Page 20 of After Anna

“For real?” Anna’s smile broadened. “I think it would work, I can tell from your letters and from Facebook.”

“It would be great!” Maggie bubbled over with excitement. “We have a lovely house, and the high school is only twenty minutes away, it’s terrific!”

“I know, Lower Merion. I researched it online.”

“Please come live with us!” Maggie laughed, giddy. “I know you’ll be happy. You’re young, and this should be the happiest time of your life.”

“What about your husband? Would he be okay with it?”

“Of course! No doubt! He’dloveto have you at our house! He always wanted me to reconnect with you!”

“Okay, great!” Anna beamed, her blue eyes glistening. “Thank you so much!”

“Are you kidding? Thankyouso much!” Maggie felt her own eyes brimming again. She was getting the second chance she’d hoped for, prayed for, dreamed of.

“Could we leave tomorrow, if James and Ellen say it’s okay?”

“You’re damn right we can!” Maggie jumped up, joyful. She threw open her arms. “And now you’re getting a big Italian hug!”

Chapter Eleven

Noah, After

TRIAL, DAY 6

Noah hadn’t realized that there were times in a murder trial when nothing was happening, even though everyone remained in the courtroom in a state of suspended animation. Thomas and Linda were conferring with Judge Gardner, and Noah sat at counsel table, his thoughts cycling over the past. He was haunted by what-ifs, and the one that haunted him the most was the first. What if he’d told Maggie no, when she’d called that night from Congreve?

Noah, I just had dinner with Anna and it was wonderful! She’s adorable and great!

That’s great, babe! I knew it would go well. Noah had been in the car, heading home from the gym. He’d gotten their sitter to take Caleb to the speech pathologist and he’d be home in time to make dinner or, more likely, order pizza.

And Noah, guess what, I asked her to come live with us and she said yes!

Wow! Really? That’s amazing!Noah had braked, stuck at the traffic light on Lancaster Avenue behind a string of cars, a TGIF crowd if he ever saw one.

I know I’m springing this on you, but it got sprung on me.

No, it’s okay, it’s great!

She’s just really unhappy at Congreve and she’s been seeing a shrink,and she seems depressed to me. She’s grieving for her dad, who told her that I beat her and that’s why I lost custody!

What? That’s terrible!Noah had felt shocked. The light had turned green, and he’d hit the gas, snaking along.

I know! I need you to scan and email me my court papers, you know the ones? They’re in the file drawer.

Sure, I’ll be home in five minutes. Why do you want the court papers?

I have to prove that I didn’t abuse her, can you believe that? I’m going to meet with her therapist and her lawyer tonight.She’s inside the restaurant, contacting them. She gave me their email addresses, and I’ll email them the papers. If I can convince them I’m not an abuser, I can take her home tomorrow.

Tomorrow?Noah had asked, surprised.

Yes, and I know you think this is happening fast, but sometimes you have to move quickly.

I think it’s a great idea, babe. I’m psyched. Noah had read between the lines. Maggie always said he was too cerebral and deliberate, and he thought she was too emotional and impulsive. This time, he understood. She’d always wanted to get Anna back. It hung over her head.

This is going to be so great, honey! We’ll be a family. You’ll love her. Caleb will, too. She’s just the kind of girl he likes.

You mean pretty?Noah had laughed.