The Baseball Card Boyfriend (Starrycard Creek Bachelors #3)

Chapter 6

Chapter

Six

MAGGIE

The beat of footsteps drew closer as a little girl bounded down the walkway, pigtails swishing from side to side.

“Hi, Uncle Chris, and hey, Maggie, you’re awake,” she called, waving as she charged toward them with a dog’s head bobbing on her shoulder. As the child got closer, the picture sharpened. The girl was wearing an apron and carrying a black pup in a backpack.

Christian waved to the child and pocketed his phone. “That was my grandmother. She’s here with my niece. Brace yourself.”

The little girl skidded to a shaky stop. “Maggie, your apron fits me. Both our names start with the letter M .”

Maggie knelt and eyed the powder-pink connection to her old life. “You must be McKenzie,” she said, looking between the child and the garment—a garment that didn’t spark any memories.

The child’s smile lit up her face. “I’m McKenzie Fiona Starrycard-Dunleavy. I’m everyone’s favorite Starrycard. And look! Your dog fits in an old doggie backpack we had at our house.”

The dog.

“Hello, Mr. Lucky,” Maggie said, meeting the pup’s soulful brown eyes. She surveyed what she could see of the pup. Lucky had a sleek, black face, curious eyes, and a shiny black nose. An endearing little scar above his left eye added to his charm. She couldn’t place the animal, but she knew without a doubt that he belonged with her.

And Lucky appeared to feel the same.

The dog whimpered and wiggled, trying to get to her, licking her face and hands as she scratched behind his ears.

“Easy, boy,” Christian said, taking a knee beside her.

She laughed as the dog’s head bobbed back and forth, licking her, then licking Christian.

“He’s a licker,” Maggie said as the dog showered her with kisses.

“He’s only like that with you guys,” McKenzie said, scrunching her face as a few of Lucky’s kisses brushed her cheek.

Maggie and Christian stood to relieve the child of the copious dog kiss-fest.

“Thank you for caring for Lucky,” Maggie said, grinning at the girl. “How’s he doing?”

McKenzie beamed. “You don’t have to worry about Lucky. My dad’s a veterinarian, and he says Lucky is a healthy dog. He gave him a bunch of shots and checked all his parts. But you don’t want to know where the thermometer goes.”

“Kenz,” Christian chided, but there was nothing but amusement on his face.

Maggie chuckled. “That was very nice of your dad.”

McKenzie twisted from side to side like she had ants in her pants. “Okay, I’ll tell you, Maggie. It goes in the butt. The thermometer goes in the dog’s butt,” she finished, wide-eyed.

Maggie bit back a grin.

“McKenzie!” Christian exclaimed, then pressed his lips together to suppress a grin.

Maggie caught Christian’s eye. “I can see why she’s everyone’s favorite,” she said, doing her best not to burst into a fit of giggles.

McKenzie looked over her shoulder. “Oh, hey, Uncle O! Look, Maggie’s awake,” the child called, then waved her in. “Hey, Maggie, that’s my uncle Owen. He can help get Lucky out of the backpack because my uncle Chris isn’t supposed to lift heavy stuff yet, and Lucky weighs thirty-four point six pounds. And that’s too much for you because part of your shoulder bone didn’t get enough blood and broke and died, right, Uncle Chris?”

Christian mustered a weak grin, but his tight posture and the tic in his jaw gave away his discomfort. “Something like that, Kenz.” He shifted his stance and lowered his voice. “I thought you came with Goldie and Great Grandpa Rex,” he continued with a hint of unease in his voice.

“Nope, it’s me, Goldie, and Uncle O. Me and Goldie parked next to Uncle Owen in the parking lot, but then I started running because Goldie said I could do the hundred-yard dash up the sidewalk. I’m a crazy fast runner. ”

A man who looked strikingly like Christian but with longer hair and a leaner build approached them.

“I didn’t know you were coming,” Christian said, his tone tinged with a slight edge.

Maggie looked between the men, attempting to get a read on the situation.

