Page 60 of Last Resort

Sheila gave a little laugh. “Honey, have you met Chance? Nobody forces him to do anything he doesn’t want to do.”

She relaxed and let out a little laugh herself. “Yeah. That’s pretty true.”

“We already considered you part of this family. You and that baby are Pattersons, and we’ll have your back no matter what. Even if it doesn’t work out between you and Chance.”

“That means a lot to me.”

They fell into a comfortable silence as Maci sipped her tea and they listened to Walker and Clinton play. She thought of Chance’s interaction with his nephew.

“Chance will be such a good dad,” Maci whispered.

“You’ll both be great parents.”

“I’m not so sure about me.”

“I am.” Sheila reached over and patted her hand. “Parenthood is more about instincts than anything else. I’ve seen you with Walker and you’re great with him. I’m not worried one bit.”

Sheila thought she knew Maci, but she really didn’t. Maci frowned into her cup until a hand on her shoulder lifted her gaze again.

“I know my son. He’s been enamored with you since the day you met. All the fighting? Everybody knew that was you and Chance’s way of flirting with each other. Like kids on a playground.”

Maci gave a half smile. “Yeah, we definitely have a tug-on-the-pigtails vibe.”

“There for a bit a few months ago, Chance was happier. Smiling more and laughing. Then it was gone.”

Because Maci had come to her senses and left him sleeping in his own bed. She didn’t want to explain any of this to Sheila.

When Maci didn’t say anything, Sheila eventually nodded and leaned back. “Regardless of what happened, I think you two can make it work.”

“I don’t,” Maci blurted. She was not in line to be the next Mrs. Patterson. Chance needed someone better. “I wish we could, but regardless of everything that’s happened, there’s a lot he doesn’t know about me. I’m not who he needs.”

“I’m not so sure that’s your choice, but if there are things he needs to know, tell him.”

“You say it like it’s easy.”

“I don’t mean to,” Sheila admitted. “Baring your soul to someone you care about is the hardest thing you can do, but I will say that it’s usually worth the pain. My son isn’t a weak man. He’s not going to run at the first sign of trouble with you. He hasn’t yet, has he?”

No, he hadn’t. Chance had been right there at Maci’s side every day. He’d given her space when she needed it, yet still pushed her to talk to him whenever he could. He wanted answers, but he hadn’t been cruel or malicious.

He’d been gentle. Not a word anyone would normally associate with Chance.

As if she heard Maci’s thoughts running wild, Sheila grabbed her hand and smiled. “Chance is a born caretaker. It’s how he shows his love. Trust him to take care of you and the baby. He’s always going to do right by his family, and you can be the heart of that if you just tell him what you need and what scares you most.”

Maci bit her lip, processing the words.

“Trust that what’s in his heart for you is enough to keep him at your side,” Sheila continued. “It may not be easy to fight your natural skepticism, but the battle will be worth it. I promise.”

Maci had nothing to say to that, but Sheila didn’t seem to need her words. This woman seemed to understand more about Maci than her own mother ever had.

Emotion urged Maci forward and she drew Sheila into a hug. “Thank you.”

“There’s nothing to thank me for.” She ran a hand down Maci’s hair, and for a moment, she knew exactly what a mother’s love felt like. It was beautiful.

“Now, give me your cup and go take a nap,” Sheila said with a playful smile and nudge toward the stairs. “Growing my grandbaby is hard—but very important—work.”

Feeling lighter than she had in ages, Maci went upstairs to rest.

Chapter Nineteen

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