43. Maggie

Maggie

A t my computer desk, I'm fully immersed in the game, fingers flying over the keyboard as I battle virtual enemies, still in my pajamas. The dim glow from the screen casts shadows across my face, highlighting the concentration etched into my brow. The room hums with the sound of clicking keys and the quiet whirr of the computer. Suddenly, Grayson's voice echoes from the living room.

"Maggie, come and get it." I roll my eyes, quickly pausing the game mid-battle, and hurry out.

I find Grayson in the kitchen, the savory aroma of roasted vegetables mingling with something else delicious. His back is to me as he finishes plating dinner, the clatter of dishes filling the small space. I sneak up behind him, planting a quick kiss on his cheek before taking a seat. My eyes fall on the heaping pile of vegetables on my plate, and I can't help but make a face, my lips curling in mock disgust.

George seems to be on the same wavelength. "Dad," he whines, his voice stretching the word out, his fork hovering over a mound of broccoli.

"Not a word, Georgie. You'll eat every piece of greenery on that plate." Grayson's tone is firm, with just the right amount of playful authority, as he sits down opposite us.

"Maggie hates them too," George mumbles, glancing at me with a conspiratorial look.

Catching George's eye, I pretend to gag, crossing my eyes dramatically. We both stifle giggles behind our hands.

"No movies or games for either of you if you don't," Grayson warns, narrowing his eyes playfully. George and I gasp in exaggerated horror. "I mean it." His words are stern, but there's a twinkle in his eye as George reluctantly picks up his fork, stabbing a piece of broccoli and glaring at it like it's one of my virtual enemies.

Leaning closer to George, I whisper mischievously, "If you eat all the veggies, I have a secret stash of sour candy at my desk." The promise of sweets hangs in the air like a delicious secret.

George's face lights up with mischief, and he shoves a giant bite into his mouth, chewing with determination.

I giggle, the sound bubbling up like fizzy soda, but Grayson remains resolute, though there's a hint of a smile on his lips. "You know I hate when you two gang up on me like that."

With a mouth full of broccoli, I lean over and kiss his cheek, the scratch of his evening stubble soft against my lips. George groans, staring at his plate, but I know he's only half-jealous. He loves having my attention, which I gladly give him between work and bedtime. George has me wrapped around his little finger.

Our little family is perfect.

The meal passes with light-hearted banter, forks clinking against plates and laughter bouncing off the walls. We all dutifully finish our vegetables, the piles shrinking bite by bite. After dinner, Grayson takes George for his bath, leaving me to clean up. I move efficiently around the kitchen, the soft sound of running water and the clink of dishes creating a soothing rhythm. My mind is content with the simple pleasure of domestic routine.

Once the kitchen is tidy and the scent of dish soap lingers in the air, I join Grayson and George in the living room for story time. We've settled into a comfortable routine over the last few months. Each night, we take turns reading pages from George's favorite books, the cozy glow of the lamp casting warm light on the pages.

When it's time for bed, George hesitates, fiddling with the spine of his book. "Um, Maggie? Can you sleep with me tonight?"

"Why, baby? Are you scared?" I've picked up the habit of calling him ‘baby' from Henrietta, and I secretly love it.

George stares down at his book, his small fingers tracing the edges. "Sometimes, your wrestling sounds wake me up." I burst into laughter at his comment, the sound filling the room, but Grayson looks horrified, his face a mix of embarrassment and amusement.

"Um, no, Georgie. I can't fit in your bed with you, but I swear you won't hear a peep tonight. Okay?" He smiles and jumps off the couch, his energy infectious. He pecks each of us on the cheek, then wraps his arms around me in a hard squeeze. My eyes close as I savor the moment. His hugs are always treasured, no matter how often I get them.

"Love you, Maggie," he says, and though he's said it before, it still melts me into a puddle.

"Love you too, baby." He skips away, his book in hand, the sound of his footsteps fading down the hallway.

After ensuring George is fast asleep, Grayson and I settle on the couch together, the cushions soft beneath us. I turn on the gaming console and hand Grayson the controller. It's taken a lot of coaxing, but he's finally started playing with me and is getting pretty good. The game is too violent to play with George around, but we both enjoy unwinding with a few rounds after a long day.

After the first session ends, Grayson turns off the game.

"I have something for you," he says, his voice teasing. I raise a brow, curiosity piqued, but as I start to scoot closer, he holds up a hand, laughing. "I have something real for you."

"Oh. Okay," I say, tucking my hair behind my ears, the soft strands slipping between my fingers. He suddenly seems fidgety, his movements restless, and I have an idea of what's about to happen. Excitement buzzes under my skin. We've talked about this, of course. You don't live together, play family, without thinking about making it official.

He retrieves a stack of papers from his bag near the front door, the rustle of the pages loud in the quiet room, and hands them to me. I scan the documents, confusion crossing my face. "What's this?"

