Page 100 of Steadfast

Maeve and Sawyer exchanged knowing looks about what a hassle it would be to deal with Sam that afternoon.

“That little rascal is an escape artist.” Sawyer gave a quick shake of his head as he gulped down one last long drink from his mug. “It’s good to have you back, Mom.”

“It’s good to be back,” she nodded, chewing on her lip as she considered the truth in her statement.

Oakleigh whipped around the corner with an air of exasperation. “Sawyer, I said we need you outside.” She stopped in her tracks as she noticed Maeve there in the kitchen.

“On that note, I’m going to go help Colton and Wade,” Sawyer said, dismissing himself from the conversation.

Oakleigh wiped her sweaty, dust covered palms on her jeans and went to the stove to pour herself a cup of coffee. She yanked open the fridge, which was once again fully stocked, and pulled out the carton of cream.

“I supposed we should start buying in bulk, just in case,” Maeve mused.

“Don’t say it,” Oakleigh replied. “I never want to see another drop of rain as long as I live.” They both knew it was a futile hope as the next big storm was due in just a few days. She went around the counter and sat beside Maeve at the kitchen island.

“You really stepped it up around here Oakleigh,” Maeve got straight to the point as she gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I’m really proud of you.”

Oakleigh’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Did Sawyer say something?”

Maeve couldn’t hide her amused smile no matter how hard she tried, entirely giving away the secret she had promised her son she would keep.

“I knew it!” Oakleigh exclaimed. “I’m finally part of the team.”

“You’re a valued member of the family, Oakleigh.” Maeve corrected her with a warm glance. She couldn’t help but savor the beaming look of pride that passed over Oakleigh’s expression.

Later that afternoon, Maeve assisted as much as she could in unloading Lil’ Slim from the trailer and into the pasture. Despite the constant nagging from Sawyer, Oakleigh, and Crew, it felt good to be back at work.

“It seems you’ve all forgotten who’s the boss around here.” Maeve put her hands on her hips, wincing a little from the lingering bruises on her knuckles.

She gave Lil’ Slim a soft pat, cradling his furry face in her hands. It was a relief to have the little brown and white bull back home, safe and sound.

“You’ve caused a whole lot of grief. You know that, little guy?” she said, scruffling his fluffy ears.

Sawyer shook his head. “If you keep treating that bull like a puppy, he’ll never be a champion like Big Slim.”

“I treated Big Slim like this too. You just don’t remember,” Maeve said with a carefree smile. “You’ll see. He’ll be decimating cowboys in no time, just like his daddy.”

Her pep talk with the little bull was cut short by the sound of tires crunching on the dirt road.

Maeve’s eyes brightened as Dallas’ red pickup truck pulled up to the ranch house.

Dallas practically leaped from his truck, and a big smile swept across his face when his eyes connected with Maeve. He went to the passenger side and gingerly lifted something just outside of her line of sight.

Maeve gasped.

There in Dallas’s arms, squirming wildly to get free, was a golden retriever puppy. He held on tightly, letting go only when Maeve stepped in to swoop the round little rolly polly puppy into her arms.

“I wasn’t sure if I should have,” Dallas’s smile pushed up the corners of his brown beard, and his hazel eyes glimmered.

“You absolutely should have,” Maeve grinned. It felt good to be happy.

They sat together on the porch steps. The puppy snuck a lick to Maeve’s chin, causing her to release him. He boundedacross the porch, pausing only when he approached the edge, not daring to take a leap.

“It’s good to see you smile again,” Dallas commented, his eyes noticeably full of emotion as they crinkled in the corners.

“Dal—” Maeve exhaled as she stared down at her boots beside his.

Dallas gave her a look that made her heart skip a beat and caused the words to evaporate off her lips.

---