My Heart to Hold: A Maxwell Family Saga - Book Two

by Alexander, S. B.

  Her chest lifted. “I…” She worried her bottom lip. “I love you.” She held her breath.

  Whoa! Suddenly, my mouth was as dry as a bone. She certainly held my heart in the palm of her hand. So, asshat, tell her how you feel. I would if my tongue would move.

  Her face was turning pale as though she regretted saying those three little words.

  “Do you remember my poem?” I asked. “I mean, the part where I said you have me under your spell?”

  She gnawed hard on her bottom lip as her head moved up and down.

  “Well, you do. When I’m not with you, I think about you constantly. And when we’re together, all I want to do is kiss you. You’re all beauty and grace, funny and smart, and you make me feel things I’ve never felt before.”

  Color returned to her face as a huge smile broke free. “I love your poem by the way.”

  I kissed her hand. “And I love you too.”

  I hardly took my next breath before her mouth was on mine. Electricity sparked through me, and I returned the kiss with all I had.

  No matter what happened from that moment on, I would always love Quinn Thompson.

  A month had passed since that cold day of my skating competition with Tessa. But instead of the ice and snow, I was absorbing the hot sunshine of Georgia during our February break.

  I angled my face toward the sky every now and then as I walked along the surf, the waves breaking over my toes.

  The last time I’d been to a beach was when I was six. My grandparents had taken Carter, Liam, and me to Cape Code for a long weekend. The only thing I could remember was Granny not letting me near the water without her.

  But Granny wasn’t with me as I held Maiken’s hand. This was one memory I would never forget, and I definitely wouldn’t forget the day I’d told him I loved him. That was a day that would be brightly etched in my mind forever. I’d been so darn nervous. But after Tessa and I had had a breakthrough in our relationship, I’d been on cloud nine, wanting to shout to the world not only that Tessa had apologized, but that I loved Maiken Maxwell.

  “I’m glad your mom and dad let you come,” Maiken said.

  When he’d asked me if I wanted to spend our February break in Georgia with him, I’d hurried home from school to ask Momma. I knew it would take some convincing for her and Daddy to say yes. After all, I’d never been away from my parents, and I knew Daddy wouldn’t want me to go away with my boyfriend.

  “Sweet girl,” he said. “You’re sixteen, and dashing off with your boyfriend at that age isn’t appropriate.”

  “You don’t have to worry about me,” I responded. “Kade and Lacey will be there.”

  Even though Eleanor and Martin had returned from their month-long vacation at the beginning of February, Kade and Lacey were still heavily involved in helping out. Plus, Lacey had to be in Florida for some meetings with the baseball team she played for, and she and Kade had seen an opportunity. They would take the kids down to Georgia, and Lacey would spend a couple of days with Kade before heading to Florida. Then Kade would drive Maiken and his family back to Massachusetts.

  “It’s not about adults being there,” Daddy said. “You’re a young woman. He’s a young man if you catch my drift.”

  I kind of suspected that was what he’d been thinking. My mom interjected on my behalf. Thank God. I didn’t have the courage to talk to my dad about sex without turning a million shades of red.

  Anyway, after a heated discussion between my mom and dad, she had given me the thumbs-up.

  “I wasn’t sure my dad was going to say yes,” I said. “After all, I’m his little girl.” I didn’t want to or wasn’t ready to share with Maiken what my dad had been thinking. While I would burn up talking about sex with my dad, I would probably instantly disintegrate if I broached the subject with Maiken.

  Our make-out sessions had been limited to kissing only. Neither of us had ventured into groping territory. He was being a gentleman, and if I were being honest, I wasn’t ready for more than kissing. Besides, when we were out at Shakers or the movies, we were always surrounded by friends. When I was over at his house, his siblings seemed to barge into the boathouse unexpectedly. If we were in my barn, I was always hyperaware that Carter, Liam, or even Daddy could show up.

  Maiken grasped my hand. “My dad wouldn’t have allowed Emma to take off for a week with her boyfriend. But I’m glad your dad did say yes.”

