Page 78 of Maverick

With a heavy heart, he read her message: He’s gone.

“Shit,” he muttered as he immediately called her back.

“Maverick,” Parker answered with a choked voice.

“I’m so sorry, Parker.”

“I’m going to miss him so much.”

“I know you will, baby. I wish I knew what I could say or do for you.”

“It’s fine. Finding the right words is always difficult.”

“Yes.” He didn’t know what else to say. It pained him to know she was hurting like this.

“We’re having a memorial service for him in two days in the basement of his church. It’s going to be tough, but we want to celebrate his life. We decided to have a memorial even though he was cremated because so many people loved him.”

“That gives everyone a chance to say goodbye.”

“Yes. Oh, I’m sorry. My mom is calling me. I’ll talk to you soon.” She hung up.

“Damn it,” Maverick muttered. He should have been there with her, but she didn’t want him around.

He felt helpless and unsure of what to do. He wanted to comfort her, but he also knew she needed space, and he didn’t want to intrude. But it broke his heart knowing she didn’t want him there with her during this difficult time.

Chapter Eleven

Two days later, Parker stood in the basement of the church with her parents, receiving condolences from friends and family who had come to pay their respects to her grandfather. It was heartwarming to see so many people gathering to honor his memory.

“He would have loved this,” Parker said to her mother with a smile.

“Yes, he would have.”

“Trust me, he’s watching us from above and feeling proud,” her father chimed in.

“Everyone I’ve talked to has said we should raise a glass to him. You should do that, Dad,” Parker suggested with a grin.

“I will, but right now, I’m going to mingle.” Her father excused himself and blended into the crowd.

“Are you okay, Mom?”

“I am. I know your grandfather is happy to be reunited with your grandmother, but I’ll miss them both greatly.”

“I know. I will—” Parker suddenly gasped.

“What is it?”

“Maverick.”

“Do you need to call him?”

“No. I need to talk to him.”

“Parker, you’re not making any sense.”

Parker looked at her mother, tears welling up in her eyes. “He’s here.”

“What? Where?”

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