Page 6 of Max's Mission

“I will see what they have there.” And if the local budget hotels were all booked up, he’d not shed a tear if they had to stay at a fancier place.

Three

“Okay, so you saw the pack of diapers I put in the bedroom? And Max brought in the groceries.” Margot glanced toward Annabeth’s kitchen, mentally checking off all the things on her list so she could leave the girls without worrying… Much.

She bit her lip, looking at the pile of food she and Annabeth were working to put away. “Do you think that’s enough milk? Maybe I should go grab another gallon.” She’d spent the entire day packing yesterday, and it still didn’t feel like enough. At two-and-a-half, the twins’ appetites and energy levels were unpredictable. How much clothing and food the girls went through depended on what they did that day. Sometimes even on how much they slept.

Annabeth grabbed Margot’s biceps and leaned in. “Relax. If it’s not here or there’s not enough, we can get it. The store is down the road, and your house is literally yards away. We’ll be fine.”

“I know, it’s just—” Margot stopped and sighed. She glanced at Lily, who sat on the floor with Dean, putting a puzzle together. Emily had a light up toy on her lap and was going to town, punching buttons. Logically, she knew they’d be fine. But she’dnever left them for more than twelve hours before, and she’d always been in the same city. This time, she’d be in an entirely different country.

“I get it, Margot. I know you’re worried, but they’ll be fine.” Annabeth gave her a slight shake, then let go. “Quit worrying. Please?”

Margot blew out a breath, ruffling the hair around her face. “I’ll try.” And she would, but she knew it would stay in the back of her mind and niggle at her the entire time she was gone.

Annabeth looked toward the living room, where Max crouched near Emily, watching her play. “Go get him and get out of here. Is Ezra picking you up, or are you meeting him at the airport?”

“He’s probably at my house, waiting. It made more sense for him to drive us all there and leave his car than for him and Max to drive there.” Ezra was going to take them to San José, where they would catch a commercial flight to the United States.

“That sounds like a good plan. Are you ready for the frigid temperatures that will greet you?”

“Ugh, no. I think only Alaska would be worse this time of year.” She was a warm weather girl. Having grown up in California, she’d stayed in the warm weather states throughout college and med school deliberately. She didn’t even like to ski, much to her parents’ consternation. It had been one of the few activities they’d attempted to include her in. She was decent at it, but she just couldn’t get over the cold that went with it. She hated it.

Annabeth chuckled. “Probably. But hopefully, it’ll be quick.”

“Yeah.” She’d been crossing her fingers for that very thing since the detective called, but deep down, she had a feeling it would be much longer and more complicated.

Pushing away from the counter, she walked toward her daughters. “Give Mommy a hug, girls. I have to go.”

Emily tossed her toy to the side and got up from the floor, running over to Margot. Crouching, Margot caught the girl and inhaled her fresh, little girl scent. She closed her eyes, savoring it. Who knew how long it would be before she held her again?

Lily’s little hand touched Margot’s arm. She opened her eyes and pulled the girl into her embrace, holding both twins close. Kissing them on their blonde heads, she battled back the waterworks. “You two be good for Beth and Dean, okay?” She hoped they didn’t cause too many problems. They knew she was leaving, but they were too young to understand she wouldn’t be back anytime soon.

With one last kiss, she stood up. A tear slipped out, and she turned away before either child could see.

“How about me? Do I get hugs?” Max caught Margot’s eye and winked as he held his arms open for the twins.

She sent him a tremulous smile. He’d noticed her struggle and stepped in to give her a moment. Though she was sure he really did want hugs from the twins. He adored them, and they adored him back.

Both girls hurried over to Max. He scooped one into each arm and stood. “I’m gonna miss you guys. But you’ll have fun here. Miss Annabeth and Mr. Dean will spoil you, I’m sure.”

Emily leaned in and rested her forehead against his, giving him a big smile. Margot’s heart lurched and a pang of what should have been went through it. Tad used to have the same relationship with the girls. He’d been such a great father. And over a year later, she still didn’t understand why he gave it all up.

Giving both kids a quick peck on the cheek, Max set them down. “All right.” He turned to Margot. “Let’s get going. Ezra’s probably waiting.”

Margot rolled her lips in, pressing them together. She nodded, then looked at Annabeth. “Thank you again.”

“Of course.”

Dean came up beside Annabeth and wrapped an arm around her waist. “They might be a little spoiled when you get back.” He grinned.

A short chuckle escaped Margot’s chest. “I have no doubt.”

Max held out a hand to Margot. “You ready?”

She laced her fingers through his, clinging to the strength and support he offered. “Yes.”

He tugged her into the kitchen and toward the back door, his eyes on Dean. “We’ll keep you posted.”

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