Page 58 of Maverick

“No. I’m too much of a chickenshit.”

Lance laughed. “I know that feeling.”

Later that night, after watching a movie together, Maverick noticed Parker trying to stifle a yawn.

“Are you ready for bed?”

“I think so. I’m exhausted.”

“We did stay up late last night,” he reminded her, earning an elbow in the side that made his parents laugh.

“I think I’ll take a hot bath and get some sleep,” Parker announced as she stood up.

“We’ll see you in the morning. Get some rest,” Maureen said.

“Okay. Goodnight.” Parker made her way upstairs.

“I’ll be up in a bit,” Maverick called out after her.

Parker nodded and disappeared up the stairs. Maverick couldn’t take his eyes off her until she was gone from view. He turned to his smiling parents and shrugged.

An hour later, Maverick went upstairs and quietly entered the bedroom. He saw that Parker was already asleep. He undressed and slipped into bed beside her, pulling her close. She sighed contently as she wrapped her arms around him, making him smile. Yeah, he loved her. He loved her deeply and it didn’t frighten him in the slightest.

****

Parker observed as Maverick passed his mother her birthday present. With excitement, she reached into the bag and pulled out a paperweight, gasping in delight at the blue and green swan.

“Oh, my goodness, it’s stunning! Thank you so much.”

“It was no problem, Mom.” Maverick planted a kiss on her cheek.

“Happy birthday, Maureen,” Parker chimed in, offering her another bag.

“Parker, you didn’t have to get me anything,” Maureen protested with a smile.

“I know, but I wanted to. I hope you like it.”

Maureen eagerly opened the second bag and revealed another paperweight, this one was round with streaks of red, green, and white swirling through it.

“It’s beautiful. Thank you!”

“It’s handblown glass from the shop where I work,” Parker explained.

“I can’t thank you enough, Parker.”

“You’re very welcome. It’s actually a piece by Lou Rogers. Have you heard of him?”

“Oh yes, he’s amazing.”

“The swan is also his creation, Mom,” Maverick added.

“I am grateful to both of you,” Maureen said warmly. “I’ll add these to my curio cabinet.”

“Mo, honey, If you keep getting gifts like this, we may need to buy you another cabinet,” Lance joked with a grin.

“I wouldn’t mind that at all,” Maureen laughed.

The weekend had passed by in a blur, and now Parker and Maverick were back to their routine in Clifton. However, since she had not been able to work on Monday, Parker had to make up for the lost day and would not be able to stay over at Maverick’s place on Tuesday night. She didn’t want to leave Shay alone another day.

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