Page 88 of Maverick

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded. “Yes.”

Maverick kissed her lips, and slid the ring onto her finger, then kissed her knuckles. Parker held her hand out in front of her and stared at the ring.

“If you don’t like it—”

“I love it. Almost as much as I love you.” She leaned forward and kissed his lips again.

“I’m glad you do.” He pulled her across his lap and pressed his lips to hers. Kissing her with all the love he felt for her.

Epilogue

As Parker stood at the edge of the pool with a towel wrapped around her, she smiled as Maverick swam under the water, barely making waves. When he came up, he shook his head to get the water out of his hair, then glanced around. He grinned when he saw her.

“Are you coming in?”

“Yes,” she said and dropped the towel to reveal her naked body.

“Son of a bitch,” he said, making her laugh.

“I figured I’d get brave and skinny dip with you.” She walked down the steps then swam toward him.

When she reached him, he kissed her lips then her forehead.

“You are the bravest and strongest woman I know. I even told your dad that.”

“You did?”

“Yes, when we were in the kitchen together. You have been through so much in your life and you keep going. I’m so proud of you for being that way.”

Parker blinked back tears. “Thank you. Just don’t you ever leave me, Maverick Whitacre. Do you hear me? Because you will piss me off if you do.”

“Well, since I know that temper of yours, I’ll make sure to stay by your side for the rest of my life.”

She laughed. “Deal. Are you ready for our parents to meet?”

“I am. Are you?”

“Yes, I think they’ll love each other. They’re all so wonderful.”

“Yeah, they are.” He gazed into her eyes. “When do you want to get married?”

“Next August.”

“Whenever you say.”

“You’re so easy.”

“Only with you, sweetheart. Only with you.”

They spent the rest of the day swimming, and lounging by the pool, until the sun began to set, then they entered the house.

Maverick took her hand, led her to the bathroom, where he turned the shower on.

“We should wash the chlorine out of our hair,” he said as he stepped into the stall and held her hand while she did the same.

They both ducked their heads under the spray and wet their hair, then he squirted shampoo into his hand and washed her hair. She smiled at him.

“I love you,” she said.

---