  The beach was deserted except for a jogger or two passing by. I’d learned that morning that the stretch of sand behind Maiken’s aunt’s home was private.

  Speaking of his aunt, she was doing better according to Maiken’s mom. The chemo seemed to be working, but her medical team had said she wasn’t out of the woods yet. I hadn’t had a chance to meet her yet. When we’d arrived the night before, Maiken’s mom had informed us that her sister was in the hospital for observation while the medical team ran more tests.

  Emma jogged toward us, frayed shorts revealing long legs that glistened in the sunlight. “There you two are. Mom wants to talk to you.” Then she ran back to Harlan, Charlotte, and Maple, who were building sandcastles.

  “Maybe my mom has good news. Come on.” Maiken tugged me along as he picked up the pace.

  I was hoping that by good news, he meant he wouldn’t be moving next year.

  When we trampled up the small path and onto the back deck, Kade was on his phone, and Maiken’s mom, Christine, was just coming out of the house. Her eyes were puffy, her skin was ashen, and her brown hair needed a wash.

  She squinted, checking on her kids in the distance. Ethan, Marcus, and Jasper were throwing a football well beyond where Emma and the others were.

  Maiken left my side to hug his mom. “I hate that you’re going through this. You should get some rest while we’re here.”

  She kissed Maiken then let go. “You sound so much like your dad. I’m fine, though. I want to spend time with you. Let’s sit.”

  Kade pocketed his phone and joined us at the glass-topped round table with an overhead umbrella. Then he nodded at Christine for some reason.

  “What’s going on?” Maiken asked. “Is it Aunt Denise? Did she take a turn for the worse?”

  Christine reached over and grasped her son’s hand. “She’s okay. I wanted to talk to you before I told the others.” She sat back in the plastic chair. “I’m so proud of you, Maiken. You’ve worked hard to improve your grades. I’ve spoken to your teachers, and they tell me you’re doing well in all your subjects. I even spoke to Coach Dean last week, and he tells me the captain position suits you. I knew you were a leader like your dad.” She glanced out in the distance.

  The lull of the ocean buzzed around us as my pulse hummed along with it. I had a heavy feeling in my stomach that she was trying to find the words to break bad news to Maiken.

  Her chest rose and fell. “I’m sorry that your team didn’t make the playoffs.”

  Maiken swung his gaze around the table. “Maybe next year.”

  Maiken had been bummed that the team had lost more games than they’d won, but Coach Dean had said the guys had come a long way since the beginning of the season.

  Hopefully, Maiken would have another chance to lead the team next year.

  Christine set her tired gaze on me. “And Quinn, thank you. You’ve been a great friend to Maiken and our family. Emma talks about you all the time, as does Maiken. So do the others. Harlan can’t stop talking about the chickens on your farm.”

  I blushed. I would do anything for Maiken and his family, and having the kids over to the farm to help feed the chickens, and even the horses and pigs, was nothing. I loved to see Harlan, Charlotte, and Maple’s eyes light up when they petted Apple, and I loved how they giggled when the pigs made their signature noises.

  “Mom,” Maiken said. “You sound like you’re going somewhere without us. You’re not sick too?” Horror etched his tone.

  “Oh, God, no. I’m sorry. This conversation is supposed to be light.”

  K
ade had been quiet, listening and watching. I hadn’t known him that well, but in the last month and a half, I’d noticed that he was the silent type, only saying things when he had to. For example, on the way to Georgia, he’d hardly spoken unless it was to talk to Lacey about baseball or reprimand us for getting out of hand in the car.

  “I’ve come to a decision about our living situation,” Christine said. “It’s not one that I like, but for now, it’s best, considering Aunt Denise. But I wanted to get your input before I told your brothers and sisters.” She fidgeted in her chair. “I’ve always, always wanted to keep us all together, but with Aunt Denise, it’s going to be difficult unless we find a big home down here, which is impossible financially right now.”

  Her sister’s house only had three bedrooms. It was too tiny for eight kids. In fact, Kade, Lacey, and I were staying at an inn in town while Maiken and his siblings stayed with their mom.

