Page 79 of Maverick

“Parker pointed toward the door. “By the entrance. Tall, dark, and handsome, holding a cowboy hat in his hands.”

“Oh, my goodness. Well, honey, go get your handsome man.”

A huge smile spread across Parker’s face as she nodded and pushed through the crowd toward Maverick who was looking around for her. She approached him quietly until she was standing next to him.

“Looking for someone, cowboy?” she asked with a playful tone.

Maverick turned toward her in surprise and Parker couldn’t help but think how much she needed this man in her life forever. He grinned at her.

“Hey, I know you didn’t want me here—”

“Let’s step out into the hall for a minute.”

“Alright.”

She took his hand and led him out into the hallway. Once they were alone, she turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss, relieved to finally be able to hold him again.

“I’ve missed you so much, Maverick,” she said as she gazed into his eyes.

“I’ve missed you too.”

“I don’t want you to think I didn’t want you here. There’s no place I’d rather have you.”

“But—”

“No. I was wrong. When you asked me about coming with me, I was so consumed by grief that I couldn’t process it and I said something horrible.”

“Parker—”

The words trembled on her lips as she continued, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I remembered saying I didn’t think it was a good idea... about you coming with me.” She paused, her voice thick with emotion. “I was only thinking about what my mother was going through and I didn’t want you to meet my parents when they were going through such a rough time. But, baby, I was so wrong.”

She shook her head, the weight of regret heavy in her heart. “The night before he died, Pops said he wished he could have met you, and I knew then I was so very wrong. You should have been here with me. I did need you with me and I know I hurt you. That is one thing I never want to do to you. Ever.” She could see the tears in his eyes as he stared at her.

“I’m not going to lie,” he finally choked out. “It hurt. I couldn’t figure out why you wouldn’t want me with you when you were going through that pain. I would have wanted you with me. To me, we should always be there for each other. I was afraid that you didn’t care as much as I’d hoped.”

A sob escaped her lips as she reached for his hand. “Oh, Maverick. I do care. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love someone.” She took a deep breath, trying to regain control of her emotions. “I can’t apologize enough. I did need you here and I was just too upset to see it.”

Her heart breaking all over again, she continued, “When Pops said that, about meeting you, it broke my heart because two men I loved so much didn’t get to meet and it was my fault. I will never forgive myself for that.”

Maverick brushed away the tears from her cheeks, his own emotions raw and exposed. “I would have liked to have met him too,” he said softly, “but I don’t want you blaming yourself for it. Your grandfather and I have something in common. We both love you and always will.”

Her eyes searching his, she asked, “How did you ever find me?”

“Shay helped me find where in Oregon your parents lived, and Wes had their pilot fly me here. After I rented a truck, I drove down the street and came to the church,” he explained. “The bulletin board outside said the memorial for Chester Lang was being held in the basement. I parked and came inside.” He shrugged. “I wasn’t going to give up until I found you. I just lucked out driving down the right street.”

“Maybe Pops had a hand in that,” she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

“I’d like to believe that.” He tugged her close and kissed her head.

Parker’s face lit up with a smile as she looked at him. “How about I introduce you to my parents?”

“I’d love to meet them, if you’re sure.”

She squeezed his hand. “I’m absolutely positive.”

Parker guided him inside and through the crowded room. She couldn’t ignore the lingering gazes of other women on Maverick, but she didn’t blame them. He was undeniably handsome. They arrived at her parents’ side, and Parker beamed at them.

“Mom, Dad, this is Maverick Whitacre. Maverick, these are my parents, Gina and Clark Gordon.”

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