"That's my divorce. Suzannah signed and sent them back, so it's final." His words hang in the air, the finality sinking in.

"Oh." I flip the page, the paper smooth under my fingertips, and see something else I don't understand.

"That's my life insurance policy. I updated it to go straight to you." I nod; we've already talked about that, and I knew he'd get it done quickly. Grayson doesn't hesitate when it comes to paperwork.

I flip through the next batch of papers. They're thicker, filled with my name and George's. "Okay, are you doing all this to make me feel dumb?"

He laughs, the sound warm and rich, and points to the top of the page. ‘Adoption decree.' My heart skips a beat, emotion flooding through me. "Suzannah gave up her parental rights, and we both agreed that if anything were to happen to me, George should be with you."

Grayson often visits his ex at her treatment facility. She's given birth to a healthy baby girl who's been put up for adoption. It's been a hard time for him. He feels responsible for the child, but after meeting with the adoptive parents, he agrees that the baby is better off not knowing the past of her conception.

"When Suzannah is better, I want her to have a relationship with George, but that could be years. George loves you, Maggie. Would you want to adopt him?"

Tears blur the words on the page as I nod, throwing my arms around him, the papers fluttering to the floor like leaves.

I'm honored but feel a small tinge of discomfort, like a pebble in my shoe. If I'm honest, a part of me thought he was going to propose.

When we pull apart, I wipe a tear away, my finger brushing my cheek. "I'd be honored, Gray."

We share a tender kiss, our lips meeting softly, and I give him a smile, though he can probably tell I'm a bit disappointed.

With a mischievous grin, Grayson reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small box, the velvet soft in his hand.

He turns it over, not saying a word. "What's that?" I finally ask, curiosity piqued.

"This?" He points to it, feigning nonchalance. "You don't want this. It's nothing." He tucks it back into his pocket, but I pounce on him, tickling his sides, laughter bubbling between us.

Still chuckling, Grayson pulls the box back out, resting it in his palm like a secret. "Okay! I give! Take it, you thief."

I yank it from his grip, my heart racing with anticipation, and open the velvet box. My breath catches as I take in the sparkling diamond ring, set in a simple rose gold band.

"Read the inside." He turns the ring up for me, the inscription shining in the light.

Inside the band, delicate words read, Our superhero, always and forever.

"Oh, Grayson, it's perfect." My voice is a whisper, filled with awe.

He kisses my cheek. "Will you be my wife, Margarette Parker?"

I sniffle as the ring slips onto my finger, a perfect fit. "Yes, Grayson. I would love to. But—"

He tilts his head, his brow furrowing. "What?"

"I want to keep my name." I wince, the words heavy on my tongue, but the Cardenas name is too tainted.

"Oh." He looks a little strained or confused; I can't tell which.

"Is that not okay?"

"No, no. It's fine. I wouldn't… well, I just kinda thought I'd take your name. I hate Cardenas."

I perk up, tucking my feet beneath me on the couch with an amused expression. "But you love when I call you Mr. Cardenas!"

He laughs, the sound like a melody. "I'll love it more when you call me Mr. Parker." I laugh and start kissing his face with enthusiasm, my lips brushing against his skin. Grayson growls playfully, pulling me into his lap. I immediately start grinding on him, feeling the impressive bulge harden beneath me.

Our intimate moment is interrupted when Grayson gently pushes me off. George wanders into the living room, rubbing his sleepy eyes, his hair tousled from sleep.

"You're always laughing," he complains, crawling into my lap.

I click my tongue. "Sorry, baby. Is it too loud? Your dad is just too funny sometimes." I shoot Grayson a wink, and his face flushes, a light pink dusting his cheeks. "But hey, wanna hear something cool?" I glance at Grayson, who grins and nods. "I'm gonna marry your daddy."

George spins around, his eyes wide with surprise. "Married? Like you're my mom?"

"Yes, your second mom," I correct gently. George has FaceTimed with Suze a few times, and he knows his real mom is sick. I won't be taking her place—not now or ever. Suze will always be George's mother, whether the papers say it or not.

George's face lights up with joy before he stifles a yawn, his eyelids drooping. "Do I call you second mom?"

I pull him closer and kiss the top of his head, the soft scent of his shampoo tickling my nose. "Call me whatever you want, baby."

In that moment, an overwhelming sense of happiness washes over me, like sunlight breaking through clouds. The journey we've been on, with all its challenges and dangers, has led us here. Don is in solitary confinement, providing us with a sense of security, while Suze is getting the help she needs. But here, in our home, with Grayson and George, I feel a peace I've never known.

As we settle into the comfort of our family, my heart is full. I look at the ring on my finger, then at Grayson, and finally at George, who is already drifting back to sleep against my chest, his breaths even and slow. I realize that this is where I belong, with my new family, ready to embark on this new chapter of our lives together.