Decker stared at him for a moment and then nodded, respect in his eyes. “Will do, boss.” Then he stood, grabbed the papers back, and left.
Maverick pressed his thumb and forefinger against the bridge of his nose. Why was everything suddenly getting to him? He’d been shouldering all of the ranch business for years. Why was he suddenly losing patience now?
The rest of the morning continued more or less the same. He handled ranch business by lashing out at his brothers and handing off responsibility. At their late breakfast, every brother had reason to brush his shoulder and groan and complain at him, which they did.
Their mama entered, ready for lunch, to a room full of grown men not speaking to one another. “What’s this?”
Everyone but Maverick turned away. He looked her in the eye. “What’s what?”
Nash snorted. “This, Mother, is the result of your eldest son getting after us all morning.”
“Just handing out the responsibilities as usual. Seems about par for my day. Except now maybe someone else will actually do their job.”
His brothers threw up their hands as they resumed complaining.
Maverick looked around at the bickering, angry faces and cleared his throat. Twice. What a mess. He’d gotten everyone riled up, and he felt a twinge of guilt. He stood up at the head of the table. “Brothers.”
They ignored him.
“Brothers!” At last, they quieted down.
Maverick smiled, chagrined. “Maybe I’ve been a little harsh?”
They turned their eyes to him. He glanced at Mama, who dipped her head for him to continue. He couldn’t tell whether she was supportive or unhappy with him.
“I think maybe I’ve finally…um…”
“Cracked?” Nash lifted a hand in the air.
“Or something. But I would like to talk about this with everyone. Because it’s not like this is coming out of nowhere.”
Decker nodded. “True.”
“But can we keep the overbearing, demanding older brother act to a minimum?” Dylan glared at him. “We’re all busy, and we get it. We need to divide up the work better.”
“Fair enough.” Maverick gestured at the meal in front of them. “Why don’t we eat? We can talk over Mama’s delicious food.”
Mama lifted her glass. “Yes, let us eat. And remember your dear father as we do, the man who loved you all and would be so proud of the honorable men you have become.” Her gaze moved over the table to each of the brothers. “Perhaps I’ll pray this time.” She bowed her head, they held hands. “Dear Lord. Bless my boys. Bless our ranch. May the peace and spirit of unity and love, your Holy Spirit, be with us always. Amen.”
They started their meal. Maverick pressed his fork through the pile of whole wheat pancakes on his plate and brought a delicious bite dripping with syrup to his mouth. But even the pancakes felt old, without luster. He lifted his eyes and then lowered his fork. No one else had started eating. They all watched him.
“What? You might not like what I said to you today, but you have to admit I had a point.” He eyed them. When no one responded, he pointed his fork toward them. “Decker.”
Decker messed with the food on his plate. “You’re right. We come to you with the problems, but you shouldn’t be the one to solve everything.”
Maverick nodded, satisfied.
“But,” Decker continued, “none of us knows better than you how to fix this stuff. We’re all just guessing here. Dad…he just always knew what he was doing.”
Nash folded arms across his chest. “Exactly. And just because it was Dad’s dream doesn’t mean it’s my dream.”
The tension in the room rose a notch. But Nash held out his hands in a placating gesture. “I’m all about the Dawson Ranch. But to me, it’s more about who’s sitting here at this table than it is about what happens out there.”
Something inside Maverick knew his brother had a point. “But where does that leave us? Someone’s gotta keep things going around here, or we don’t have a Dawson Ranch. We don’t have a place to live. And…” He choked back a sudden lump in his throat. “And we’d lose the last bit of Dad we have with us.”
Mama’s eyes teared up, and he hated to see it. She shouldn’t be a part of these conversations. Every eye turned to her.
She dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “Boys, no one ever said ranching life was easy.” She paused to share a loving gaze with each one of them. “How much we give to the ranch just depends on how much we want out of it.”
Maverick nodded.
Nash grunted. “Oh, stop with your nodding, Maverick. I’m so sick and tired of feeling like you’re the one who has to take a hit for all of us. Look, if you want to ride, go ride. Just do it. Your decision doesn’t mean we all can’t ride. If we ride and you don’t, it doesn’t mean our circuit is stealing yours. Make your own way in the world, man. If that’s what you want, do it.” Fire flashed in his eyes.
“And then what?” Maverick asked. “You guys gonna make sure things stay afloat around here?”
Decker nodded. “We already talked about this. I think we could work on a way to divide up the responsibilities better. We already said we were willing to trade out circuit years.”
“Instead of trying to be like Dad, we could just work out our own way of handling things.” Dylan leaned forward. “Like a board of directors.” He was the one Maverick had thought would get an advanced degree and leave them all to work in a big city. He’d always had the business sense that most of them lacked.
They relaxed into a more productive conversation, and the brothers started eating. Mama looked relieved. And Maverick felt parts of the ranch responsibility leave his shoulders one piece at a time.
He sat back in his chair. Why had he suddenly snapped?
His phone dinged. Bailey. He stood. “I gotta take this.”
Nash pointed. “And there’s the reason for the new Maverick.”
They watched him leave. Was Bailey his problem? He held the phone up to his ear.
