Page 57 of Coming Home to Maverick

He shook his head. “Decker and I don’t know what to do about our financial situation.”

“Tell me.”

He hated to burden her, but he knew she was his father’s closest business partner as well as his wife. So he told her how they were losing money, more every year, how the Dawson cows weren’t getting picked up for premium prices as much anymore, and how they lost money on their hay crops.

“Have you considered leasing more of the land?”

“Or selling it.”

The pain that crossed her face was brief, but it was enough for him to clench his fists.

“We should bring up the solutions to everyone and see if they can think of anything else.” She stood. “I’m sorry you bear so much on your own.”

He shrugged. “Despite what I was acting like the other day, I really can handle it. I just don’t always like my solutions.”

She nodded. “You know, the best thing for our Dawson Ranch was when you were out riding and winning championships. That’s what brought our name to the national stage.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Really?”

“Absolutely. You boys doing really well on the circuit did a lot to help sell cows.”

He toyed with his pencil. “Do you think Nash can pull off a win?”

“I can’t be sure, but certainly nothing like you could do. I know Decker will likely win again, though, and that will help.”

“And our sponsorship of the state fair. Our show. That will help.”

“I think so.” She turned to walk through the door. “Bring it up to everyone in a nice voice, and we’ll see if we can come up with a plan.”

His mouth lifted at the corner. “A nice voice. Have I been that terrible to live with?”

“I think you’re just finally noticing that you put yourself on hold all this time.”

“Probably.”

Her eyes looked tired, but her face was full of years of happiness.

“You doing okay, Mama?”

“I’m just fine. What mother wouldn’t be with a family of men like I’ve raised?”

He nodded, and she left him to ponder his thoughts, which were now much more hopeful. Even if they had to make changes, or sell some land, he felt like everything was gonna work out.

He worked through all the other, less challenging decisions and then checked his watch. Bailey and Gracie would be coming soon.

He walked back through the house toward the kitchen. His mama’s signature chocolate chip cookies were obviously in the oven. “Mmm. Mama, what’s the occasion?”

“My granddaughter is coming over, that’s what.” She smiled, and he warmed at the thought.

“She’s such a good little girl. Bailey has done a great job so far.”

“She really has. But you know, Gracie Faith acts just like her. I remember when our Bailey was little.”

Maverick nodded. “I don’t remember her that little. But that just goes to show parenting is all about example.”

“And love and trust.” His mama moved around the kitchen. “Even though you don’t see it, you’re just like your father.”

He warmed in happy disbelief. His good mama could praise him all day, and even if he didn’t believe her, she still made him feel better. “What are you doing in here?”

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