Magnolia Storms

by Janet W. Ferguson

  Dr. Castro fidgeted with his watch. He seemed to do that a lot. His daughter smiled at Dahlia.

  There was nothing fidgety about Angie. “I was telling Cammie about how Josh saved all those people on a cruise ship, but he is under the weather.” Angie eyed Dahlia. “Dr. Castro has offered to take Dahlia home to spend the night with Anna, and J.D. can stay with my mother. I can help at the store...if you want to go visit him.”

  “Go, Maggie.” Cammie waved a hand in a shooing motion. “What are you waiting on?”

  “People in Jackson think I’m bossy, but obviously they don’t know many people from the Coast.” Overwhelmed, Maggie blew out a breath and turned to Dahlia. “What do you want to do?”

  “I like hanging out with Anna, and Mr. Kyle’s helping me get into her school after the Christmas holidays.”

  “He is, huh?” Maggie turned her attention back to Mr. Kyle.

  He shrugged one shoulder. “The director is my second cousin.”

  “You can be there in two hours if you leave now, Maggie.” Cammie’s hands started flapping again. “I already arranged for Mrs. Daigle to pick up Aunt Ruth in the morning and open the store.” She batted her lashes and pouted Maggie’s way. “Josh doesn’t have any family here to look after him. He’s all alone.”

  So much guilting. Maggie punched one hand on her hip, though the image Cammie had painted clogged her throat with emotion. “Angie said her husband is with him.”

  “That’s not the same and you know it. Go.” The set of Cammie’s chin said her sister wasn’t going to drop this subject. Or the quest to reunite her with Josh.

  “Aunt Maggie, he’d love to see you.” Dahlia joined the conspiracy. “I can tell by the way he looks at you.”

  A picture of Josh lying alone in a room much like this one filled Maggie’s mind. Something inside her told her to go. Was this one of those nudges? “Angie, could you text me the hospital information? Please?”

  Pivoting to avoid all the smirks, Maggie trudged back to the parking lot. She’d go, but it didn’t mean she was committing her heart to Josh Bergeron.

  JOSH MASHED HIS EYES shut as he readjusted his position in the hospital bed. The throbbing in his hip made it challenging to get comfortable, but he couldn’t stay still any longer. Another rerun of Everybody Loves Raymond started on the TV. At least he’d found something to occupy his mind since Graham had gotten called away. His friend had been guarded about the reason. Hopefully, it was nothing serious, because he hated the thought of Graham having to drive all the way back here in the morning to pick him up. There was no reason for the doctor to keep him prisoner in this bed tonight. He should be home with J.D.

  And Maggie, too, if she’d even speak to him. He’d been a coward and let Angie handle delivering the news of the mishap.

  The door swung open, and as if the thought had summoned her, Maggie strode in. Was he dreaming? He didn’t think he’d hit his head. The doctor might’ve been right to keep him for observation.

  “So what happened? How’d you go overboard?” The vision’s arms folded across her chest, and her eyebrows did that frustrated scrunching.

  Josh stared.

  “Did you bite your tongue or something? You’re gawking at me.” She walked to the edge of the bed and placed a warm hand on his forehead.

  “Maggie? Are you real?” His confused brain churned.

  “Last time I checked.” A chuckle shook her shoulders and transformed her frown into a small smile. “Do you think you’re hallucinating?”

  “Pinch me.” The real Maggie would. A second later, pain bit into his shoulder. “Ouch.”

  “Real enough?” Mischief danced in her dark eyes.

  It was her. He rubbed his arm. “I should pinch you back. I’m in a hospital, you know.” He tried to smother a grin. She’d actually come all this way to see him. Could there still be hope for them?

  “I didn’t think you’d been badly injured.” Worry drew her lips together.

  “A little chilled is all.” He reached out from his cocoon of covers and scooted over, gritting his teeth to keep from groaning, and then patted the bed. “They say body heat is the best way to help patients with hypothermia. You could lie next to me.” He raised his brows and gave a pitiful look.

  “What?” She huffed. “Where is Graham?”

  “He got called away, but he said he’d pick me up in the morning. I really didn’t want him to snuggle up close to me, though.”

