Page 72 of Coming Home to Maverick

“Isn’t it yummy!”

Maverick sat in the camping chair next to Bailey and watched their cozy group with great satisfaction. The twins were deep in conversation about something. Nash was making a fuss over Mama.

Gracie climbed up into his lap. “Can I sit here?”

“You sure can, pumpkin.”

She curled up into him. “You call me lots of names.”

“That’s true, isn’t it? What do you want me to call you?”

“Whatever.” She yawned. “I can tell you really, really like me.”

His grin spread across his face, almost hurting his cheeks. He turned to Bailey. “Did you hear that?”

“I sure did.”

“That’s incredible.” He rested his cheek on the top of her head for a moment. “I’ll tell you a secret your mama can know too.”

“What?”

“I do really, really like you.”

She smiled; he could feel the movement against his chest. Then she closed her eyes.

Mama came over with the guitar. “Last night, Bailey sang for us. And it was the best part of the whole day.” She held it out for her.

Bailey glanced at Maverick and then took the guitar.

“I’d love to hear you sing.” Maverick didn’t think the night could get any better.

“What should I sing?”

“Sing the happy song.” Gracie’s little voice surprised him. He’d thought she was asleep.

“That sounds like just the song.”

Bailey strummed the strings. “The happy song it is.”

Her words were whimsical and fun, and the tune was catchy. Soon they were all singing it on repeat until Nash waved his hands. “Okay, all right. I’m happy already.”

Gracie giggled.

Then Bailey played a few notes, adjusted the tuning, and started singing a song he’d never heard before.

“You and me. Swimming in the creek. Climbing up the apple tree and swinging on the gate. You and me. Together.”

She went on to sing of all the things they’d done together. It started when they were young, then she sang about their high school antics, even the trestle bridge. His heart started pounding as she got closer to their wedding day. “I said I do, but can I do what he needs me to?” She sang of expectations and hopes on the horizon and then ended with “and I always love him so.” Repeated over and over.

Her eyes were shining when she finished. Maverick wanted to pull her into his arms right there.

Then Nash called out, “It’s just a little bit awkward.”

Everyone turned to look at him.

“Yeah sure, ’cause you know, Bailey’s singing songs about me. With Maverick right there…”

They laughed, and it broke the seriousness of the moment.

---