Page 50 of Given to the Prez
Charlotte laughed.“I don’t think you’ve got a mean streak inside you.”
She shook her head.“Do not be fooled.Trust me, I can cause some damage.”She winked at the girl.“But I happen to like you, Charlotte.I think you’re a pretty great person too.”
Charlotte looped her arm through hers.“So ...is it love?”
Maeve stopped and turned toward the younger woman.
“Do you love my dad?”Charlotte asked.
Her heart started to pound, and her palms had gotten sweaty.“I’m crazy about him.”
“Why do you look terrified?”
“Because I am in love with your dad, and what if he doesn’t love me?”
“I’ve seen the way he looks at you, and I know my dad.He is crazy in love with you too,” Charlotte said.
Charlotte looked past her shoulder and as Maeve glanced in that direction, she didn’t see anything or anyone looking back, which surprised her.
“I’ve got to go.Tell Dad he has my blessing, okay?Tell him I love him and he’s not to mess this up.You’re my mentor.”
One moment, Charlotte was with her, and the next, she was gone.Maeve watched the younger woman go, but then she made her way back toward the fair to find Eden sitting on a bench, eating an enormous hot dog.There was ketchup and mustard around her mouth.
“Don’t comment,” Eden said.“I’m starving, and although I’ve been willing to help all day, no one wants my help.”She wrinkled her nose.“It’s like I’m a social leper.”
“You’re pregnant and the whole town has your back.”
“That’s why I got the hot dog and just decided to pout while eating it.”Eden held it up.“Do you want a bite?”
“You know I’m not a hot dog girl.”
“I’m not either but it’s food and I can’t be choosy when I’m eating for two.”She finished off the last of the hot dog in less than three bites.“What’s up?”
“Nothing, I don’t think.Charlotte told me she already knew about me and Doc,” Maeve said.
“And?”
“She gave us her blessing.”
“And that’s a problem?”
Maeve shrugged.“His ex-wife is happy.His daughter is happy.Don’t you think a lot of things are falling into place and it’s making a lot of people happy?”
“You’re a good person, Maeve.People want to see you happy.Look at all you’ve done for everyone else.I’ve never seen you as happy since you and Doc got together.You smile a lot more, and you’re happy.You can’t deny that.”
She was happier.“I guess I’m used to something bad happening.”She shrugged.“I’m so tired.It has been a long day.”
“How did Charlotte hold up?”Eden asked.
“She was amazing.I can’t believe I’ve done this so many times without her.She is a natural.”
“Look at that, Stepmommy already singing her praise.”
Maeve groaned.“Don’t do that.Please.”
“Hey, beautiful,” Razor said, and in his hand was a chocolate-ringed donut that made Eden’s eyes light up.
“You’re not helping my diet,” Eden said.