  “You.” She waved her hands at him. “I don’t think you’re very injured at all.” Her eyes narrowed, but her lips twitched as if she were fighting a smile.

  “Tell that to my hip.” He deserved a little sympathy after his ordeal. “Sit here and watch Raymond with me.” He made his best puppy-dog eyes once more.

  Almost growling, she sat and leaned back against the elevated mattress. “Don’t look at me like that. You know I can’t fight your pitiful baby blues.”

  “I should’ve tried being pathetic a long time ago then.” The warmth of her shoulder next to his spread through his chest. “Thanks for coming.”

  “Yeah, well, seems you have a lot of plotting fans. Graham included.”

  Disappointment welled a hole in his hopes. “So you didn’t want to come?” He couldn’t look at her face, or he might lose his composure. “I’m sorry they forced you into this. You don’t have to stay.”

  “It’s not that I didn’t want to be here.” Her fingers twisted the ends of her hair, and he wished he could touch it, too. “I didn’t want you to be here.”

  Made sense. He didn’t want to be here either, and she already had the tough situation with Cammie. “You have too much on you already. I knew that, and I made a stressful situation worse. I shouldn’t have gone out. I won’t do this to you again.”

  Her head spun, and she propped herself on one elbow, leaning over him to meet his eyes. “What are you saying?”

  What was he saying? Thoughts of J.D. and his conversations with Dahlia paraded through his mind. Thoughts of the water swallowing him into an early grave. He had a responsibility to parent his son, and if the only way Maggie would have a romantic relationship with him was if he gave up his career, so be it. “Maggie, you are my past, but you’re my future, too. I’ll find another job if that’s what it takes to be with you.” He lifted one hand from beneath the covers to touch her face. “To marry you.”

  Eyes welling with tears, she collapsed back against the mattress. She brushed at the moisture forming on her lashes.

  What was she thinking?

  Then she snuggled closer, her warmth spreading over him like the warm Southern sun. “We can’t make those kinds of decisions today, so much is going on right now. Let’s table this discussion until life evens out. Focus on getting you well for tonight.” She took his hand in hers. “And being thankful you’re alive.”

  She was right, of course. And she was here at his side. He would wait—as long as it took, because nothing had ever felt so right.

  Chapter 28

  THE AROMA OF GOOD COFFEE slipped into the bedroom. Maggie sucked in a large gulp of chilly air. She needed to turn on the heat. The temperature had dropped in time for Christmas. A whiff of something cooking made her stomach growl. Had Josh let himself in? Aunt Ruth hadn’t touched the stove since Maggie had arrived.

  She rolled over, blurry-eyed, to check the time on her phone.

  Six a.m. Christmas morning.

  The door swung open. “Miss Maggie. Can we open presents now?” The bed bounced as J.D. climbed up next to her. His fingers went immediately to her hair and twirled a strand in little circles.

  So, definitely Josh cooking down the hall. “Good morning, pumpkin.” She pulled him into a soft hug. “I’ll have to ask Daddy first and wake up Dahlia and Aunt Ruth.”

  “I’ll wake them.” Sliding from her arms, he took off, scurrying on the hardwood floors toward Dahlia’s room.

  She kicked away the cotton blanket and pivoted to her feet to search out the source of t
he delightful aroma. Her robe hung from the quilt rack near the door, and she grabbed it on the way and pulled it around her shoulders.

  Once she reached the archway into the kitchen, she halted. The sight of Josh’s profile hovering over the stove took her breath away. Tall, strong frame. That sandy hair. The image that illuminated her past. Possibly her future. What would it be like to wake to this vision for as long as they both should live?

  Since she’d stayed with him that night at the hospital, she couldn’t imagine going back to her life the way it had been before—living alone, coming home to an empty house, waking up alone. She’d put off the conversation he’d started, hoping to wait until things settled down. Had they settled yet? At rehab, Cammie was improving daily.

  Josh caught her staring at him like a teenage girl with a crush. Maybe she still was.

  He flashed a grin, his blue eyes twinkling. “Merry Christmas.” He set aside a pair of tongs and locked his gaze on her.