“That’s because my mom said we should take turns coming up to the hospital and hang around in case you needed any help, Uncle Chris,” McKenzie explained, filling the stretch of silence and spilling the beans. “I told her I wanted to go after school today, and that meant riding up with Goldie. And then Uncle O said he wanted to come again even though he comes here all the time. Can you get Lucky out of the pack, Uncle Owen? He really wants to be with Maggie.”

Maggie checked the brothers again. Christian didn’t seem to enjoy being managed, and it appeared his family’s concern wasn’t only for her welfare.

“Kenz, you are a walking and talking encyclopedia,” Owen said dryly and removed the dog from the pack.

“Here, Maggie,” Owen said sheepishly, handing her the pup. “It’s good to see you awake.”

She nodded, then glanced at the glowering Christian.

What was going on?

“Here’s his leash,” Owen continued. He attached it to the dog’s collar and handed it to her. He took a step back and raked his hand through his dark tumble of hair. “I’m so sorry about what happened.”

What was he talking about?

Maggie studied the man. “I don’t understand. What are you apologizing for?”

Concern creased Owen’s brow. “I’m the reason you fell and hit your head.”

“You are?” she asked and looked at Christian.

Christian took a step toward her, his arm brushing hers. “Everything happened quickly. Owen, it’s not your fault. I’ve told you this.”

“What exactly happened?” she pressed, holding Owen’s gaze. She wasn’t going to get much from Christian. The man had taken on a protective demeanor. But why would he have to protect her from his brother?

Owen raked his hands through his hair again. “I tried to take the dog from you after the train passed. He wiggled, wanting to stay with you, and you lost your balance on some loose rocks around the tracks. That’s how you ended up here. Don’t you remember?”

Maggie chewed her lip. That would be a no on remembering anything. But how was she supposed to share that? Hey, I think I’m Maggie, and I’ve got amnesia sounded both ludicrous and highly distressing—and she didn’t want to make Owen feel any worse.

“About that…” she began, tossing another look Christian’s way when an attractive older woman headed toward them.

The woman donned a smile as wide as McKenzie’s. “My goodness! It’s wonderful to see you up and around, Maggie. When did you wake up? What are you doing out here? Yesterday morning, you were still in a coma.”

“This is my grandmother, Goldie Starrycard,” Christian said, his voice softening slightly.

Goldie’s blue eyes sparkled with a mix of relief and concern. Her silver hair brushed against her shoulders with every movement.

“I asked to leave. I’m not comfortable in hospitals,” Maggie replied, forcing a weak grin, still unable to figure out what was going on between Christian and Owen. The brothers had barely acknowledged each other.

“We heard your harrowing dog rescue tale. How’s your head, dear?” Goldie asked, then glanced at Christian and Owen and pursed her lips.

Was she picking up on their tension, too?

Maggie maintained her forced, pleasant expression. “The scans showed no permanent damage. The doctor just discharged me.”

McKenzie gasped.

“What is it, little star?” Goldie asked.

“It’s me, Goldie. I made Maggie wake up. I made a wish this morning, wrote it on a piece of Starrycard Creek paper, and put it in the wishing wall before I got to school.”

“The wishing wall?” Maggie repeated.

“It’s town folklore,” Christian answered.

“It’s more than town folklore,” Goldie countered. “If you write your heart’s desire or true wish on a piece of Starrycard Creek paper and tuck it into one of the old rock wall’s nooks and crannies, if whatever you ask is meant for you, it’ll come true.”

“I did my wishes this morning when Goldie walked me to school. I wished for a dinosaur—again—and didn’t get it yet, but I had another piece of wishing wall paper in my pocket, so I also wished that you would wake up, Maggie,” the child gushed. “Oh, and then Goldie wrote something on that paper before I put it in, but I didn’t see it. Did you write that you wanted Maggie to wake up and be happy?”

“Something like that,” the woman replied.

Maggie looked from McKenzie to her grandmother. “Well, thank you to you both. I’m happy to be awake.”

“Is there anyone we can call for you, dear? Your family? We’ve been asking around and alerted the authorities to your arrival, but they haven’t come up with anything,” Christian’s grandmother shared.

Maggie maintained her beauty pageant smile. Again, what the heck was she supposed to say? Her life sounded like a soap opera.

