Not a single phone call, no texts, nothing from him these past two weeks to give her any clue how he was feeling. Was he done putting up with her mess? Had she pushed him too far? She couldn’t lie in bed any longer. She crept out, tied a robe around herself, slipped on her flip-flops, and opened her trailer door.
The warm air cocooned her, and the night insects hummed a lullaby, but nothing could calm her brain’s frantic attempt to make sense of her relationship with Maverick.
Perhaps she should have called to let him know about Daniel. But what would she have said beyond what he already knew? She was just trying to do what was right for Gracie. She’d never dealt with any of this before and had no idea about the ethics or moral responsibility she had toward the man who’d fathered her daughter. Even though he hadn’t wanted Gracie, did that mean he didn’t deserve to see his daughter? It was complicated. She knew that.
When she realized his incredibly selfish motives, he’d left easily enough. As soon as Bailey had told him he needed to leave and that she wanted nothing more to do with him, he’d been down their driveway before she could even feel guilty.
She had a knot in her gut that told her she wasn’t quite through with Daniel yet. But that would be something she worried about when the time came.
So, what to do about Maverick. After the fair, he would be gone for many months still. And that would be fine if they were speaking. But she couldn’t stand this silent distance between them. She at least needed to be on good terms with the man she loved most in all the world. Even if he didn’t want to pursue anything more than friendship after all, she couldn’t bear if he hated her.
She leaned back in her camping chair, scooting down so she could rest her head on the back of the chair. Tomorrow. She would summon her courage and talk to him tomorrow, at first light, when he said he’d come get her for their practice.
With that thought, she drifted off.
In the haze of sleep, the weight of a soft blanket warmed her chilled skin. Then the feel of lips on her forehead. “Good morning, babe.”
She smiled. Maverick. Mmm. But morning fog cleared, and she sat up with a jolt. Not Maverick. Her blurry vision made out Daniel sitting next to her in another camp chair.
She leaned back into her chair, pulling the blanket up closer around herself. “What are you doing here, Daniel?” What time was it?
“I heard you were opening for the Honky Tonk, and I came to hear you sing.”
Her eyes narrowed. But he seemed relaxed and open. Perhaps he was making a gesture. She closed her eyes.
“You could have made it in Nashville.”
She shook her head. “I’m done talking about this.”
“It was my fault.”
She opened her eyes. For years, it had always been her fault. “What do you mean?”
“I didn’t know the first thing about being an agent. I didn’t know any of the big players. It was all a lie. I tried to make my career with a new talent, with you. But I didn’t know what I was doing. I burned bridges, and you suffered because of it.”
Did she believe him?
“It’s true. I see you believing all the lies I’ve thrown at you all these years. But you weren’t the problem. I blamed you, but it was me.”
“I don’t see how it matters now, but thank you for telling me.”
“You could still make it big. Opening for Honky Tonk is a big deal…”
“Stop.” Bailey waved her hand at him. “Just stop.”
He held up his hands. “Okay. But if you change your mind, I’m in a better place now, I could try to represent you.”
She shook her head, anger rising. “You did not just say that.”
“I did, but you obviously aren’t in the mood to hear—”
“No, I’m not. I’m gonna say this one more time. Get out of my life.”
“Whoa. Maybe you just need your coffee…”
“Well, isn’t this cozy?” Maverick stepped into their conversation. “Sleep well?” His eyes were unreadable.
“Not really.” Bailey leaned back in her chair again, wishing to sink into the earth.
Daniel stood. “I was just leaving.”
“I think that’s a good idea,” Bailey and Maverick both said together.
She eyed him, choosing not to be amused. Maverick looked guarded, suspicious, resigned. Three things she never wanted him to be when it came to their relationship.
As soon as Daniel made his way out of their campground, Bailey stood. “You ready?”
“Yeah, you?” His gaze traveled from her flip-flops to what must be a messy knot in her hair.
“Not quite. Wanna come in?” She opened her trailer door, and he followed her inside. “Gracie is—”
“Good morning, Uncle Maverick.”
