Page 40 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Right now, they’re all living inside her. But they’re too big for that little space, and they’re gonna come out and live outside now.”

“How long’s this gonna take?”

“I don’t know. Sometimes it takes all night long.”

“So can I come back tomorrow and take a look?”

“That’s a great idea. I see you’re practical like your mama. Then we can go in and get me some of that pie.”

She hopped off his lap. “Can I really have one of the babies?”

“You sure can. As soon as they’re old enough, we’ll work together to get it ready to show.”

She grabbed one of each of their hands and skipped between them back toward the house.

They made their way back, both their mamas looking out at them from the kitchen window. Maverick knew they painted a pretty picture. He knew they were filling everyone inside that house with all kinds of hope. And he loved them all for it. But he sure hoped nobody’s heart was gonna be broken through all this.

They ate dessert, played games, and laughed more than they had in a long time. Then at last, they walked the Hempsteads out to their car.

“Thank you for a real nice time.” Mama Hempstead kissed Maverick’s cheek, hugged his mama, and climbed up into the car while her husband held the door.

Mama’s eyes crinkled with a happiness you only earned by living like she did. “I’m so happy Sunday dinners are back. You join us as often as you can, now.”

“We will, Mama Dawson.” Bailey stepped over and wrapped her arms around the woman she loved like her own mama.

“Oh, it feels good to hear you calling me that again. Welcome back, honey.”

“Thank you.”

Then Maverick opened the door for Gracie to climb in.

“Get buckled, little lady.”

Her small voice made him smile. “Okay.”

Bailey stepped closer, his arm still on the door. She stood on her toes and kissed him on the mouth right in front of everyone. He was too shocked to respond. She stepped away quickly, her face uncertain, so he reached an arm around her and pulled her back. “Well, if we’re gonna go announcing things to the loved ones, we best be doing it right.”

Then he kissed her again, with emphasis.

The guys called out from the front door, and his mama clapped.

They laughed, and then Bailey climbed into her car.

He closed the door, wishing she was staying with him instead of heading back to her place, even if it was just over the ridge.

His mama came to stand by him as they drove away. “You okay?”

“I’m about as okay as a horse who doesn’t know what’s good for him.”

“She’s a good soul.”

“I know that.”

“Perhaps a bit skittish.”

“That’s one of the things I’m worried about.”

She nodded. “But she knows where home is.”

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