Page 58 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Well, I’ve got the cookies cooking, but then I got to thinking she might want some soup. It’s chilly out there. And then I knew she’d want a grilled cheese sandwich, because what child doesn’t want that with their soup?”

He moved toward her, arms out. “You’re the best grandma in the world, just like you’ve always been the best mama.”

She accepted his hug, squeezing him back with a fierceness he had come to appreciate. “Now, I’ve got to hurry. Unless you want to help, step over there so I can get my work done.”

He laughed. “I’d be happy to help.”

Then a little girl’s voice shouted through the house, “Grandma! Grandma!”

They both laughed.

Gracie came running into the kitchen. “It smells so good in here!” She looked around until she found the plate of cookies. “Ooohhh.”

“Would you like one?”

“Yes!”

Then Bailey entered the room, and Maverick’s world felt whole again. He pulled her into his arms. “Mama and I were just talking about what a good girl Gracie Faith is.” They watched her savor the hot, melty chocolate chip cookie.

Bailey smiled, and the pride was evident in her eyes. “You are a good girl, aren’t you, Gracie?”

She nodded. “Mm-hmm.” She stepped up to Mama Dawson and placed her hand inside the welcoming reach of her grandmother.

“Would you like to come see the flowers I planted?”

“Yes!” She squealed, and the two headed out back.

Maverick leaned back against the kitchen counter and pulled Bailey to him. “This is what I’ve been missing since I last saw you.”

She leaned into him and wrapped her arms around his middle. “Me too.” She lifted her chin, and he immediately captured her lips with his own. Hungry for more of her, he kissed away as much of that hunger as he could, but her eager response only made him want her more.

Lingering as long as he dared with his mother and Gracie right around the corner, he kissed her once more and then tugged her hand. “Let’s get you on a horse.”

“I can’t believe we’re going to do this again.”

“You can’t mess with genius. The crowd’s gonna love it.”

“I’m gonna love it. I think. If I don’t fall off.”

He pulled her close and wrapped an arm across her shoulder. “I’ll catch you. You’ve got me, Bailey.”

As her smaller arm hugged him around the waist, he knew it was true.

Chapter 17

After Bailey and Maverick rode for a solid hour to much clapping and cheering from Gracie and Mama, he hopped off his horse and ran to her daughter. “And now, Gracie Faith. Are you ready to work with your little piggy?”

“Yes!” she shouted, jumping up and down.

Bailey loved them together. “I’ll take care of the horses in just a minute. I want to ride a little longer.”

Maverick’s eyes met hers. A thrill rushed through her at their intensity. “You know I love you best up there. And singing…and with Gracie Faith.”

She laughed. “Anywhere else?”

He shrugged. “Probably.”

Then he hopped over the fence before he reached for Gracie. The two of them headed for the barn. Bailey rode over by Mama Dawson. “Thank you for being her grandma. She really loves you.”

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