“How you looking?” she asked.
When he heard the smile in her voice, he just couldn’t think she brought him anything but a new hope for happiness in his life at last. “I need to see you.”
“Come over.”
And with those words, he realized his loyalties had changed. Without a thought, he grabbed his keys and headed for his truck, lunch with Mama or no.
Chapter 15
Bailey hummed with happy expectation. Maverick was coming over. Then her stomach twisted in knots. Maverick was coming over.
Daniel had called again. Bailey ignored it, but after staring at her phone for an hour, she opened up their text conversation. She’d been somewhat disarmed. Her mind had kept her awake with thoughts of how that could be. And now she felt disloyal for harboring any positive feeling for Daniel at all. And yet, he’d been…nice. Not apologetic, but interested. Humbled maybe.
Maybe.
Did she tell Maverick? No. She didn’t need to make him aware of every emotional development regarding Daniel. But that left her feeling like she had secrets. And it felt all too similar to those ill-fated weeks leading up to her wedding.
But when she heard his truck pulling up the drive, she pushed her nervous anticipation aside and ran to meet him. He leapt out of the truck so that he could get her door.
“Well, hey! Where we going?”
As he shut the passenger door behind her, a reckless happiness filled her.
By the time he sat beside her in the driver’s seat of the truck, she was ready for some serious fun.
He leaned across the middle console, his grin welcoming. “Are we in a hurry?”
She shrugged. “I was until you got here. Now, time can slow to a crawl, and I’ll be happy.”
“Perfect. So, back to the lake?” His eyes sparkled.
“Or the trestle?”
He nodded. “You’re on. But the lake is happening eventually.”
“I’m not one to back away from a challenge.”
He reached for her hand. “You really aren’t. So, about that singing in the fair.”
She groaned. “Of course, you’d turn this conversation to my singing at the fair. What would I even sing?”
“Anything. Come on, you’re incredible. Sing ‘Always and Forever.’”
The song she wrote for him.
He colored slightly. “I like that one.”
“I hope so. My heart and soul went into that.”
“Well, why not that one? You know it still, right?”
“Of course.”
They drove along, his thumb caressing the back of her hand while she considered what he wanted from her. He wanted an act in the fair, but what he really wanted was for her to keep pursuing her dream. And she had so firmly closed the door on it that she wasn’t sure her heart could be open to the possibility again.
“Look, Bailey, I just want to hear you sing again. At a microphone, in front of a crowd who appreciates you.”
She closed her eyes. “The crowd’s always amazing, isn’t it?”
“Absolutely. Not quite like our county fair but still real good. They’re ready to have a good time.”
She had to admit the idea of standing at a microphone in front of a friendly crowd after those years of rejection sounded pretty darn good. “I’ll let you know later today.” Even if it terrified her, she was really tempted.
They pulled to a stop in front of the large trestle bridge that spanned across the Guadalupe River.
Her heart hummed. “Wow, that thing is high.”
“We were crazy as kids.”
She eyed him. “You having second thoughts?”
“No way. We’re doing this. If only to prove we both still got it.”
She closed her truck door and stretched her arms above her head. “I think I might need a little proving.”
“Me too.”
He grabbed her hand again, and they walked slowly toward the bridge, the thing growing in height with every step.
Then Bailey made her way to the side where a long metal railing started at the ground and lifted in a gradual slope to the top of the bridge. The metal had large bolts at intervals, just large enough to grip with her hands and use as a foot brace as she climbed to the top.
Maverick grunted behind her. “Don’t look down.”
“No way. Not ’til I’m sitting at the top.” She remembered the view was amazing. It was even more awesome when a train raced beneath them, practically touching their dangling feet. But that rarely happened.
She climbed higher.
“I still like this view I’ve got right now.”
She snorted. “You did not just say that.”
“Well, why not? I love you in a pair of tight jeans.”
Her laugh carried out over the area beneath them. “Unfair timing.”
“What? ’Cause you can’t retaliate?”
“No, ’cause I can’t do anything fun about it.”
“Oh, that sounds nice.”
She pushed on. They were almost at the top, and inching out over the top of the bridge required concentration.
“Easy now,” Maverick cautioned.
“Yeah.” The ground seemed so very far away. “Maybe not the best idea.”
“We’ll be careful. And then maybe not do this again.” He laughed. “Our younger selves would be rolling their eyes at us.”
“Oh, we’d be shamed.” But she had Gracie to think about now, and he had his whole family depending on him.
“How’s the ranch and everything?” She eased out over the top on hands and knees, then scooted forward to make room for Maverick behind her.
“Not great.”
Shocked at his answer, she maneuvered so that she could turn around to face him.
He carefully straddled the top of the bridge and then let out a long exhale. “That was way scarier than I remembered.”
He hadn’t yet met her eyes. But she waited. Something was bothering him.
“I’m a mess.”
“Maverick, you are not a mess.”
“No, I am. All the guys are mad at me, Mama’s worried. I keep getting after everyone to do their job. And the ranch is losing money. The guys aren’t all in. Until Mama looks at us all with her soft sad eyes and talks about Dad—then everyone bucks up and works harder. I was happy to take over, sort of, but suddenly I’m wanting the guys to pick up more of the slack.”
