Page 3 of Relentless

She knew why Maeve had set the strict boundaries for the household. The sweeping ranch house was large enough for the entire family, but living under the same roof as her boyfriend required a tremendous amount of restraint. Maeve was always reminding her during their early morning coffee talks that her newfound faith and platform of influence meant a commitment to authenticity, even if it killed her — which sometimes felt like a real possibility.

“Well, I suppose that’s the thing about it,” Crew hesitated, lifting her chin and catching Oakleigh’s gaze in his sky-blue eyes. “Maeve says it wouldn’t be a good example to be on the road with my girlfriend.” He searched the tight pocket of his jeans and pulled out a platinum ring with a large diamond that shimmered in the porchlight. “But I’d like you to join me on the road as mywife.”

Oakleigh released a shaky exhale, clearing her throat to keep an excited squeal from escaping. She calmed her racing heart as she placed her feet firmly on the ground, bringing the porch swing to an abrupt halt.

“Um, Crew,” Oakleigh responded. “I have a couple questions.”

“Is that a yes?” Crew asked, running his sweaty palms over his pant legs.

“First of all,” she began, steadying her voice as her eyebrows narrowed. “You’re just letting that gorgeous ring fly free in your pocket?”

Crew ran his hand over the back of his neck as he stumbled to explain himself. “Well, I had a box, but then my jeans were too tight —”

Stopping him midsentence, Oakleigh swept away his flimsy excuses with a wave of her hand. “Second.” she paused. “You’re just going to pass it on over and expect me to say yes?”

Crew’s voice dropped to a whisper as he quickly understood what Oakleigh was driving home. “I suppose I should have gotten down on one knee.”

“And then what? Overshadow Maeve’s day?” She wondered then how many times he had hit his head that season. “You just return that absolutely stunning little ring where you got it from and try again, cowboy.”

He leaned back on the porch swing, fumbling the smooth band between his fingers as he collected his words. “Like right now?”

Oakleigh pressed out a long exhale, gazing out across the dark pasture. “I love you,” she said, wrapping her arm around his. “But we’re just going to pretend this whole thing never happened.”

“You gonna tell Maeve about this?” Crew asked.

She gave his bicep a reassuring squeeze. They both knew she was absolutely going to tell Maeve all about it, but just not that day.

Chapter 2

Haven

Maeve enjoyed being surrounded by her dear family and friends that evening, yet had a brief moment of doubt the wedding reception would ever come to an end. Nearly all had a toast to make, each full of well wishes that warmed her heart and brought a smile to her face.

Even Sadie, their loyal customer of the coffee shop, had kind words to offer. They were punctuated by a loud bark from her enormous chocolate labrador, Bosco.

“Bosco!” she shouted.

“He was on the guest list,” Maeve shrugged. “Might as well give him a chance to give a toast, too.”

Another loud bark echoed from the kitchen, causing everyone to chuckle.

“Dozer agrees,” Dallas beamed.

“All right, now that everyone’s had a chance to speak — including the dogs,” Oakleigh quipped, taking her place at the microphone. Charming an audience was second nature to the young woman gifted with a magnetic personality. “Onemore toast, and then we’ll let these two escape for the night.” Winking at Maeve, she propped her phone on the table and tapped record.

Maeve didn’t even have the energy to raise an eyebrow. She simply offered a smile, her eyes glowing with gratitude as she took a sip of coffee from her mug.

“Nearly all of us have a Maeve story,” she began. “Whether she’s put a roof over your head or invited you to her table for a warm meal. Most likely, she’s brewed the best cup of coffee you’ve ever had in your life.”

A low chuckle was heard across the living room.

“For me,” Oakleigh’s eyes misted over, “it was all of those things and more.”

Maeve felt tears gather in the corners of her eyes as Oakleigh spoke. Right when she needed it most, Dallas took her hand and rubbed her palm gently with his thumb.

“Maeve has been like a mother when I needed guidance,” Oakleigh said, “a sister when I needed encouragement, and most importantly — a best friend.” She inhaled deeply. “Thank you for showing me what it means to be a part of a family.”

“Now to Dallas.” Oakleigh quipped, giving him a broad smile. “You were the missing piece to Maeve, and you completed our mismatched puzzle here at Callaway Ranch,” she said, raising her glass high. “I cannot wait to put you to work around here, sir.” She offered him an obnoxiousgrin, “I hate to break it to you, but you’ll have to start where we all did —mucking stalls.”

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