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Her eyes were studying lazed-over look they’d had when I’d firstelse I was confusing her Daie That was all," I said, hearing the lie in aze fell to the ground "It was Both of the atatI shouldn’t have? Don’t be aze and gave me a smile that didn’t meet her eyes There was sadness to it "You didn’t do anything wrong I’m not upset Just taken by surprise But not upsetThank you"

We didn’t talk about it again I led us back to the truck, and Maggie sat beside me as we looked out at the town We talked so her here with me When I was alone, I’d let myself remember how she felt in my arms How she tasted and the sounds she made that drove me crazy But for noas just thankful I had her with ie safely back up to her roo peacefully I was sure the pill had helped I thought about taking a shower, but I took a sniff of my shirt I could smell the faint scent of vanilla I decided I wouldn’t shower or even change

I cliie I held on to memories of that kiss to keep the other memories back I wasn’t ready to face the Moements Dad had left several requests about his funeral It was tough reading the paper where he’d written the to hear Maggie’s voice But I never dialed

I had to be strong for ie

Making sure my momma ate and slept took all my attention while I answered the door and took in the food people in toere bringing Where they thought we’d put all this, I didn’t know We had e Now things were just sitting on the bar For the last pound cake that had arrived, I’d just put it on the table

Why did they think food would help? Getting h I sure couldn’t eat all this by myself

The funeral was scheduled for three days after Dad’s passing Dealing with the arrange to Maggie for hts I hadn’t been to school this week, and I didn’t ht now, I couldn’t be sure I wouldn’t kiss her again Pull her closer My need for her was changing and growing, and I was scared of it I didn’t trust s further with her and not mess up I always messed up

I would not lose her

I Wish I Had Been There

CHAPTER 31

MAGGIE