“As they should. Why does it all fall on you?”
“’Cause Dad left it to me.”
“But I’m sure he was thinking you would delegate, right? Hand out responsibilities?”
“Probably, but it’s different telling my brothers what to do.”
“Do they not appreciate it?”
“No, they don’t, but it’s more than that. All of a sudden, I’m just not satisfied. I used to do most of the work happily, but now I’m wanting them to pitch in extra.”
She studied him. Did he wish to go after his dream? Was it finally time for Maverick to ride the circuit?
“Nash thinks I should ride the circuit.”
“I think that’s a great idea. Why don’t you?”
His eyes clouded. “I don’t know if that’s the solution. I love the ranch, and I love the circuit. But I think what’s unsettling my saddle is I’ve found something I care about more.” His gaze lifted to hers, and she sucked in her breath.
“You have?”
“I have. And nothing else matters. Bailey, when you left, my world went flat, meaningless. And then Dad passed away, and I filled my life with duty. I thought I was happy, or at least satisfied, but when I saw you again, everything came back, all the happiness, the purpose, the meaning in my life. I know what I’ve been missing all this time. And I see that, really, I don’t care one lick about any of the rest of it. All I care about is you.”
Her heart pounded. She didn’t deserve this. And she saw, once again, what she’d done to a good man, the man she loved.
He wasn’t finished. “I’d love to work the ranch with you on it. I’d be thrilled to ride the circuit if you’re in the stands watching and waiting for me when I’m done. Or better yet, riding the barrels like you used to. But what do either of those things mean to me without you?” He shrugged. “I guess lately I’ve just realized how little I care about any of it.”
She scooted closer, trying to pretend she wasn’t hundreds of feet in the air. “Listening to you talk like that makes me sad.”
“Sad? That I want to be with you?”
“No, sad that you haven’t had everything you deserve in life.” And that she’d been the cause of most of his unhappiness.
“Well, what I’m saying is ranch or circuit, your teaching at school or even a new singing career, whatever it is, I want in, Bailey. I want to be a part of your life. Forget the whole friends thing. You said you’re not going anywhere. Well, I’m not either.”
“Why’re you telling me this way up here?”
He looked around. “I don’t know. I didn’t really plan this, you know.”
She swung her legs.
“Why? What’s wrong with up here?”
“Well, you remember when we were in high school and you went through that hillbilly accent phase?”
He leaned back and laughed. “Ah. Now, I don’t rightly know what you’re on about, seeing as how I always talk just the same.”
“Well, I was just thinking, with you talking all sincere-like, we needed to be somewhere a bit cozier. Because, like you used to say—”
“Them’s make-out words.” He laughed again. “I’d forgotten, but you’re so right.” He scooted closer until their knees met. “I still think we should seal this with a kiss. How about it, Bailey. Will you be my girlfriend? Again?”
She leaned forward and rested her hands on his thighs, knowing she didn’t deserve it. But she wasn’t able to resist. “Yes, I will.”
He met her halfway and pressed his lips to hers. “Much more of that later.”
A bright light blared from the darkness, blinding them, and for a minute, Bailey thought the police had finally started enforcing the no-trespassing rule. But then a train whistle blew, and she and Maverick grinned.
“Whooop!” He waved a hand in the air.
It was considered good luck to be there while a train went underneath. They’d only managed it once before—the first time he’d asked her out.
He reached forward and took her hand. Then they grinned as the train vibrated underneath them.
When it had passed, he checked his watch. “You ready to go dancing? I’m full of energy, and I can’t even move up here.”
“You know I am! Let’s go.”
He scooted back until he reached the end and then maneuvered to start climbing down the bolts again. She gave him some space and then followed.
As soon as they were on the ground, he pulled her close. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m not used to this stuff anymore.”
“Good. ’Cause I was scared to death up there.”
“You were?”
“Absolutely. But I’m glad we did that.” He wrapped his arms more tightly around her. “Glad we rode it with a train. And more than anything, I’m glad you said yes.” He searched her eyes. “I love you, Bailey.”
“I love you too.”
He dipped his head and pressed his lips to hers in a desperate sort of familiarity she found difficult to resist. She rose up on her tiptoes and clung to him like she would never let go. He lifted her up and held her in his arms while their mouths moved with a beautiful energy, a oneness they’d always had. He tugged on her bottom lip, drawing it into his mouth. Then he ran his tongue along hers, teasing, asking.
She responded, lifting herself in his arms, pulling herself as close as she could get, and wrapping her legs around his waist.
He held her close, raised his face to meet hers, and kissed her more.
She wanted Maverick. Forever and only Maverick. And she wished this one kiss could wipe away all the wasted years.
His energy more insistent, his kisses coming faster, he walked back toward the bridge and pressed her up against it.
Her feet dropped, but she clung to him until she didn’t think she could stand any more. And that’s when he slowed and paused, resting his forehead against hers. “Wow, Bailey. There’s a lot of years of waiting in that kiss.”
Coming Home to Maverick Page 12