His face softened, and his mouth lifted in his signature grin. “Well now, how’s my favorite girl?”
She wrapped a trailing quilt tighter around herself. “Great! I’m really excited about the fair. And as soon as Mommy’s done practicing, I’m gonna go see Nash, my pig, and then we’re gonna go pet every horse.”
Maverick chuckled. “The fair’s the best, isn’t it?”
She puckered her lips and then shook her head. “Nope. Willow Creek’s the best. My grandmas’ houses, my ponies, even Nash is there too.” She shrugged. “But I love the fair.”
Bailey’s eyes welled with tears. She avoided looking at Maverick, grabbed her toothbrush, and slipped inside the tiny bathroom.
“Me too. Let’s talk about your pig.”
Bailey could only hear muffled bits of their animated conversation while she tried to make herself presentable. Daniel’s presence at the fair made her nervous. He was obviously not finished with them or his designs for their stardom, whether hers or Gracie’s. His mercenary goals knew no bounds. To him, people were dispensable when he no longer had a need for them.
She drew comfort from the Dawson Ranch. Surrounded by the Dawson brothers including Maverick, her parents, and Mama Dawson, she felt pretty safe. As long as she was careful, Daniel would soon be on his way back to Nashville.
Once her hair was in a ponytail and she was wearing her riding gear, she and Maverick dropped Gracie off at Bailey’s parents’ trailer and went to grab Thunder and the horse she would ride.
The quiet between them wasn’t uncomfortable, which she found surprising. At last, he said, “I love Gracie Faith.”
Her heart clenched with a joyful sadness. “I know. I think she loves you too. It kinda hurts me to hear her say, ‘Uncle Maverick.’”
“Yeah. Me too.”
A sliver of hope grew. Could he want more, still? “How have you been?”
He shook his head. “I don’t know. I’m riding well. I could break my record this year.”
“I knew you would.”
They started easy with general topics. Things were comfortable, but she felt a great deal of restraint from the both of them.
As soon as their horses were ready, they rode them out to a back pasture where they could ride alone.
“Let’s warm up.” Maverick started a slow canter around the outside of the arena, and she followed. After a few laps, she fell into the delicious muscle memory of their routine. She let the strength of the horse fill her, and she stretched and balanced and moved. Then as their routine was wrapping up, she prepared for the finale, standing up on the back of her horse while it raced around the arena. Maverick came up beside her and turned around backward in his saddle. They locked eyes for a moment, his gaze beckoning, full of love. Then he nodded, and she leapt through the air, reaching for his raised hands. He caught her around the middle, her legs stretched out behind, and they rode, Bailey flying, her smile large, her eyes closed, until Maverick’s horse slowed. He lowered her to his lap, and she straddled him as they rode one more lap around the arena. It’s what they had always done—their routine. At this point, the crowd was usually roaring and on their feet.
Maverick held her as they circled, and she
felt their unity. A great surge of oneness swirled around her. She couldn’t think of how to describe this incredible feeling that they belonged together.
The horse slowed to a walk and then stopped. But they didn’t move. Maverick adjusted his hands on her hips, and with a new confidence, a new softness around his eyes, he said, “We can do this.”
She wasn’t sure if he meant the routine or them being together as a couple. So she said, “We can do anything.”
He nodded and then tucked her hair behind her ear. “I was hurt, so I left. I shouldn’t have ghosted you.”
“I’m sorry you were hurt. I didn’t know what to do, what to say. I’m not good at all of these hard things…but Daniel…”
He groaned. “I don’t want to talk about that creep.”
“Hear me out. I told Daniel to leave us alone.”
The new hope in his eyes warmed her. “You did?”
“Yes. Twice now. I don’t know how much he’ll listen. He’s still convinced I can make it big, or Gracie.”
“Is that what you want?”
She looked away. “I don’t think so. But this morning, he said it was his fault I didn’t make it in Nashville. He actually took the blame for the failures. I feel stronger knowing that. So, now I wonder.” She shook her head. “I might always wonder.”
He closed his eyes. “I understand.”
