to me? Oh, this should be good,” she said, tossing her head in that way that irritated the hell out of him. “Why don’t you tell me, exactly, how you gave in to me all these years?”
“You’re always so stubborn. So certain you’re right. And why wouldn’t you be? You just roll over anyone who disagrees with you. And I made it so easy on you. I never fought you. About anything. Not Bree’s last name or visitation rights or you having her for every holiday. When I wanted her enrolled in that preschool program—”
“She was three. And she went the next year.”
“She went when you wanted her to go. But I didn’t question it. I never questioned any of your decisions. I never fought you,” he repeated, his voice all the more dangerous for its softness. He opened his car door. “Maybe it’s time I did.”
* * *
“WHERE’S BREE?” Elijah demanded as he let himself into Maddie’s house.
Finishing the dinner dishes, Maddie raised her eyebrows. “What happened to ‘Hi, Aunt Maddie, so good to see you. You’re awesome as always’?”
He giggled. “Hi, Aunt Maddie. You’re awesome as always.”
“Better.” She nodded toward the hall. “Bree’s in the living room,” she said, the last word barely out of her mouth before Elijah made a beeline that way.
Letting the water out of the sink, she dried her hands as Fay came inside.
“Hey, buddy,” Maddie said, taking Mitchell from Fay and placing the baby on her own hip. “Are you going to hang out with us Montesano girls tonight? Huh?” Completely in love with the little butterball, she gave him a bounce. Then another. He clapped his hands then shoved his fist into his mouth. “Now, that’s the kind of response a woman likes to get from a guy.”
Her baby radar in full swing, Bree came into the kitchen. “Hi, Mitch.” Mitchell squealed and held his arms out. Bree took the baby and cuddled him close. “Hi, Aunt Fay.”
“Hi, honey. How are your knees?” When Bree looked at her quizzically, her sweatpants covering her scabbed-over knees, Fay added, “Your dad told us about your accident.”
“They’re better,” Bree said, her face darkening.
Maddie didn’t blame her. Every time she thought of Neil she felt like a storm cloud herself. One ready to explode and rain down like the wrath of God on Neil at any moment.
I never fought you. Maybe it’s time I did.
Bastard. He wanted her frightened. Scared to make a move or a decision about her daughter without his say-so. Not going to happen. She and Bree had gotten along perfectly fine without him in their lives, without his opinions. It was too late for him to be playing Father Knows Best now. Even if he had seemed sincere.
Even if part of her, a small, secret part, wanted to give him another chance.
Another chance with Bree, she assured herself. To be the kind of father their daughter deserved.
“Can I take the boys outside?” Bree asked. “Elijah wants to play in the sandbox.”
“Sure.” Fay kissed Mitchell’s cheek. “’Bye, baby. See you later.”
Mitchell did the baby wave—his chubby fingers opening and closing—as Bree carried him out of the room.
“Are you sure you don’t mind watching the boys?” Fay asked. “I know it was late notice and—”
“It’s not a problem.” Maddie used the dishcloth to wipe away a spot of dried milk from the counter. “You know we love having them.”
Fay unzipped the diaper bag she’d set on the table. Zipped it again. “I know. It’s just...” Unzipped it. “If you’re busy or have something else to do, I can ask Gerry.”
“I’m glad you asked us.” But Fay kept up with the zipping and unzipping. Talk about trying to drive someone crazy. Tossing the dishcloth into the sink, Maddie crossed to the table and covered Fay’s hand—and the damn zipper—with her own. “I’ve missed you. Still mad at me?”
“I was never mad.” But she didn’t meet Maddie’s eyes. “I’ve just been busy—”
“Busy being pissed at me. It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re over it.”
Glad she had her best friend back. And it did, indeed, seem as if Fay was back.
In fact, gone were the baggy sweats, roomy T-shirts and dirty flip-flops. Tonight Fay had on dark skinny jeans that showcased her long legs—and exactly how much weight she’d lost the past few months—a deep green, sleeveless top with a ruffle at the bodice and strappy, high-heeled sandals.
“You look great. Really great. And your hair’s different. Lighter,” she added, hoping Fay didn’t notice how suspicious she sounded.