Page 76 of Max's Mission

She looked at him as she walked toward the kitchen. His shoulders had slumped, and he now had a look of dismay written on his face.

“I was hoping to avoid her. I thought that was her voice on the intercom. She’s going to filet me like a fish.”

Margot didn’t bother to hide her smile. “Most likely. But for now, you’re safe. She won’t do it in front of the twins.”

Only a modicum of relief crossed his face.

They entered the kitchen to find it empty. A quick glance outside showed Emily back on the diving board. She dashed down it and jumped into the pool. Lily climbed the steps, watching for her sister to swim out of the way.

“God, they’ve gotten so big.” Emotion thickened his voice.

Margot swallowed around the lump in her throat. She felt for him. He’d missed a lot and would miss even more. But it was his own doing.

“Stay here,” Audra said. “It might be best if you watch through the window.” She walked toward the door. “I’ll let Annabeth know we’re back.”

Margot nodded, then she was gone.

Tad moved closer to the window, staring out at the pool. “Lily’s still cautious, I see.”

The girl moved at a much more sedate pace toward the end of the diving board before jumping off the end.

“They’re both great swimmers, though,” he remarked.

“They spend a lot of time here.”

“Is this the British lady’s house?”

“No. It belongs to my partner.”

“Partner?” He glanced back, a frown creasing his brows.

“Max Carson. We’re dating.”

“Oh.” He nodded. “I think I saw him. I hid across the street from your house when I first arrived. He’s the one you went home with last night, right?”

Twin pops of color heated her cheeks, and her eyes turned hard. “You were spying on me?”

He held up his hands. “Not like that. I went to your house when I got here, hoping to just catch a glimpse of you and the girls. To make sure you were safe. But you weren’t back yet. So I sat in the bushes and watched. You showed up with Marchand and two men I don’t know. Then I saw you go to your house with one of them. Was that him?”

Margot’s expression remained sour, not liking that he’d been watching, and no one had known. It made her wonder who else could be out there. “Yes.”

His head bobbed, and he turned to stare out at the twins again, tucking his hands under his arms. “I hope he’s a better partner and father than I was.”

She kept her mouth shut. There was no point confirming or denying anything. He knew he’d screwed up and that she wouldn’t fall for the same thing again, no matter how handsome the man.

“I really am sorry, Margot. About everything.” He turned his head enough to see her from the corner of his eye. “From the gambling and the lies to how I left. I made a royal mess of things, and I just—I was ashamed to tell you what I’d done.”

“I get that. But I was your wife. We vowed in good times and in bad. You should have trusted me—trusted our marriage—enough to confide in me.”

“I know, but I couldn’t bear to have you look at me like the loser I’d become.”

“Tad, you’re not a loser. You made mistakes.”

He scowled, giving a soft huff. “Big ones.” He shook his head. “Most of all, I just didn’t want to look you in the eye and know that I’d hurt you.” His gaze flicked to hers. “I know that makes me a coward. I’m so sorry, Margot.”

She clenched her teeth, holding his gaze. Forgiving him wouldn’t come easily, but she was glad he’d admitted his wrongdoings. “Thank you for apologizing.”

“I know it won’t erase it. And I don’t expect you to forgive me. Not right away. But eventually, I’d like to have a relationship with them.” He pointed out the window. “Whenever that may be. I’m still in a lot of trouble.”

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