She gives me a quick shake of her head. “There’s nothing else. Just that.”
“From where I’m standing, there’s a fuckload of other shit that should be on that list. The mowing, for one. And the garden.” I throw a glance around the kitchen. “Not to mention the dishwasher and all these clothes. And all those boxes you’ve got piled up at the front door.”
“No, Griff.” She stands and comes my way. “I can take care of everything else. I just need you to see if you can fix the washing machine because I have a thousand clothes to wash today. And Henry’s exhausted and won’t have the energy when he gets home.”
When she reaches for her daughter, I let her take Harper even though I don’t want to. “Henry’s not the only one who’s exhausted.”
She exhales a long breath and nods. “Yeah, it turns out having a baby knocks you around a bit.”
“So how about you give me a list and put Harper and yourself to bed while I take care of that list for you?”
Magan isn’t good at accepting help when it’s offered. I’ve watched her argue with her sister many times when Sophia has tried to do things for her. Often, she stands her ground andrefuses the offer. Today, she’s got no hope of me taking no for an answer. However, I’ll tread a little more carefully than I normally would because everything about her is screaming that she needs gentle right now.
“You’ve got your own things to do,” she says.
“That’s true, but there’s nothing on my list that’s more important than helping family.”
Her bottom lip trembles but still, she stands strong. “I’m okay, Griff. It was just that damn washing machine. It was the last straw, you know?”
“I know. I’ll fix it.”
Some of the tension in her shoulders eases. “Thank you.”
“Is something wrong with the dishwasher?”
She looks pained. “Maybe. I think so. The lights started flashing on it this morning, but I haven’t had a chance to figure that out.”
“I’ll take a look at it too.”
She gives me another pained look. “Thank you.”
“What’s in the boxes at the front door?”
“Christmas gifts. Amazon is my best friend this year.”
“Where do you want me to put them?”
The expression on her face turns even wearier than it already was. “I don’t want you to put them anywhere. I honestly just want you to fix the washing machine.”
“I get that, but you need to get that I’m gonna put those boxes somewhere. Either you tell me where or I’ll figure that shit out on my own.”
Ten years of knowing me and Magan knows I’m not going anywhere until I’ve sorted out all her problems. I see that understanding flash in her eyes right before her tears start up again.
I pull her into my arms and hold her tightly to me. Running my hand down her long hair, I let her cry for as long as she needs.
When I sense her tears have come to an end, I say, “There’s no shame in asking for help, Magan. You gave birth two months ago. Your body is still recovering and you’re finding your feet as a mother. And you’re doing a lot of that on your own because Henry’s work is hectic. Give yourself a break and give yourself space to figure all this out.” I pull my head back so I can find her eyes. “Sophia wants to help. And so do I. Let us.”
Her face crumples and her tears return. “Stop being you for at least a minute, Griff. I was almost finished crying before you said all that.”
I take the opportunity for what it is. Magan isn’t known for softening like this or lasting long in her softened states, so I have to make the most of it now that I’ve got her here. “What’s with the planning notes on your kitchen table?”
She stares up at me for a long moment before smiling and moving out of my hold. “Well played, Mr Hard Ass.”
I arch my brows, letting her know I expect an answer.
She sighs. “I’m helping the teacher who has taken over my class while I’m on leave.”
“She’s incompetent?”
