Page 61 of Obsessed Fox

“Oh no, I’m not saying it’s a bad thing,” Maisie was quick to explain. “I’m glad she has Lex even if I don’t understand their connection. They just sit there in silence.”

“That’s Lex’s way and maybe that’s exactly what Olivia needs right now.”

“Yeah, maybe . . .” Maisie looked lost in thought. “I just don’t want to screw her up like my parents did to Matty and me. We suffered in silence for so long, and as soon as we could get away, we both found trouble.”

And there was the root of the problem. I plucked Maisie right out of her seat and set her on my lap. “Listen to me very carefully.” I made sure I had her full attention before I spoke again. “You’re not going to screw her up. You have me, and while I never thought I would be parent material, I want that girl to have the world. I want her to know she was loved by her parents and now by us. I love you, sweetheart. I will do everything to make sure the two of you have the best life.”

Mushy wasn’t normally my style but it felt appropriate given the circumstance. I never wanted Maisie to feel like she wasn’t good enough to parent Olivia.

“Olivia’s lucky to have us,” I added when she didn’t respond.

“You love me?”

“Seriously?! That’s what you got from all that.” I laughed.

“Well, it’s not like you’ve said the words before.”

“Okay, maybe I hadn’t, but I thought my feelings were obvious. I honestly thought you knew.”

Maisie scoffed. “Women like to hear the words, Hendrix.”

“Fine, I love you. There, is that better?”

She gave me the shiest smile. “Yes, much better and I love you too.”

I got it now. How hearing the words andknowingwere two different things. I had no doubt Maisie loved me but to hear her say it? It was otherworldly. I would remember this moment forever.

EPILOGUE 1

Maisie

One Month Later

This parenting gig wasn't easy. There were at least a hundred times over the last month that I was sure I was screwing everything up. Olivia still barely spoke. She attended counseling sessions weekly, but from the little the therapist was able to tell me, they weren't making much progress.

She wanted me to encourage Olivia to talk more at home but I couldn't do it. Everyone was forcing it on her and I wanted to be the one who was different, who stood out from the rest.

Was it the correct thing to do? I didn't have the slightest idea, but our relationship was a constant work in progress.

Olivia's therapist wasn't the only one trying to encourage me to get Olivia to open up. Olivia started her new school just two days after she moved in with me. Academically, she was a great kid but her teacher was concerned for her, socially. My niece had yet to make friends, and other than answering questions when asked, she never spoke.

"Aunt Maisie?" I almost toppled over from spinning around so fast at the sound of Olivia's voice behind me in the kitchen.

"Yeah, sweetie?"

She looked so unsure as she spun the leather bracelet around and around. I didn't rush her. I didn't ask again when the silence continued longer than sociably acceptable. I let Olivia be in charge of how and when she wanted to continue the conversation.

"Do you know Lex's favorite dessert?" she finally asked in a whisper.

I wasn't the least bit shocked by her request. Lex came over almost daily to see her. The two of them never spoke. They just sat in the living room together and watched whatever show or movie Olivia had picked that evening.

"Orange scones, I believe. That seems to be what he orders the most when he comes into the bakery."

I also knew because I started keeping them on hand here at the house so Lex could take one with him when he left at night. He never commented, other than to say thank you as he left.

"Can you show me how to make them for him?"

"Absolutely, sweetie." It was the first time she was initiating anything. I would've given her the world if she asked for it. "Any special reason?"

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