  “Merry Christmas.” It felt as though her whole body smiled back, and she couldn’t stop her feet from stepping toward him.

  Reaching out, he caught her in an embrace and brushed her forehead with a kiss.

  Warmth enveloped her, flowed over her with the intense draw and peace of home. His chest rose and fell, and she buried her face in his shoulder, squeezing him closer.

  “I woke everyone, Daddy. Can we open presents?” J.D.’s cute voice added to that peace. Dahlia and Aunt Ruth stood behind him.

  Maggie lifted her head and gazed at Josh’s face. “What do you say, Daddy?”

  “What do you say, Maggie? Cammie’s not here yet.”

  Why was Josh asking her? She waited for him to say something else, but he didn’t. “J.D. and Dahlia can open their presents from me. And I have one for you and Aunt Ruth. We’ll have breakfast and wait for Cammie before opening the rest.”

  “Good plan.” Josh’s lips brushed her cheek. “I’ve got beignets made. Shrimp and grits in the oven.”

  “Beignets! My favorite.” J.D.’s eyes widened as he scanned the counter for the squares of fried dough and powdered sugar. A temporary distraction from the gifts.

  Maggie couldn’t help but grin. “My favorite, too.”

  Rays of light from the window filtered through and danced in Josh’s eyes. “I remember.”

  The warmth she’d felt earlier surged to a blaze. Maggie shifted her gaze to the table and pulled out a chair. Josh had even set out the dishes already. “If they’re done, let’s enjoy them.”

  Aunt Ruth shuffled toward the table while the kids scrambled around her to take their seats. Josh carried the food and set it before them.

  He sat beside her and held out his hands. “Let’s say grace.”

  Maggie laid her hand in his, and his warm fingers closed over it. Dahlia’s feathery grip held her other.

  “Dear, Father.” Josh’s voice exuded strength and humility. “Thank You for Your bountiful blessings and presence in our lives. On Christmas, we are reminded of all You gave up for us because You loved us so. You were willing to send Your Son so we could be with you. We praise you. Thank you for this family you’ve put together here, Father. For J.D. and Dahlia and Ruth and Cammie.” He squeezed her hand. “And for Maggie coming to take care of us all.”

  Joy filled Maggie, flowed over her like a warm, gentle wave.

  “Amen.” Josh finished, and the others echoed. “Let’s dig in.” He passed Maggie the tray. “You first, since I know you’re dying for one of my treats.” His smirk couldn’t get much more mischievous.

  After devouring her share of the sugary delicacies and the grits casserole, Maggie wiped the powdered sugar from her fingers and mouth. “That right there was all the present I needed. Thank you, Josh.”

  A satisfied smile lifted his lips. “Glad you liked the food, but I have a real present for you.” His brows lifted and lowered. “Later.”

  What did that look mean? She’d bought him an antique compass and spyglass from the store, but who knew if he’d like it? Oh, and a brass barometer, thermometer, and hygrometer for staying alert to the weather. And a parenting book.

  “I’m finished now.” J.D.’s big eyes pleaded his unspoken request.

  After checking his plate to make sure he’d eaten more than the beignets, Maggie stood and held out her arms. “All right. Let’s go to the living room, and I’ll let you and Dahlia open your gifts from me.”

  “Gifts?” His voice excited, J.D. latched arms and legs around her.

  “Well, I wrapped them individually and put them all in one big bag. Come on, Dahlia.” She tweaked her niece’s nose and smiled.

  Once she’d situated J.D. on the couch by Dahlia, Maggie picked up presents and handed one to each child and to Josh and Aunt Ruth. “I can’t wait. I hope you like what I bought. I’m not the best at picking out gifts.”

  Dahlia shook her head. “She’s really not.”

  “She tries, and it’s the thought that counts.” Aunt Ruth’s attempt at scolding Dahlia only confirmed Maggie’s insecurities.

  “Dig in. I saved the receipts so you can return them.” At least this would make whatever someone else gave them seem like a great gift. She took a seat on a nearby ottoman to watch.

  Aunt Ruth opened her present and gasped. “Maggie, you shouldn’t have. A cruise?”

  “I made a few calls to the senior center to find out which one.”

