To Say Goodbye

Chapter 25

Xander's POV

"Mom?" I wasn't really believing my eyes. My mother was standing over me, in my house, trying to scold me. She is failing miserably, cause she is trying to fight off a smile and her eyes are glittering with glee.

"Is that any way to greet your mother? A proper hug would be best, but I can see you are quite entangled at the moment." mom stated in a teasing tone. Her eyes fell from mine and I followed their gaze to Maggie. Maggie's cheeks were delectably pink with embarrassment. She nudged my chest slightly trying to get me to move. That's when I realized how 'entangled' we were. Maggie was still beneath me on the floor with her legs wrapped around me. I'm propped on my elbow to hold my upper body off of her, but my pelvis is flush with hers. My eyes widened when I realized I am slightly hard from that post-pillow war kiss we shared. Thankfully I'm wearing pants that will hide it well.

I untangle myself from Maggie and helped her to her feet. Once she was standing comfortably beside me, I wrapped my arm around her.

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting you mom. When did you get back?" I smiled sheepishly toward my mother.

She raised her eyebrow "Just now, didn't your brother tell you? He invited me for dinner."

We all turned to Xavier. He chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Surprise?" He questioned more than stated.

Mom began laughing loudly and shook her head at him. Then she turned to me and smiled. Her smile has always been so warm and motherly.

"Xander, are you going to introduce me to this beautiful young woman? Maggie, I presume. Right?" mom asked gracing Maggie with another warm smile.

"Yeah, but how did you.." I asked confused, but turned to find Xavier fidgeting nervously and avoiding eye contact with me. I sighed heavily. Of course he told her about Maggie. "Mom, as you already know, this is Magnolia Shepherd. Maggie this is my mom Alessandra King."

"It is so nice to meet you dear! Xavier told me all about you, and I can tell we are going to get along fabulously. Please feel free to call me Allie. Everyone does." mom chimed excitedly.

"Allie... it's very nice to meet you too. All of the boys have told me so much about you.... and they were right. You really do have the warmest smile!" Maggie responded extending her hand for a shake.

Mom shook her head side to side. "Family hugs each other, Maggie dear. So bring it in!" Mom chuckled opening her arms wide for Maggie. Maggie gave her a bright smile and ran into her arms. They giggled while basking in each other's embrace for a moment.

"Hey, we need some sugar too!" Xavier whined.

"Then get in here son! Maggie and I have sugar to share!" mom scolded playfully.

Xavier went running in for a group hug. However, he didn't go alone. As soon as he passed Mama Rosa, he grabbed her hand and began dragging her with him. So, like the trooper she is, Mama Rosa pulled Andre with her free hand. Andre sighed and grabbed James who was trying to make a break for it.

All of them wrapped around Maggie and mom. I stood there shaking my head at their silly display of affection.

"Xander, there is plenty of room for one more... I'm sure maggie still has sugar for you!" mom winked at me. I turned my attention to my little temptress. Maggie was already staring at me. She had this look on her face that I can't quite make out. She then bit her lower lip and lowered her head down slightly. She opened her eyes slowly and peered at me through her lashes. To butter me up even more she fluttered them a bit.

Damn.

"f**k it. Why not!" I laughed and joined to group. I stood directly behind Maggie and wrapped an arm around her waist. my other hand was on Xavier's shoulder. I leaned down to Maggie's ear and whispered low so only she could hear. "That wasn't playing fair little temptress." Maggie grinned at me over her shoulder.

She pulled my head down so she could reach my ear. "Maybe you should punish me, Mr. King." Maggie purred the suggestion in my ear. Although, it sounded more like a request. Then she gently pulled my lobe between her teeth and tugged it. A shiver of excitement ran down my spine at the sensation.

I guess my little temptress is ready to play. I have kept all intimacy at a minimum so she could heal from the incident with Sutton. I never want her to fear me or feel pressured to please me. I could wait for her forever, if that's what she needed.

The rest of the night flew by. Mom and Maggie got along like old friends. Mom whisked Maggie away for a while while we 'boys' cleared the dinner table and cleaned the kitchen. Once all of us guys were done, I went searching for where my mom was keeping my little one hostage. I found them on the back patio sipping wine and having a deep discussion. Both women had tears running down their cheeks, but they were smiling brightly at each other. I decided to interrupt their conversation when they began hugging it out.

I'm not nervous about anything my mom would say to Maggie. I can tell she really likes her and approves of her already. I do wonder what brought them to tears though. These are my favorite women to ever exist, and I never want them to cry.

"Mom, your driver has arrived to take you home." I said softly.

She pulled away from Maggie and wiped Maggie's tears from her face then proceeded to wipe away her own. "Very good, thank you son... and thank you Maggie. For the wonderful evening and for everything else too." She kissed Maggie on the top of her head and stood up. She gave me a peck on the cheek and smiled warmly at me. Then she left.

I walked over to Maggie and scooped her into my arms. She ran her fingers through my hair mindlessly as I carried her to our room. "Where is your mind at little one?" I asked curious.

"Just thinking about the conversation I had with your mom. She is absolutely lovely. She loves you very, very much you know? Her warmth makes me miss my parents slightly. I have been on my own for so long that I forgot what it's like. To have a family. To be surrounded by people who love and cherish you. People who care so deeply for you. I feel that here. I love it, but it also frightens me." Maggie said in a barely audible voice. I sat her on our bed and knelt in front of her so I could see her faces.

Her eyes were filling with unshed tears. "Why does it frighten you, little one?" I asked tucking a stray hair behind her ear.

"I lost my family when I was 16 Xander. It almost killed me. I don't think I could handle loosing another one." She trembled slightly as she got her words out. Then, one single tear fell from her left eye.

I kissed her forehead and pulled her onto my lap on the floor beside the bed. "Maggie, I don't know what the future holds. What I do know is that you are a part of this family already. Whether you like it or not. We are your family and you are ours. I also know that you are the strongest woman I have ever met. You amaze me every day."

I held her for a while until her breathing evened out. I knew she had fallen asleep at that point. I laid her on the bed, gently took her jean shorts off her, and pulled the comforter over her. She nested her head into my pillow and smiled slightly in her sleep. I smiled at her adorable action.

"I love you, little one." I whispered and Kissed her temple. When I realized what flew out of my mouth, my eyes widened. Love? Yeah, love... I do love Maggie. I'm absolutely crazy about her, but I never imagined those words would fly out of my mouth so soon. It just felt so natural. So... right.