Page 118 of The Me I Left Behind

Back in the kitchen, she rushed to hug the kids. All four of them, at the same time. Logan included.

“Thank God he’s gone,” she whispered. To Logan, she said, “I’m sorry about all that, but am grateful you came when you did.”

“You saved us, Logan,” Carol whispered. She looked up into his eyes and gave him a sweet kiss on the lips.

Maggie’s heart swelled. She turned to Jason, inspecting his jaw. “Are you okay?”

He shrugged, his eyes lowered.

“I’m so sorry, buddy.”

Carol agreed. “Me too. He’s an asshole, Jason. We told you that.”

He finally looked at Maggie, his eyes misty. “I know. I’m sorry, Mom. I just wanted him to notice me.”

“Oh, Jason.” She bear-hugged him, holding him close. “Isee you, every single day, and you are an awesome, incredible young man.”

Jason buried his face in her shoulder.

After a moment, Chloe tugged on her shirt. “Mommy?”

Maggie released Jason and redirected her attention. “You okay, honey?”

Chloe nodded. “Got any more pancakes?”

She smiled. “We certainly do. And just so you know, I’m declaring this an official skip day. We’ll all stay home. Maybe watch movies and eat pancakes all day. Logan? Can you still stick around for breakfast? Or as long as you like?”

He nodded and grinned. “I can.”

Carol gave him a hug.

“Good. I feel like having my family close today.”

Twenty

Carol handed Maggie her cap, gown, and diploma, flashed a tearful smile, then tucked her arm into Logan’s.

They all stood outside the football stadium—Maggie, Jason, and Chloe, along with Julia, Lia, and Alice—after the graduation ceremony had wrapped up. Families mingled and lingered, taking pictures and praising accomplishments. Some were relieved their kids made it, Maggie figured. Others dreaded the next steps in their children’s lives.

Max didn’t show up. Julia had told her earlier in the week she didn’t think he would risk it, and apparently, she was right. She’d not seen nor spoken to him since he’d come to the house the week prior. She knew Julia was in negotiations with Max’s attorney and wouldn’t say much until she had firm news to share. Maggie had been so busy helping Carol get ready for graduation, she didn’t mind.

Max had requested the Escalade, saying he needed it when he was working locally. She and Julia discussed, and Maggie gave over the keys.

Score one for Maggie. It was only the beginning.

She hadn’t mentioned him to Carol at all, and she didn’t plan to unless her daughter brought him up—which was doubtful.

“Can we go now, Mom? It’s hot.” Jason wiped sweat off his upper lip.

“Wait for me by the car. I parked in the shade.”

“Me too, Mommy.” Chloe looked up and grinned, then slipped her hand into Jason’s. “I’ll go with Jason.”

Maggie nodded. “Keep an eye on her. Okay?”

“Sure.” He turned to his big sister then. “And congrats. You made it, dork.”

Carol stuck out her tongue. “Like I wouldn’t?”