  “I also don’t want to burden Kade and Lacey or Eleanor and Martin.” She looked at Kade. “But Kade and I have talked extensively about this. What do you think about staying with Kade and Lacey for at least your junior year?”

  My arm was ready to go up, much like I would do in class when a teacher asked a question. Pick me. Pick me.

  Kade leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His copper eyes shimmered in the sunlight. “Lacey and I have talked. Our new house will be ready by the beginning of summer. So we’ll have plenty of room. We would like for you, Emma, and Ethan to live with us, at least until your mom is ready to find a permanent place to settle down.”

  “I want you kids to stay in one place, especially through high school,” Christine said. “This is the time to make long-term friends, focus on your studies so colleges will look at you. Sure, you can do the same here in Georgia, but you seem to like Kensington.”

  I had one leg crossed over the other, moving my foot furiously.

  Maiken looked at me as though he wanted to know what I thought. All I did was smile. The selfish part of me wanted to nudge him along. I wanted him to stay at Kensington for the next two years. The unselfish side of me wanted to encourage him to stay with his family. After all, family was important to him, and I couldn’t fault him for that. If I were in his shoes, I would struggle with my decision.

  But Kensington was a great school. He was captain of the basketball team. He wouldn’t have to make new friends, and he had me.

  “So Emma and Ethan don’t know yet?” Maiken asked.

  “No,” Christine said. “I’m asking you first because they’ll make their decision based on what you decide.”

  Maiken looked out at his brothers and sisters. “What about Marcus? He’ll be starting high school. He’ll be alone down here with Jasper in junior high.”

  “He has a point, Christine,” Kade said. “We’ll have plenty of bedrooms in our new house.”

  “Let’s table that for now. We’ll talk more when school ends.” Christine looked out at her kids. “Maiken, I want you to be happy. I don’t want you to worry about your brothers and sisters. Enjoy your high school years.”

  Maiken adjusted himself in his chair. “So all of us will stay in Ashford until the summer?”

  “Right now, that’s the plan,” she said. “If Aunt Denise continues to improve, then I’ll consider finding a home in Ashford.”

  “You hate the weather,” Maiken said.

  “Sure, but I love my kids, and there’s nothing better to a mother than seeing her children happy. Besides, we have more family in Ashford than here in Georgia.”

  Maiken grabbed my hand. “What do you think?”

  My eyes went wide, and my heart was beating all over the place. He knew I didn’t want him to leave. He knew I would probably die if he did.

  Kade and Christine waited patiently for my answer. Maiken, however, rubbed his thumb on the back of my hand.

  “It’s a tough decision,” I finally said. “But you have to decide what will make you happy.”

  Kade tapped his heart. “What’s in here?”

  Maiken grinned like he was remembering something. “The heart knows.” He sighed. “Mom, I would like to finish high school at Kensington on one condition.”

  One of her eyebrows quirked up.

  “If you need me, you’ll tell me,” Maiken said. “I’ll move in a heartbeat.”

  Christine broke out with a warm, motherly smile. “I wouldn’t hesitate. I love you, Maiken. You’re so much like your father.”

  I wished I’d gotten to meet his father, but right now I wanted nothing more than to throw myself at Maiken. But Christine beat me to it.

  Instead, I sighed heavily. Kade chuckled as though he knew the tension I’d been under.

  Christine then traded Maiken for me. “You’re a good girl, Quinn. I’m so glad Maiken loves you.”

  Happy tears surfaced. As much as I appreciated her words and gesture, I wanted to feel Maiken’s arms around me.

  Christine must’ve sensed my impatience because she said, “Kade, why don’t we head down to the beach and see the kids?”

  When Maiken and I were alone on the deck, he hung his head. I couldn’t tell how he was feeling.

  I linked my fingers with his. “Talk to me.”

  A light breeze ruffled his hair, making him more handsome, if that were possible. “I feel like a weight was just lifted off my shoulders.”

  No doubt.

  Then he flattened his hands against my cheeks. “Are you sure you want me around next year?” he teased.

