Page 37 of The Maverick of the Mountain
“Okay.” I stare at him for a few moments, and then he hands something to me. “What are these?”
I flip through them. I know what they are… but how?
“Postcards of your photos. I spoke with Everett, and he had them made. Said they’d be perfect for the Cherry Ridge Farm’s gift shop. And I’m sure Marge and the rest of Whispering Winds would?—”
Now it’s my turn. I grab Maverick by the collar and pull, kissing him as passionately as our first time. He wraps his strong hands around me, and then I grab one, guiding it to my throat. I love the feeling. The power beneath his hands.
We’re both panting by the time we finally break free.
“What was that?” Maverick asks.
“A thank-you-very-much kiss.”
He smiles. “I hope I’m the only one you kiss like that when you thank them.”
I snort. “Of course.”
I drop down off the workbench and collect the postcards that somehow slipped from my hands.
“Seriously, Maverick. You didn’t have to do this. You’ve done so much for me. I… I don’t know how I could ever repay you.”
Maverick worked his magic and got me a job at Cherry Ridge Farm. I’m their in-house photographer—asalariedposition. I shoot their events, weddings, if the clients buy the package, their property, and the surrounding area—basically anything that would look great for social media. Landscapes, candids, architecture, rabid chipmunks…everything. Hank’s an absolutestar on their Instagram now. It’s freed me up to pursue my photography, and I can’t thank Maverick enough.
Maverick laughs, a deep rumbling laugh. “Repay me? Please. I’m the wealthiest man in the world because of you.”
I smile, my throat beginning to well up as tears ache to come out, but I hold them back. “Well, I think I know one way to repay you.”
Maverick frowns, but I take his hand, placing it on my belly.
“I’m pregnant.” As soon as those words burst from my mouth, tears burst from me just as quickly. Apparently, I’m no good at holding anything back anymore.
“You’re…” He swallows. “We’re…”
I nod. “Yes. Very, very…”
Maverick falls to his knees, shoving his face against my belly as he wraps his arms around me.
“Beautiful… perfect…” He’s muttering to himself, and I can hardly understand everything he says as I sniffle and snort, messy tears streaking down my cheeks. And when I’m finally able to look at Maverick again, I’m hit with another wave as he holds out a ring.
“Corinne,” he begins. “You may not believe it, but I slipped my grandpa’s ring in my pocket the night we met, and it hasn’t left since. I knew then, as much as I know now, that you’re the one for me. My partner. My soul mate.” He swallows. “My wife. No one makes me happier. No one…” He wipes a tear from his eye.
I’ve never seen him cry, but it’s beautiful. He’s beautiful. This life we’re building… It’s all…
“I love you more than you’ll ever know, and it’s still less than you deserve. Corinne, will you marry?—”
He doesn’t even get the rest of the words out before I pounce on him. Kissing his lips, his eyes, his cheeks. There’s not a single part of his face that’s left untouched by my lips.
“Yes, yes, YESSSSSSS!” I squeal.
He slips the ring on, and it feels like my heart is going to explode.
“I love you, Maverick. So, so much. And I can’t wait?—“
Hank chitters.Anotherraccoon chitters.And then a damn horde of raccoons starts chittering.
I stare at Maverick. He stares back at me. His eyes flare.
“Haaaaaaaank!” he shouts.