She looked down at Lucky as the dog settled himself between her and Christian. “About that…I?—”

“Maggie is having some issues with her memory, but we’re addressing it,” Christian said, schooling his features.

“What kind of issues?” Owen pressed.

She shifted Lucky’s leash from hand to hand. “I don’t recall anything about my life. I only know what Christian has told me about our encounter with the dog and the train.”

“You don’t remember meeting me?” Owen asked, his question tinged with disbelief.

She gave the man a small, hesitant smile. “No, I don’t.”

“She’s experiencing amnesia, but Dr. Ironside is optimistic her memories will return. That’s all you need to know,” Christian hissed.

Why was he being so cagey with his family?

“Oh, Maggie,” Goldie lamented and pressed her hand to her heart. “You seem to be in good spirits despite this news. You don’t know us, but our entire family is here to support you however we can.”

“That’s very kind. And Christian’s been…” Their almost kiss flashed before her eyes. “He’s been so…helpful.” She met his gaze, expecting warmth, but was taken aback by the desperation etched on his face as if he feared losing her.

“You don’t remember anything? Do you know your middle name?” McKenzie asked, wonder aglow on her face.

Maggie gathered herself and released a nervous chuckle. “No.”

“Do you know your last name?” the child continued.

“No.”

“Do you know your house address?”

“I don’t.”

“Wow,” McKenzie breathed, wide-eyed. “Do you know what this is?” she asked, lifting her foot and shaking it around.

“It’s a sneaker.”

The child cheered and clapped. “Yes! You haven’t forgotten everything. How about this?” the child continued and pointed to a towering evergreen.

“It’s a tree.”

Owen frowned. “Where were you two going? Where are you staying if you don’t know who you are or where you’re from?” he pressed, cutting off the child’s questions.

“She’s staying with me. That’s the end of it, Owen. And we should be going,” Christian answered and rested his hand on the small of her back.

Whatever this was, it didn’t seem to be about her.

“Wait, I have another question for Maggie.” McKenzie pointed inside the hospital toward the gift shop near the entrance. “What about that? Do you know what those are?”

“It’s a poster with flowers and chocolates.”

“Goldie, can we get some chocolates?” the girl begged.

Goldie studied her grandsons, then gifted McKenzie with a coy grin. “Yes, little star, this appears to be a very good time for a treat. Excuse us,” the woman finished, taking the child by the hand and leading her inside.

Once Goldie and McKenzie entered the hospital, Owen pegged his brother with a piercing gaze. “What are you doing, Chris?”

Christian’s hand trembled against her as if he was fighting to stay composed. “I told you. I’m taking Maggie to the ranch. She’s staying with me.”

“But you’re…” Owen shook his head. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You can stay with me, Maggie. Christian is still recuperating.”

She looked from one brother to the other, her heart beating a mile a minute. The intensity between them crackled, a dam of unspoken words and raw emotions threatening to burst.

“It’s been three months since my surgery, O. I’m only wearing the sling out of an abundance of caution. I’m fine, and I have plenty of space.”

“I have an extra room,” Owen countered.

Christian rubbed slow circles on her back, his touch growing steady and possessive. “I have eleven extra rooms.”

“Dammit, Christian,” Owen hissed, pacing. “Fine, Maggie doesn’t have to stay with me. She could stay at Starrycard House with Mom and Dad.”

“She’s coming home with me,” Christian said, his tone laced with an unmistakable warning.

Breathless, a tingle traveled down her spine as she looked between the brothers. Christian’s eyes burned with a fierce intensity. His entire presence resonated with a determination to move mountains to keep her by his side.

Owen raised his hands defensively. “I’m not trying to be difficult, Chris. I care about you. I want what’s best for everyone. But we can’t ignore your issues,” he said quietly.

“I don’t have any issues,” Christian shot back, his voice steady.

“Really?” Owen countered, incredulity dripping from his words. “Because the press would beg to differ. And why do you think I came to check on you last week? The entire family is concerned. You could use some help with…with fucking everything.”

