Page 48 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Okay, I think I’m in. For everything except me at the mic…or me on a horse.”

“That’s all the parts that include you.”

“Not really, Gracie will be in it.”

“Doesn’t count for you. She’s her own girl.”

“Touché.”

“Come on. We’ll be brilliant.”

“Us on a horse. What do you mean? Like our old show?”

“Yes, of course. We’ll work on it, beef it up.”

“Hmmm. I don’t know, Maverick. All joking aside, I haven’t done anything like this for forever.”

“Perfect. We’ll have to practice.”

She laughed. “Okay, I can practice, but just ’cause it means being on a horse with you. But I’m not singing.”

“Why not?”

“They bring big names to the show. I won’t fit in.”

“You’ll be just right.”

“No. Maverick, I already tried all this. I can’t make it. I choke.”

“Now, that’s just not true. I’ve probably heard you sing more than anybody, and you’ve never choked, not even once.”

She was quiet; the emotion felt thick.

“Except that one time. On the Cheetos.”

“Ha. Very funny, Maverick. I just don’t think I can do it.”

“I’ll let you think about it. The Dawson family is going to be a big sponsor this year, and so we get to pick an opener for one of the bands. I’ll pick you if you’re game.”

“Wow, I don’t know what to say. If I was brave, I’d jump at this, but I shut the door on that dream a long time ago. I gave up.”

“Comin’ home doesn’t have to be giving up. I say coming home was winning and the dream is still possible.”

“Of course, you do.”

“Let’s talk about it at BJs tonight.”

“We going to BJs?”

“If you want to come dancing.”

“Okay, I’m in.”

He grinned. “See you at eight.”

When she hung up, he rested his boots on his desk and leaned back in his chair.

“Things going that well?” Decker leaned his tall frame up against the doorway.

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