Page 119 of Loving Kai

“Will you watch Kai while I take a quick shower?”

“Of course.”

“Or I can take him in the bathroom with me.”

“I’ve got him, Abe.” She took Kai from him. “I’ll go start some coffee.”

Abe gathered clean clothes, then went into the bathroom and looked at his reflection. “More frustrated than mad.” He sighed. “Maybe slightly mad.” He took a breath. “She needs time. Just give her time.” He looked at the dark shadows under his eyes and the lump on the bridge of his nose. “How can she say no to this face?”

They were both quiet during breakfast, and since she didn’t have her car, Abe drove her home before taking Kai to his mother.

“I’ll see you at work.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

She headed for her house, and Abe watched her until she went inside. He blew out a breath and looked at Kai through the mirror. “I’m not sure what I did. Or what I need to do. I need some advice, buddy.”

“Mama, go.”

“Yeah. Hopefully, she’ll be back soon.”

After dropping Kai off with Allie, Abe headed to work. Gentry was there and stopped what he was doing when Abe walked in, and held up a hand. “Not really in the mood, brother.”

Gentry smiled. “I’m sorry I missed out. Sounds like you guys had a blast.”

Abe nodded. “It was…awesome.” He touched his nose. “A little painful, but awesome.”

“Wes jumped in too?”

“Fully committed. You should see the shiner he’s sporting.”

“I wonder how Mr. B is going to explain that away?”

Maggie opened the door, and Abe continued to the kitchen and put on his apron. She smiled at Gentry. “Morning.”

“Morning, Maggie. Did you witness this Buchanan brothers fight?”

“No. Just the aftermath.” She set her things down and took her apron from a hook, then went out to make sure everything was ready for the day.

Gentry watched her for a moment, then looked at Abe and raised an eyebrow.

Abe shrugged and mumbled, “I have no idea.”

“Well, you must’ve done something.”

“Only if reminding her I love her and want to spend the rest of my life with her is wrong.”

“Maybe she’s not ready.”

“Well, that’s pretty damn obvious.”

“I’ll let you work the dough this morning. Get rid of some of that pent-up frustration.”

“Thank you.”

Maggie mellowed out after a few hours, and by mid-afternoon she was back to her cheery self. When she was on her lunch break, Abe walked up to her table. “So, are we okay?”

“Yes.”