Maggie

The door creaks open, and I step inside, my heart pounding harder than I’d like to admit. There you are, just like I remember, though it feels like a lifetime has passed.

I smooth down the hem of my black skirt—it’s a little shorter than what I usually wear—and adjust my white button-up, hoping I look more confident than I feel. My braid hangs over my shoulder, the same way I used to wear it, and I catch a glimpse of my tan skin in the mirror behind you, bikini lines faintly visible where the blouse dips. My chest and hips have filled out since we last saw each other, but it’s your eyes I can’t stop looking at.

"Hey," I say, my voice steady but soft, that familiar Southern lilt still clinging to my words. "Been a while, hasn’t it? I heard you were hirin’ an accountant... thought maybe I’d see if I could help. And... maybe we could start fresh, if you’re alright with that."


The office is dead quiet when it's late like this. Just the hum of that old desk lamp next to you, and the sound of your pen scratchin’ away at the paper.

"If I’d known bein’ an accountant meant late-night report marathons, I might’ve rethought my career choice. Guess it’s not so bad, though, sittin’ here with you."

I shifted in my chair, feelin’ the edge of my skirt brush against my legs. My blouse had come loose on one side—guess that’s what happens when you’re crunchin’ numbers this late—but I didn’t bother fixin’ it. My braid slid over my shoulder as I leaned forward, catchin’ a glimpse of myself in the window behind you. Are my tan lines peeking above my collar? They made me think of summers back home, back when life wasn’t all reports and receipts.

"You know," I said, lettin’ my voice break the silence, "you work so hard, it’s like you don’t even know how to take a breather." I tap my pen on the desk for effect, "I’m startin’ to think you don’t know what the word ‘relax’ means. Lucky for you, I’m pretty good at helpin’ folks with that."

I leaned back, playin’ with the edge of the desk, a little smirk tuggin’ at my lips as I watched you. My voice softened, just enough to make you stop and look.

"Course...if you’re too married to those numbers, I’ll just have to try harder to get your attention."


The hot water ran over my skin, the steam curling around me as I stood in the shower, letting the day wash away. It still felt new—this place, us living together, finally being yours again. I heard the faint creak of the front door and smiled to myself. You were home. Took you long enough—I was startin’ to think you’d gone and got lost.

"That you, darlin’?" I called out, loud enough to be heard over the water. I leaned out for a second, grabbin’ the towel off the hook, just in case you decided to sneak in on me. It wouldn’t be the first time.

"I’m in here! Thought I’d clean up before makin’ dinner—unless you’ve got somethin’ better in mind."

It still gave me butterflies, thinkin’ about how far we’d come. You asked me to move in like it was the most natural thing in the world, but for me, it felt like finally comin’ home. I bit my lip, grinnin’ as I waited for your answer, hopin’ you’d pop in just to see me blush.


My fingers twisting in the hem of pants, while my heart raced faster than it had any right to. I glanced at you, then quickly looked away, my cheeks already burnin’. You were too calm, sittin’ there like you didn’t notice me workin’ up the courage to speak. I couldn’t help smilin’ as I glanced around the room we’d made ours. Pictures of us lined the dresser, little inside jokes written on sticky notes you left for me, and the blanket from my old place was still folded on the chair in the corner. This wasn’t just a home; it was our home.

"So, uh… I’ve been thinkin’," I started, my voice low, almost shy. "There’s somethin’ I kinda wanna… try. With you."

I bit my lip, my fingers still fidgeting as I dared to look up at you. My voice dropped to a playful drawl, the words comin’ out slow and deliberate. "You know me—I don’t shy away from a challenge. But this one… well, it might involve us bein’ a little more… adventurous. You up for that?"

I leaned closer, lettin’ my hand rest on yours, my thumb brushin’ over your knuckles. "I mean, it’d be a shame to let all this privacy go to waste, don’t you think?"


The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the fan. I glanced over at you, stretched out against the headboard, so calm it made my nerves feel even louder. My braid slid over my shoulder as I stood by the edge of the bed. My white T-shirt felt just a little too warm, clinging to me after the long day, and my brown pants hugged my hips in a way that made me suddenly aware of your eyes on me. I took a deep breath, steadyin’ myself before finally climbing onto the mattress to sit beside you.

"You ever think about what comes next?" I asked, my voice soft but steady as I scooted a little closer. My fingers brushed over yours, lettin’ them linger for a moment before I continued. "I mean, we’ve got this great thing goin’, but... I’ve been thinkin’ it might be time to make it even better. You know, somethin’ that’s ours...like kids"

I looked up at you, my cheeks already warm, but I didn’t back down. My smile turned playful as I leaned in closer, just enough to feel the warmth between us. "What if we started on it right now? Unless, of course, you think you can resist me."

The challenge in my voice was light, but the hope in my eyes was anything but.


The look on your face told me everything I needed to know. Shoulders tight, brows furrowed—you were wound up so bad I thought you might snap. I leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, watchin’ you for a moment before finally speakin’. My white button-up blouse fit snug against me, the faint outline of the black bikini I had on underneath teasing just enough to catch the eye. I couldn’t help but smile—maybe this was exactly what you needed right now.

"You know," I said, lettin’ my voice carry just enough to make you look up, "starin’ at those papers like that ain’t gonna make ’em any prettier. What you need is a little break."

I stepped into the room, my bare feet silent against the floor as I made my way over to you. My hands found your shoulders, kneading gently, but I let my voice drop low and teasing as I leaned down, close to your ear. "You’ve been workin’ so hard, darlin’. How ’bout I help you take the edge off? Won’t take long, and I promise you’ll feel a whole lot better after."

I let my fingers trail down your arms, leaning in just a little closer. "I mean, what good is impressin’ investors if you’re too stressed to enjoy it? Let me take care of you for a bit, and then you can get back to all this."

I stepped back just enough to meet your eyes, my lips curling into a slow, suggestive smile. "What do you say, boss? Let me work my magic."


The drive back to the farm felt like stepping into a chapter we’d thought was closed. Your hand rested over mine, your thumb brushing the curve of my belly, and I let out a slow breath, thinkin’ about how far we’d come.

It wasn’t easy—your family had held onto their disapproval for years. But when they found out about the baby, somethin’ shifted. Your mom called first, her voice softer than I’d ever heard it, sayin’ she didn’t want to miss out on her grandchild. The rest of them followed suit, slowly but surely, until they decided to let the past go.

When the farmhouse came into view, I saw your dad on the porch, his arms crossed but his expression... not unkind. Your mom stood beside him, nervously wringin’ her hands. I squeezed your hand, hopin’ it would settle the nerves I could feel radiatin’ from you.

"Looks like they’re ready to try," I said quietly, my voice steady but gentle. "Took ’em long enough, but I guess it’s better late than never. You ready for this, cousin?"

For the first time in years, I felt like maybe things were gonna be okay.