. “Sounds simple enough.”
“It is.”
I leaned in and gave Roman a peck on the cheek. “The kids are so lucky to have you as their father.”
“And you as their mother.”
“You always know exactly what to say, don’t you, Mr. Finnegan?”
“Isn’t that why you married me, Mrs. Finnegan?”
I looked at my sons, who finally had a father figure in their lives. I never thought they needed a dad until I noticed how much happier they were when Roman joined our family. From that point on, the choice was easy. And Roman made everything so easy. He was the sweetest husband, and best dad, ever.
Last year, Roman’s ultra-wealthy grandmother had passed away, leaving him with a tidy sum of money. We weren’t sure what to do with it, since we were well off enough as it was, so we started a small hunger-relief charity: the Summers-Finnegan Foundation, which helped single moms across the United Kingdom.