Free Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) by Gloria Herrmann

exactly the same as she remembered, an ancient wood smell mixed with food being cooked in the cafeteria that was directly to the left of the foyer. It did feel strange being back, let alone having her child start attending class here. Who knew, maybe the child inside her would also be a student here?
    Karen’s sweet voice broke Maggie away from her nostalgic thoughts. “Now, Maggie, if I could have you start filling out some of these forms, I’m going to take Melanie on a mini tour of our school.” She grabbed Melanie’s little hand in hers and started to lead her toward the cafeteria.
    Maggie went to work on filling out the paperwork that Karen had left for her. She couldn’t help but notice how permanent this seemed. She was partially through the first form when she saw that Rachel was headed in her direction.
    “Maggie, how’s it going?” Rachel flashed a smile of stark white, perfect teeth.
    “Just filling out these forms that Karen gave me.”
    “Good. Where is your little cutie pie?” Rachel asked as she scanned the area for Melanie.
    “Off on a tour of the school. You wouldn’t believe how much trouble she gave me this morning.”
    “Really? I’m sorry. I was hoping she’d be a little more excited.” Rachel frowned, her blue eyes sympathetic.
    “It’ll be okay,” Maggie said, changing gears. “So I have been wanting to ask, how are things going with you and Liam?”
    Rachel rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “You know, it’s hard. We are trying to find the balance between work and play, if that makes sense. I don’t feel comfortable acting like we are a couple at work, your brother feels differently.”
    “Well, lucky for you, you live here now and folks don’t really worry about stuff like that,” Maggie said, trying to convince her.
    “I don’t know, I still feel uncomfortable. We are just trying to take things slow and sort of see how it all plays out.”
    Maggie nodded. “Understandable.”
    “So how are you holding up?”
    “It changes by the minute.” Maggie let out an awkward, uncomfortable laugh.
    Rachel rubbed Maggie’s arm tenderly. “It has to be rough. I’m hoping things work out.”
    “Me too.”
    Another bell sounded, and Rachel glanced at the thin, silver watch on her delicate wrist. “Crud, I’ve got to get going. I have a meeting with the district later.” Rachel started to turn back down the hallway where her office was located, but then she turned back around. “Maggie, I’m really glad you’re here now. Let’s make sure we get together this week for dinner.”
    “You bet, that would be great.”
     
    ***
     
    Maggie waited patiently for school to let out. She stood outside the large glass double doors along with a string of parents that had lined up to pick up their children. The day almost felt normal, except it was anything but. She had signed up Melanie for school, which went surprisingly well, and she had Karen to thank for charming her little daughter into falling in love with the school. She really owed that woman. Leaving Melanie at the school and coming to pick her up felt normal, but after getting into another argument over the phone with Michael it reminded her that things were not the norm. She wasn’t in Seattle, she wasn’t home, no, she was staying at her parents’ house. She was married, yet her husband wasn’t with her, and after their argument she wasn’t sure if she saw herself being married for much longer.
    The loud shrill of the school bell tore Maggie’s thoughts away. She searched for Melanie as students started to emerge from the large brick building. A feeling of dread started to form in her stomach as the number of students leaving the building became more of a trickle. Where was Melanie? As Maggie was about to go inside the building, Melanie appeared, holding hands with her uncle. Liam towered over his niece, his long legs having to take half steps so that the girl could keep up with his stride. As she eyed her daughter