Page 72 of Maverick

Chapter Ten

Parker turned the knob and pushed the door open with a soft creak. The dim light from the TV illuminated her grandfather’s room, casting shadows on the walls. She saw him lying on the bed, his eyes fixed on the screen. When he heard her enter, a big smile lit up his face.

She had to steady herself as she looked at him. He appeared so frail, not the strong and imposing figure she remembered from her childhood.

“Hi, Pops,” she said softly as she approached his bedside and took a seat in the chair next to him.

“Hey, Cupcake. What brings you here?” he asked with a hint of concern in his voice.

“I came to see you. Why else?”

“You shouldn’t have. I’m fine,” he replied nonchalantly.

But Parker could see through his facade and felt tears begin to prick at her eyes. She reached out and gently touched his hand.

“No, you’re not,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

“Okay, that’s true, but you still didn’t have to come all this way.”

“I’m not arguing with you. Besides, didn’t you tell me a long time ago that you never argue with a woman because you’ll lose?” She managed a small smile as he chuckled.

“I did. So how long are you staying?”

“For a while.” Her gaze flickered away from him for a moment.

“Honey, you don’t need to be here to watch me die.”

Parker swallowed back a lump in her throat. “Could we please change the subject?”

“Sure thing. Tell me about Clifton.”

“I’ve told you before, it’s a great town.”

“Do you still enjoy your job?”

“I do. Shay is an amazing boss and I love working at the shop.”

“Is there anyone special in your life? You deserve a good man, Cupcake.”

Parker couldn’t help but grin at her grandfather’s concern. “I found one. His name is Maverick Whitacre and he’s one of the foremen at a large cattle ranch.”

“I can tell you’re smitten with him. As long as he treats you right, I’m happy for you.”

“He does, Pops. I... I love him. I never thought I could be this happy.”

Her grandfather squeezed her hand. “I didn’t think you were ever really happy with Brad. I know you loved Ronnie so much, and you’ll always miss him, but something was missing between you and Brad that even having a child couldn’t change.”

“I wasn’t truly happy in my marriage. I told Brad I wanted a divorce the night before the accident. I felt so guilty. The only good thing that came from it was Ronnie.” Parker shook her head. “I don’t like speaking ill of Brad, but you’re right, something was missing. And I never realized it until I fell in love with Maverick.”

“Does he feel the same way?”

“Yes,” she said with a smile.

“So why are you here with me instead of him?”

“I want to be here with you.”

“And he’s okay with that?”

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