  I rolled my eyes. “Mmm.”

  Whatever else I was about to say or had on my mind blew away with the ocean breeze when his lips grazed mine. “It’s you and me, Quinn Thompson. Let’s make great high school memories together.”

  Eeek. I was all for that. With Maiken at my side, our high school years were going to be epic.

  The school year had ended the week before, and excitement charged the air. My siblings and I were waiting for Uncle Martin. He’d gone to pick up the boat that had been in the shop for the last two weeks. He was also having the new name of Harlan Marlin imprinted on the back. He’d loved Ethan’s idea of dedicating the boat to his brother.

  Harlan squealed as he splashed water at Charlotte, who in turn screamed at him from the water’s edge.

  I stood ankle deep, watching Harlan and Charlotte have a great time swimming around.

  The trees rustled around the lake as the sun glinted off the water. No more snow. No more freezing temperatures, and no more ice.

  “Quinn!” Harlan shouted.

  I turned to find my girl sashaying down from the garage, dressed in jean shorts and a tank top, with her hair pulled up in a high ponytail.

  The temperatures for June had been in the low eighties with an off-the-charts humidity level—a huge change from the freezing temperatures that past winter.

  Quinn was holding something in her hand as she waved. Her face broke out in an award-winning smile that always made my body sing.

  Then it dawned on me. She’d gone to get her driver’s license.

  “I got it,” she squealed.

  I stepped out of the water, lifted her up, and swung her around. “I’m so proud of you.”

  She giggled as I set her down. “I was nervous. So nervous.”

  Harlan ran out of the water and threw himself at Quinn. She barely had time to catch him as his soaking-wet body plastered against her. “What did you get?”

  She squatted down and showed Harlan her license. “I can drive a car now. See?”

  He looked at her picture. “You’re pretty.”

  She ruffled his wet hair. “And you’re handsome.”

  “I know,” he said matter-of-factly.

  I couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Maiken,” Kade called from the garage. “My dad is coming down the road.”

  “Oooh,” Quinn said. “The boat.”

  Charlotte ran out of the water and kept running up the grassy hill to the garage. Harlan was right behind her. />
  “Do you want to go swimming later?” I asked.

  Quinn glanced out at the water, her amber eyes shimmering. “Can you believe that not five months ago, I was ice-skating on the lake?”

  And fighting with Tessa Stevens, who had since backed off on bullying Quinn. They weren’t friends by any means, but it had been nice not to hear Tessa throw out taunts at Quinn or snarl at her every chance she had in the halls at school. Whether the nicer side of Tessa Stevens would continue in our junior year was yet to be seen, but that was something to worry about next year. With the summer upon us, I doubted Quinn or I would see Tessa Stevens.

  I chuckled. “I can’t believe I stood out in the middle when the lake was one solid piece of ice.”

  “When are you leaving for Georgia?” she asked.

  I dried my feet on a towel. “Next week.”

  The plan was to spend a month in Georgia with Mom and Aunt Denise, who was holding her own considering all the chemo she’d had, then return the month before school started to get settled into Kade and Lacey’s new home.

  “I’ll miss you.” Quinn sounded sad all of a sudden.

  I tugged her to me and wrapped my arms around her. “We’ll talk every day and text all the time. Besides, you’re still coming for a few days in July. Right?”

  She eased back. “Of course. After my visit to North Carolina State.”

  Quinn, Liam, and their mom were visiting colleges that Liam and Quinn were interested in. I knew I needed to start thinking more seriously about colleges, but life had been so busy. I wished the basketball team had had a better season. We hadn’t made the playoffs, but we’d had a couple of scouts at our home games. I was pretty sure they’d come to see Liam.

  According to Coach Dean, scouts looked at everyone, but they didn’t get serious about offers usually until junior and senior years, and Liam would be a senior next year. I was happy for him. He was interested in Georgetown, which was one of the Thompsons’ stops on the way to NC State. But NC State was interested in him over Georgetown. Not only that, NC State was one of Quinn’s college choices. Apparently, they had a great premed program.