Page 13 of Coming Home to Maverick

Her mom handed him a slice of the blueberry.

And Dylan got the strawberry. “I think she saved the best one for me.”

“Nah, we all know Maverick gets that one.” Nash glanced quickly at Bailey and then back at her mom.

Bailey checked her watch. “I think it’s time for the bird show.”

Decker nodded. “And we’ve got to get in costume.”

“We’ll come see you.” Bailey waved to them as the twins ran off.

Nash pointed at Gracie. “I’ll be looking for you, little lady.”

She grinned and stuck the straw to her lemonade back in her mouth.

As soon as they’d all left, Gracie said, “Who were all those tall guys?”

“I told you. They’re Maverick’s brothers. My friends.” Her heart ached when she said it. They were really like brothers to her. They would have been her brothers. But now they were friends, and that would have to be good enough.

She knew that coming home was going to be full of the bittersweet, just like a bar of rich, dark chocolate. Hopefully it stayed decadent, and she could work through the moments that tore at her heart.

Chapter 5

Maverick stood as far back as he could, watching the cozy picture in front of him. Bailey was walking through the fairgrounds with her beautiful girl skipping at her side. They were laughing. Gracie would point to things, and then Bailey would excitedly say something. He’d seen the pair surrounded by his brothers, and for a moment, everything in the world seemed right. At last, Bailey was home.

But then the reality of their situation left him in screeching pain. She’d left. She didn’t want him in her life—she didn’t want to live in this town.

Then why was she back? He tried to hang on to the old familiar bitterness so he didn’t run over to her and drool all over the scene like an excited puppy. But he couldn’t help the nostalgia that crept into his heart. If he and Bailey had married, that could have beentheirlittle girl. That could have beenhislife. As he watched them, he couldn’t help but wonder what was keeping him from scooping up all that happiness for himself. Why not let go and try again?

He could think of a few reasons that kept him back where he was, watching instead of standing at their side. But then Gracie tugged on her mom’s hand and dragged her over to the mechanical bull. That clinched it.

Maverick jogged over. Gracie wanted to ride, but Bailey was shaking her head. The man at the front of the line got on, and the bull started rocking back and forth.

Gracie jumped up and down, clapping.

Then the bull picked up the pace, and the man fell to the ground.

Gracie frowned and paused. And Maverick couldn’t let that be. No daughter of Bailey’s was gonna be afraid to get up on a mechanical bull. Maverick flexed his fingers and rotated his shoulders, then he crouched down beside her. “You know, Gracie, your mom can stay on one of these longer than anyone I know.”

“Used to.” Bailey shook her head. “And the final Dawson brother has arrived.”

“You already saw my brothers?”

“Yep, you missed boysenberry pie.”

“Oh no, ma’am. I never miss boysenberry pie. Your mama is good enough to save me a piece. Every time.” He couldn’t tell if she was pleased or irritated to learn he was on close terms with her parents.

“Excuse me, Uncle Maverick?”

“Yes, sweet pea.” He loved her small voice. And “Uncle Maverick” was a definite improvement.

“Can my mama really ride the bull?”

“She’s so good at it. One of the best.”

“Oh, Mama. I wanna see!”

Bailey eyed him for long enough that Maverick almost lost hope, and then with one last look at her daughter, she nodded. “I will, but only if Maverick does it too.”

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