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“No, Steph!” Max touched her arm and gave it a loving squeeze. “You were my strength all the way.” She saw his jaw clench and that he was fighting for control. “Every day I looked that angry, it reminded me of the fire that scarred my body, and I felt so ashamed.”
“Why?” Steph’s brow furrowed as she looked at him. “Your scars are the testament to what you survived. They remind me how strong you are to have survived what you did and how thankful I am that you’re still with us today.” She swallowed, her throat burning from suppressed tears that she didn’t know how much longer she could hold back. “You have nothing to be ashamed of, Max.” She gave him a small smile. “And everything to be proud of and grateful for.”
“That’s why I love you so much, Steph.” Max pulled to the side of the road when he came to a stop-over place. He turned to her and took her hand. “I’ve never wanted to even look at another woman, Steph. It’s only ever been you, and only ever will be you.”
“Max—“ But she didn’t get any further as Max stopped her.
“Please, let me finish,” Max said, and Steph nodded. “I’m so sorry about Kendal. I didn’t know and was so wrapped up in becoming captain before the fire I didn’t realize she was stalking you.” His brows knit together. “I didn’t even see the signs of how obsessed she was.”
“It’s not your fault, Max,” Steph assured him. “You have a huge heart and are that person who’s always willing to give a helping hand.” She gave him a watery smile. “How were you to know that Kendal had some sort of obsessive disorder?”
“I’m so sorry!” Max said again. His eyes filled with pain and regret. “I go cold thinking of how she could’ve hurt you or the twins.”
“It’s over now,” Steph said.
“There’s something you should know about the fire,” Max told her, explaining how Kendal had deliberately started it.
“That takes her obsession to a whole other level!” Steph stared at Max in shocked disbelief. Her heart squeezed, and anger churned in her for how Kendal had nearly killed Max. “I hate that she put you through all that, all because you did a good deed.”
“I’m sorry my good deed nearly got you badly hurt and nearly destroyed our marriage.” Max stopped, his face turning serious as he looked at her. “She hasn’t completely destroyed it, has she?” He swallowed. “Or did I do that all on my own with my self-pity?”
“Neither.” Steph’s heart lifted and flooded with love once again as she stared into the eyes of the man that she loved so much. “I should’ve said something about Kendal when she started causing trouble.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “You had so much on your plate with work I didn’t want to distract you.”
“Why don’t we make a pact?” Max suggested.
“I’m listening.” Steph’s brow furrowed as she watched him.
“From this moment forward, we don’t keep anything for the other, no matter the consequence or if we think the other one is too stressed or busy,” Max laid out the plan.
“I can agree to that,” Steph said, a twinge of guilt slicing through her as she knew it was her turn for confessions and apologies.
“Steph, after all these years together, you have to know I’m still as head over heels in love with you as I was the first day we met.” Max leaned forward, and their lips met.
Steph’s breath caught in her throat as she savored their closeness. When Max ended the kiss and pulled away, Steph wanted to reach out and pull him back, but she stopped herself.
Now is the best time to get this said, Steph!She gave herself a talking-to. “I love you so much, too, Max.” Her eyes locked with his. “You’re my soulmate and the only man I ever want to share my life with.”
“What would you say to us going to couples therapy?” Max blurted out.
At first, the thought seemed to slap her in the face and offend her, thinking Max thought they needed counseling. But as the initial shock wore off, Steph knew it would be a good idea. They’d been through so much since her father passed away three years ago that therapy could only make them stronger.
“I don’t think it would hurt,” Steph agreed.
“Great!” Max grinned, and for the first time in a long time, Steph saw it light up his eyes. “Now, let’s get your hand sorted out, Mike Tyson,” he teased.
“Wait, Max, before we leave, I have something to say,” Steph stopped him from driving off.
“Okay,” Max said, settling back in the car seat and looking at her questioningly.
“Nothing is going on between Tom and I. I tripped and he caught me,” Steph confessed.
“I know,” Max said, with a confirmation nod. “Tom told me after you went to Palm Beach with Hannah.” He leaned over and kissed her again. “I never should’ve even for a minute entertained the idea you were cheating on me.”
“We were both edgy,” Steph said. “But that’s not all I need to tell you.”
Max frowned as he noticed the look on her face. “What is it, Steph?” He reached over and took her hand reassuringly. “You can tell me whatever it is.”
Steph was sure she could see him holding his breath.
