Page 53 of Stealing It
Magnolia sighs next to me, trying her best to stay strong. “Boston is so far away, honey.” This was a point of contention. It’s where Kendall dreamed of going. It’s far away from Florida and the time she’ll be able to visit home will be scarce. “Call me every day. Even twice a day if you feel like it. If you ever need anything, just ask. I’ll be right there.”
“We’ll both be there if you need us,” I add. “Now drive safe and get out of here before your poor Mom loses her mind.” Magnolia hits my shoulder playfully and pulls her daughter into her arms. The hug lasts a long time and neither of them are ready for it to end. A tear slips down Kendall’s face and she’s quick about brushing it away.
She meets my eyes, and her grin widens. Mouthing the words, “Thank you” she pulls away from the embrace and walks toward me. “Give me some good advice,” she says, standing taller than she was moments before. “Big ole SEAL like you must have something really intuitive and insightful for me before I go off into the world outside of Bronze Bay.”
Magnolia cries out when she’s reminded that Kendall is leaving even though the car is packed to the nines and the engine is on and waiting. She covers her mouth and reins it in. “This is harder than I thought it would be. I’m sorry.” Magnolia moves back to link arms with my mom and leans her head on her shoulder as she wipes at her face with a disintegrating tissue.
Under my breath I say, “Well first, never forget how much that woman loves you,” I tease. Kendall smiles, shaking her head.
“Like I could forget.” I can see the emotion swelling in her eyes. “What else?”
I nod once, meet Magnolia’s eyes, and look back to my stepdaughter. “Not everyone gets a reset button, Kendall. Don’t be afraid to live full throttle.” I shake my head, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Cherish the moments you’re happy. Learn from the ones when you’re sad, and whatever you do, never let your past cloud your present.”
She leans in and hugs me. “I won’t,” Kendall promises. When she releases me, she kisses Magnolia once more and she’s gone.
“Come on inside, I made lunch,” Mom says, leaving us to return to the kitchen. I affirm we’ll be inside in a second and take Magnolia into my arms.
“I’m going to miss her so much,” she says.
“She’s going to miss you,” I reply.
Magnolia kisses me, snot smearing under my nose. She apologizes when she pulls away and uses her wadded tissue to wipe it off me. I cringe. “You going to pull it together so we can try out our new bed tonight?” It’s her newest auction purchase.
“Of course,” she cries out. “I’ll never miss a chance tosleepwith you.”
Pressing my lips together, I raise one brow. “Mrs. Mixx, I don’t want sleep with you.”
She pretends to be offended.
“I want to put a baby inside you.”
Magnolia blushes a furious shade of red. “And start all over?” she says.
Cupping her cheek, I kiss her softly once. “Reset.”