Page 19 of Coming Home to Maverick

“It’s harder than it looks. But she’s a rock star. And the youngest one out there.”

Her sheep tore out across to the far end of the arena. It kicked up its back legs, and Bailey thought for sure Gracie would be thrown, but she clung on.

“Yes!” Maverick cheered under his breath.

The clock counted, four, five, six…

The sheep tore back toward them, racing faster and faster.

Seven, eight… The crowd erupted in cheers. Nine. Ten.

Her sheep stopped abruptly, and Gracie toppled to the ground. The clowns ran forward and dusted her off. Over the loudspeaker, they all heard, “Gracie Hempstead, from right here in Willow Creek, is the winner and this year’s new record holder with an amazing score of ten seconds. Congratulations, Gracie Hempstead!”

They led her back, and as she walked out of the arena, she turned and waved to Grandma Dawson. Then she picked up her feet and came tearing through the gate and up into Bailey’s arms. “I did it! I did it!”

“You sure did, honey. I’m so proud of you.”

“I am too.” Maverick rested a hand on her back. “Did you hear? You’re a county champ now.”

“I am?”

“You sure are. You get to stand on the podium next to Uncle Dylan and receive your trophy.”

Her eyes widened. “Wow.”

They laughed. And Bailey said, “Thank you. She’ll never forget this.”

“Oh, there’s more to come. She’s a natural. We’re gonna get her riding horses. Maybe she can be a barrel racer like her mom.” He paused. “Anyway, it was special to get to help her like that. Thanks.” He nodded his head and turned away.

She knew he was busy—he had another event to announce—but she also knew he was running away because things had gotten too personal. And she couldn’t blame him. She was a mess, and he deserved better.

Chapter 7

Maverick was a mess. He was finally ready to admit it. Every new event he announced, he kept looking at his girl in the stands just like he used to. Only she wasn’t his girl. What even were they? She hadn’t explained why she left, and he didn’t know how long she was staying.

Why did he ask her out? To torture himself. If his brothers could hear his thoughts, they’d send him away on a horse to figure himself out. He laughed. That’s what his dad used to do to them. Any time they were not acting like themselves, they were sent off on a horse to figure it out. Looking back, he saw the wisdom in that. He wondered if he’d ever be half the man his father was.

He wondered if he’d ever get to be a father. For many years, he’d almost given up on the idea. But now…

He shook his head.

Nash and Decker and Dylan approached. Nash had just wasted the world record for bronc riding, and Decker had thoroughly entertained everyone on the back of a bull.

“You’re going in tonight,” Decker said.

Maverick bristled. He’d already been thinking about it, and he’d promised Gracie. So why was Decker coming at him like this? “Oh yeah?”

Nash faced him on Decker’s other side. “Yeah. It’s time you got off your duff and took the reins on the sort of life you actually want.”

Fire bubbled up from out of nowhere. “Because it’s so easy to just selfishly do whatever I want.”

“You saying I’m selfish?” Nash bristled.

“I’m not saying anything. If you went there, you should take a look in the mirror.”

Decker stepped closer. “Hey, now. Whoa. This was meant to be funny. We have an idea to get Bailey out there, too.”

Maverick listened—the idea had merit. He nodded. “We’ll do it next time. Tonight’s not the night for that kind of stuff.”

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