“Enough,” Christian barked. “I’m not overdoing it anymore. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol in seven days. You know this. The family’s obviously been keeping an eye on both me and Maggie. I might be your younger brother, but I’m not a child. I don’t need to be minded like a toddler. And it only makes sense that Maggie would stay with me. She came to Starrycard Creek for me. She’s here for me .”

Maggie’s breath hitched. The raw possessiveness in his tone sent a delicious tingle down her spine.

“You met her while she was saving a dog. She’s not yours ,” Owen said through clenched teeth, but his expression softened as he turned to her. “Do you even know why you’re here, Maggie?”

She peered up at Christian. He could have easily told his brother—and his whole family—about the baseball card and the stone. The card tied her to the man, albeit loosely. But he didn’t say a word. Why didn’t he want them to know? His gaze intensified. He offered her a minute shake of his head—a barely there movement. And she understood what he was silently conveying. He didn’t want her to mention the items. Why? There had to be a reason he’d kept this information from his family. Between this and his strange dream references, she needed to figure out what was going on with the man. Not to mention, the last thing she wanted was to have the brothers fighting over her.

She gasped as something warm and wet made contact with her waist and found Lucky resting his front paws on her leg. He nipped at the hem of her blouse, and his action sparked a plan.

Thank you, Mr. Lickster Lucky.

She helped the pup onto all fours, then stood between the brothers. She looked from one towering man to the other. In addition to her plan, these men badly needed a little reality check when it came to her welfare. She might not have her memory, but she remained in control of her choices. “Hi, I’m Maggie. Remember me? And I would like to weigh in on where I am going to live,” she announced.

“What?” Christian and Owen barked, with matching confused expressions.

“First of all, the decision is mine. And second, I need a job,” she said, praying her plan would work.

“Why do you need a job?” Christian pressed.

Here goes everything.

“Doctor’s orders. You were with me. You heard the doctor say routine and consistency could help me retrieve my memories. A job would provide that. Now, I don’t know exactly what I’m qualified to do, but I’m pretty sure I could work a… washing machine .” She paused.

Would Christian catch on?

“A washing machine, you say?” he repeated, and the knowing glint in his eyes sent her pulse racing like they were speaking a language only the two of them knew.

“Uh-huh,” she continued casually. “Do either of you know anyone who might need help with housekeeping ?”

Christian nodded, pretending to connect the dots. “I have a particularly complex washing machine and could use help around the ranch. My family’s been harping on me for weeks to hire someone to assist me while I recuperate , right, Owen? I think you and Eliza discussed the topic about a week ago.”

Owen’s gaze darted between her and Christian like he sensed he was being played but wasn’t one hundred percent sure. “Yeah, we did discuss hiring someone to help out at the ranch.” His expression softened. “Listen, Chris, we love you and care about you. And Maggie, we want what’s best for you. But my brother is?—”

“All right then,” she said, cutting off the man, acting decisively—and a bit deceptively. Was she decisive and deceptive? Were those traits of hers? Oh, forget it. She couldn’t worry about whoever the old Maggie was. If she wanted answers, this Maggie had to cement her stay with Christian. She focused on Owen. His deep concern showed how much he loved his brother, and she had to smooth things out between the men. “I appreciate your kindness and your offer to let me stay with you. I can tell you have a big heart and that you want what’s best for everyone—me included. But I won’t be staying with you or Christian.”

Owen frowned. “What will you do? Where will you live?”

She lifted her chin. Despite the fog of amnesia and her uncertainty about…well, everything, a surprising sense of self-reliance surged through her veins. She scratched behind Lucky’s ears, and the pup winked at her like he’d read her mind and approved her plan. Emboldened by the pup’s support, she smiled sweetly at Christian. “From what your brother says, it sounds like you’ve got an opening for a housekeeper at your ranch. I assume it comes with room and board.”

He watched her for a beat. The corner of his mouth twitched as if he were suppressing a grin. “It does,” he answered smoothly.

“What do you say? Would you be willing to hire me for the position?”

“Maggie, last name to be determined,” Christian said, his tone even.

“Yes?” she answered, her heart in her throat.

Christian’s eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and admiration. “The position is yours.”