Page 46 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Oh, I bet that baby is gonna love you.”

She giggled.

“When you come back, I’ll have warm food and some goodies to take home.”

“Thanks!”

Maverick held open the door. “We ready?”

Gracie ran out into the front yard. And Bailey’s heart felt a little lighter. Maverick stopped her as she passed by. “And good morning to you.”

She looked up into his face, drawn in as always. His lips hovered close to hers for a moment.

“You look delicious in the morning.” His deep voice rumbled through her, his sexy morning scruff making him look almost irresistible. She lifted her chin, and when their lips met, everything felt right again. It was quick, and when he backed away, only a portion of her anxiety returned. Then he winked, and they followed Gracie out toward the barn. His fingers linked with hers, and they swung their arms as they walked.

“So, yesterday was a long day.” Maverick grinned and squeezed her hand. “Without you in it.”

“I know. I kept looking at my watch, wondering if it was today yet.” She laughed. “But I did get a lot of prep work done for my first day at work.”

“Those kids are gonna love you.”

“I hope so. ’Cause I’m gonna make them work.” She couldn’t wait to get going next week.

“That’s what I like to hear. Work is the Dawson way.”

“Your parents sure raised some amazing sons.”

He looked out over the rolling hills all around them. “They really did. Even as adults, we all know it means something to be a Dawson. We all know what’s expected.”

“You gentlemen are a dying breed.”

He stood taller. “Mama raised us right.”

Bailey laughed. “She certainly did.”

They walked through the barn doors, and Gracie was already kneeling down in front of Lulu watching the babies eat. She held her finger to her lips. “I know it looks like they’re eating her, but they’re just getting their milk.”

“That’s incredible.” Bailey shook her head. This whole scene was surreal and brought her back to the day she’d met her first piglet.

Maverick leaned back against the wall next to the stall. “Now, are you gonna tell me what’s bothering you?”

“What?” She stood in front of him. “You still think you can read me?”

He looked away. “Well, obviously not well enough.”

She reached for his arm and waited until he looked into her eyes again. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugged. “Are you going to tell me?”

She glanced at Gracie, who was still mesmerized by the piglets. “The quick version is…” She took a deep breath. “Daniel, the man who…” She waved at Gracie.

“Yes, I understand.”

“He has reached out to me a few times this week. Said he wants to be a part of her life.”

He took a step back. “Oh.”

“Yeah.”

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