Chapter 41

The week flew by with lots of congratulations. There were cards and flowers all over the house, coming from local people and from England.

Maggie was thrilled and started looking at dresses online during breaks and at night.

They had decided on having a wedding next summer so that Makayla could get back in shape after their baby was born in late August.

Maggie had to put those plans on the back burner for a few weeks, as the last week of school was upon them and they had plenty to do. She was thankful she had the summer to sort things out.

Maggie also had her first softball meeting and it went perfectly! The girls were so excited, and Maggie could tell they were going to get along well.

She met Sarah, Amanda, and Jesse’s daughter, and instantly loved her. She was a pretty and sweet girl who loved to play softball.

Makayla and Maggie threw their annual end-of-year beach party for the school staff, except this year, Liam insisted that they have it at their place and use the beach access.

It was a huge success and everyone had a good time. Maggie was exhausted, slept late on Sunday, and lay around for the rest of the day.

Liam worked late the week leading up to his family’s arrival. They would be staying for two weeks and he wanted to have everything done before they arrived.

Maggie puttered around the house and started conditioning with her team.

She wasn’t feeling great and was still exhausted every night when Liam came home, not even stirring when he kissed her goodbye every morning.

The week went by and soon Saturday arrived. Liam was so excited when Niall left to pick up his family. Maggie was nervous and had no idea what to expect.

“Darling, please don’t worry! All of them are going to love you! I promise!”

Maggie swallowed and nodded. The nerves were overwhelming! They heard a car horn honk as it entered the driveway.

Maggie’s heart almost jumped out of her chest as Liam kissed her, took her hand, and all but ran out the front door.

She stopped as Joan came out and started hugging every person that came out of the vehicle. Liam took his turn next, and he lifted each lady up in fierce bear hugs.

Maggie stood back and watched the touching exchange. Then, a little girl came out of the car, laughing and squealing as Liam took her in his arms and kissed her, and tickled her with his stubble.

Liam passed her back to a man and went to the older woman who Maggie recognized as his mother, taking her hand, and bringing her to Maggie.

“Mom, this is my Maggie… Maggie this is my mom, Elizabeth Olsen.” She was even more beautiful than her pictures, looking nowhere near her fifty-eight years of age.

Elizabeth looked at Maggie, flashing a dazzling smile and pulling Maggie into a big hug.

“Oh, Maggie, it is so good to finally meet you! I can’t thank you enough for bringing back my son’s heart! We have missed it so much over the years.”

“It’s wonderful to meet you too, Elizabeth,” Maggie said shyly.

“You really are quite stunning, Maggie! I definitely can see why Liam was enthralled the minute he saw you!”

Maggie blushed.

“Why, you must be the beautiful lady that stole my son’s heart! I am Charles Olsen, but please call me Charlie,” the older man said, hugging Maggie tenderly.

As soon as he was done, she was invaded by the rest of his family, all beautiful people. Liam’s brother Henry looked just like him and their father: rich chestnut hair, warm brown eyes, and dimples.

Henry’s wife Bethany was just as beautiful, with light brown hair and green eyes. Their eighteen-month-old daughter, Ellie, looked just like Bethany, but with a dimpled smile like the Olsen men.

A gorgeous blonde whom Maggie also recognized from the family photos shook her hand next. “Hello, I am Liza—Liam’s sister—and this is my husband, William. It’s lovely to meet you!”

“Let’s go in and get something to eat! I am sure you all are hungry,” Maggie said. She was pleased when they all followed her into the kitchen where she had some platters and trays of snacks.

Their visitors dug in after their long flight as Liam and Niall brought in the luggage.

The family took this time to get to know Maggie. They asked about her family, friends, and career. They genuinely cared and were very nice to her.

Joan came back to inform everyone that they were all in the same rooms as last time and had the portable crib set up for Ellie.

The boys decided to swim in the pool, while Ellie needed a nap. They all scattered, and Maggie went to their bedroom and sat down, feeling mentally and physically exhausted.

She lay down for what seemed like just a second before Liam arrived and rubbed her shoulder, waking her.

“Darling, wake up. Do you fancy a swim with us?”

Maggie opened her eyes and saw Liam sitting next to her on the bed with a towel wrapped around his waist.

“I was just lying down for a minute, babe,” Maggie said, sitting up.

“Darling, you have been sleeping for an hour!”

“You’re joking!”

“No, darling, I’m not.”

She was shocked and quickly got up, grabbing her suit and changing. “I am so sorry!”

“It’s okay, darling! I know you have been nervous. No one will hold it against you!”