  A second later, J.D. dumped his bag over, spreading the contents onto the floor.

  “That’s one way to do it.” Maggie laughed. “A man after my own heart.”

  “What’s this?” J.D. held up the first package he’d unwrapped.

  “That’s a weather kit that you and I can play with together.”

  “Oh.” His brows scrunched together.

  Dahlia scoffed. “I get one every year. Get used to it, J.D.”

  “What? Not every year, and it’ll be fun, but there’s more. Open that.” Maggie pointed at another good-sized package.

  He tore through the paper. “A firetruck!”

  “You like it?”

  “Yeah.” He ripped the cardboard holding it in place.

  Maggie eyed Josh for a reaction. “He can at least consider other careers.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Because running into burning buildings is so much safer.”

  “I meant a career in meteorology.”

  “Right.” He shook his head. “Did I get a weather kit, too?”

  Oh no. Could she grab his present and ditch half of it? Her eyes shifted to his gift.

  “You did, didn’t you?” Chuckling, Josh took the package and split open the paper, then held up the instruments and the parenting book. “Actually, I like all of these a lot. Very nice.”

  “You do?” Maggie searched his face to see if he was joking.

  “Especially the compass.” He stood and crossed the room to kneel beside the ottoman and hug her. “If it always leads me back to you.” Those eyes again.

  Her heart whirled like a wind vane in a tornado. “Maybe so.” Yes. “I’m glad you don’t hate it.”

  “I hope you don’t hate my gift either.”

  WOULD MAGGIE LIKE THE armoire? And what it held inside? Josh plopped down on the floor beside her. Having her next to him after so many years was more than enough, but it was cute how she’d given him half-weather, half-nautical equipment. A slight shift to middle ground. Would she move the rest of the way and give him her heart?

  “Hey, hey. We’re here,” a man’s voice called from the kitchen.

  “Kyle and Cammie.” Maggie jumped to her feet.

  A wheelchair pushed through the archway with Cammie. Her sister’s smile shone like a lighthouse through a dark night. “I’ve never been so happy to be home. At least for the day.”

  “You’ll be out soon.” Kyle patted Cammie’s shoulder. His daughter stood at his side.

  Dahlia ran to greet them. “Merry Christmas, Mama.” Cautiously, she planted a kiss on her mother’s cheek.
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br />   “Merry Christmas, baby.” Cammie glanced at the littered room. “Y’all started without me?”

  “Only our gifts from Aunt Maggie,” Dahlia said. “Nothing big.”

  Maggie huffed. “Excuse me? I’m standing right here.”

  Cammie laughed strong and loud. “Another weather kit?”

  “There were other things, too.” Maggie grabbed a package from under the tree. “Here, I didn’t get you anything weather-related.”

  “First, I have something for all of you.” Cammie looked up at Kyle, who nodded and bent down to lift up the footrests. Then she slid forward in her chair. Her feet touched the ground, and with Kyle’s help, she stood and took a few steps.

  Maggie pressed one hand over her mouth, and her chest shook. “Thank you, Lord.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “So many miracles and answered prayers.”

  Kyle helped Cammie turn around and return to the chair. “God is good.”

  After more presents were opened, Josh caught Maggie’s arm. “Let’s go next door so you can open the gift I have for you.”

  “Next door? Why don’t you bring it over?” Her dark eyes roamed his face.

  “You’ll understand when we get there. Trust me.” And he didn’t want everyone to see her freak out. Or say no, thanks.

  Inside his house, he took her hand and headed down the hall. “This way.”

  “Um, okay.” One brow lifted as she glanced at him. “You’re lucky I trust you. At least I used to.”

  When he reached the bedroom, he stopped at the door. “Okay, I guess this does seem kind of weird, but your present is in my bathroom.”

  “A plumber or an old toilet?”

  “Ha. Neither. I could never afford a plumber on Christmas.”

  “Very funny.”

  “I couldn’t put your present anywhere else without you seeing it.”

  “Are you saying I nose around your home?”

  “Have you?” He studied her for a reaction, but all she did was cross her arms. Finally, he smiled as he swung open the door and held his breath. “This is part of it.”