Maggies Marriage (Cloverleaf #2) by Gloria Herrmann

of times, but tonight it felt different. Easing her car toward the direction of downtown Seattle and their condo—well, Michael’s condo—she found her old parking spot empty. She had been gone for almost a month, but all of sudden it felt much longer.
    “Melanie, wake up, love bug,” Maggie said softly after she shut the car off.
    The girl stirred, rubbing her eyes, looking around a little confused. “Where are we?”
    “Seattle, sweetie, remember?”
    Melanie’s eyes grew wide. “We’re home!” She jumped out of the car with incredible speed.
    “Wait, we are still in a parking lot,” Maggie scolded. “Here, take your suitcase.” She handed off a bright pink suitcase decorated with kittens.
    “Is Daddy home?” Melanie asked, her voice perky as she accepted her small suitcase to carry.
    Maggie nodded, she had already seen his sedan in the large parking garage of the condo. Her nerves were jumbled as she wrestled with an array of emotions. Maggie led her daughter to the elevator across the way and they arrived at their door. She hesitated. She almost knocked on the door, but thought better of it. Using her key to unlock it, she noticed the home was quiet and the lighting dim as she entered.
    She called out, “Michael, we’re here.” Melanie rushed past her in search of her father. Maggie dragged her own suitcase toward the living room to find Michael’s long body stretched out on the couch that was against the large window, which gave them a terrific view of downtown Seattle.
    He raised his head, groggily throwing back the cream-colored throw that was covering him. Maggie couldn’t get over how exhausted he appeared; his handsome face was unshaven, swollen bags had formed under his chocolate eyes. Her heart broke as she looked down at him.
    Practically falling on top of him, Maggie reached for him as he remained on the couch, his arms wrapping around her. “I’m so sorry, Michael,” Maggie whispered in his ear.
    Melanie ran full speed after discovering them in the living room. “Daddy,” she squealed.
    “My little girl.” Michael scooped her up. Maggie moved to the side, making room for their daughter. It felt nice having them all snuggled close together. Maggie realized how much she missed Michael.
    After Melanie got her fill of cuddling with Michael, they got her ready for bed and tucked her in. As they stood in the doorway of her bedroom, Melanie said, “It is nice being in my old bed. I’m glad we’re home now.” Her eyes closed as she started to drift off to sleep. Maggie felt horrible. Of course her daughter missed being home, hell, she did too. Why did life have to be so darn complicated?
    Michael turned back toward their living room, Maggie trailing behind him. Things now felt a tad awkward.
    Not quite knowing how to handle things, Maggie offered to make some tea.
    “Maggie, I think we should talk, don’t you?” Michael’s eyes were sad.
    “I came back to be here for you because of your dad. I don’t think we should really discuss us right now,” Maggie pleaded softly as she worked her way into the kitchen and started to heat a kettle of water on the stove.
    Michael followed her into the small kitchen and leaned against the counter. Maggie felt her heart race. Even when he was grieving, the man still managed to look sexy. His dark hair was tousled, his white dress shirt unbuttoned slightly, his charcoal colored slacks hugging his muscular thighs. He had always had this effect on her. She steadied herself and tried desperately to reign in her senses as Maggie grabbed two mugs out of the cupboard and sat them on the shiny, elegant, granite countertop.
    Turning to Michael, she swallowed as she watched him looking down at their tiled floor, deep in thought.
    “How are you holding up?” Her tone was quiet and cautious.
    He rubbed his stubble-covered chin. “I don’t know. I mean, it is what it is I suppose.”
    His words confused her, she expected more emotion and further