Page 36 of Coming Home to Maverick

When he finished, Bailey wiped her eyes. She loved this man.

“And now.” Mrs. Dawson smiled. “Let’s eat.”

“Let’s eat,” they all chorused.

In the quiet while everyone took their first bite, little Gracie Faith said, “I like these people, Mama.”

The whole room burst into laughter.

“We like you too, Gracie.” Maverick held out his fist, and Gracie fist-bumped him.

Bailey exchanged looks with her parents. Their love for little Gracie was so evident, Bailey knew she’d done the right thing. Things were working out better than she’d hoped. Everyone was together, they’d forgiven her, and they were happy. With so many good men in her life, did Gracie really need someone like Daniel?

Long after dinner was cleaned up and Gracie had dozed off on the couch with her grandpa, Maverick and Bailey sat together on their favorite porch swing. Both of their houses had the same swing sitting on the back porch, filled with pillows. Maverick had brought a blanket outside for them to share, and they swung together gently, watching the stars come out one by one.

“That was awesome.” Bailey shook her head. How could she have left something so incredible?

“What? Having everyone together like that?”

“Yeah. And for Gracie Faith to have that…” She couldn’t speak for the emotion that welled up in her throat. “Oh my word, Maverick, in all the time you’ve known me, have I ever teared up as much as you’ve seen in the last week?”

He shook his head. “Nope. But I don’t know what kind of woman you’d be if you weren’t getting emotional at all the beautiful things going on. Did you see Gracie playing with my brothers?”

“I did.” She watched him for a moment. “But the best thing I saw today was you and Gracie sitting together by the fireplace, reading books.”

He chuckled. “That little girl loves her books.”

“She does. It was our time together. When I had two jobs and auditions and all the other stuff that kept me from spending time with her, reading books was our time. And I’d read as long as she wanted, most of the time she’d have to nudge me awake to turn the page, but I sat there and loved every second until she fell asleep.” She shook her head. “It made my heart happy, seeing you two reading together.”

“You’re a real good mama, Bailey, just like I knew you’d be.” His fingers brushed along her shoulder, absently running circles over her skin. The motion sent a rush of tingles through her.

She wished it were true, that she was a real good mama. “I think I’ll get there. We’re doing much better since I came home.”

“And that’s what it’s all about, right? Getting better, doing better. Gracie is one amazing kid, and that’s all because of you.” He started kneading out the knots in her neck.

“Oh, that’s heaven.”

“Did you forget my talent?”

“No way. I longed for this.”

He worked on her neck, and Bailey thought she might pass out from the awesome sensation that ran through her. “When I look in her eyes, I see you. In her voice, I hear you. She’s so beautiful. She’s her own person and so much of you all at the same time. It’s awesome to see.”

His warm thoughts washed over her. Her body came alive with desire, craving his hands on her. She searched his face and suddenly felt a little bold and a touch brazen.

She leaned into him. “Hey, wanna go see if the moon is out back behind the barn?”

His gaze flitted to hers. He paused, eyeing her. “Yeah, I sure do.” He reached for her hand. “Do you?”

She laced her fingers in his. “I wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t.”

He stood and then knelt down. “Here, climb up on my back.”

“You sure?”

“Absolutely. I’m in no mood for you to go changing your mind. Let’s hurry.”

She laughed and climbed up on his back. As soon as she was situated, he took off running, tossing the blanket over his shoulder for her to carry. She wrapped her hands around his neck and clung to him. Could it be possible for them to have a healthy relationship? Oh, she hoped so. It wouldn’t be what they had before. But maybe something more. Something better.

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