She didn’t think he did. But she didn’t think she did, either. No matter what, if Maverick needed her, she wasn’t going anywhere. She’d made a promise, and even if he was pushing her away, she was still here for him, forever.
“I’ve been doing some other things while you were gone.”
“What’s that?”
“Praying.” She felt shy about it, but she wanted him to know.
“I’m happy to hear it.”
“I feel much better about some of this mess I created. You’re right. I don’t have to bear this alone.”
He pressed his lips to her forehead. “No. You don’t. I’m glad you’re praying Bailey.”
“And reading. I’m learning to trust that things will work out.”
“Maybe I should be doing some more of that.”
“Or at least calling me.”
He nodded and then clucked, and the horse started walking.
His eyes danced with amusement. “Remember this?” The sway of the horse beneath them rocked them closer together.
She laughed. “I remember.”
They circled again, and Maverick pulled her closer. She smiled and enjoyed the energy of their faces close, their mouths ready. His lips were soft and strong. His morning scruff lined his jaw. She eased closer, almost capturing his mouth, and waited. He tipped his head, his lashes lowering. When his lips met hers, she leaned into him. The scruff on his chin tickling her face, his mouth soft, insistent, making love to her in the purest sense. His rhythm matched the horse as they swayed together.
One kiss after another, he spoke to her core. She clung to him, answering with all the love in her heart until she didn’t know where he stopped and she began, until the world seemed to be made for only the two of them.
When they paused, he said only, “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
Were they gonna be okay? Bailey didn’t know. But one thing she would always know was that Maverick held her heart. He would forever.
Chapter 21
Later that night the campfire crackled, the embers flaring every time someone blew them back to life. Maverick dug through his foil dinner with a plastic fork. “Mama, these get better every year.” He placed a soft piece of stew meat into his mouth. “Mmm.”
“Thank you, son. You know it’s your dad’s recipe.”
“Is it a recipe, though?” Nash laughed. “From what I remember, he tossed a bit of everything in the foil and told us to roll the edges and throw it in the cooler.”
“Sounds like a recipe to me.” Dylan took another bite of his. “Works every time.”
Gracie Faith held a long stick with a hot dog on the end, waving in and out of the flames.
Maverick scooted forward and crouched down beside her. “Let’s see if we can get some of those flames to actually cook your dog.”
He guided her hand closer to the embers at the bottom.
“It’s too hot.” She hid behind him, her small hand resting on his shoulder as the other one stretched out the long stick toward the flames.
“Is that better?” He couldn’t describe the feeling that came over him as he protected her from the fire, but he knew right then he’d do anything for this little munchkin. “Do you want me to do it for you? You can watch from behind me.”
She nodded against his back.
“Happy to oblige, little lady.” He tipped his hat.
She giggled. “You’re funny.”
“Why thank you, ma’am.”
Bailey caught his eye, and he winked. Then he made a big fuss about cooking the perfect hot dog. “You see now, you can’t have any of the skin looking black or dark. I like the ends to be slightly disformed.” He brought the hot dog closer. “You see? Like that.” Her hot dog dripped with the juices that had escaped their home. “In fact, where’s your bun? I think your dinner might be ready.”
Bailey handed her a bun, and she held it open for Maverick.
“There you go. One fully cooked hot dog.”
She ran the few steps back to Bailey. “Look!”
“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.
“What are you gonna sing at the show tomorrow?” Maverick toyed with her ponytail.
“Do you wanna hear that?”
“I know I do.” Mama wrapped a blanket around her shoulders even though the night air was warm.
Then Bailey broke out a fun, fast-paced honky-tonk song. Everyone was clapping, and the twins got up and danced in a circle. She entertained them for another hour, and Maverick loved hearing the sound of her voice again.
Her face was shining, and he could see what he’d only noticed now that they were older. Singing filled her with life. Something about using her voice like this made Bailey more who she was. And he loved to see it. A part of him promised that one day he’d help her reach her dream.
The next morning, they all got dressed in their rodeo costumes. Maverick wore his signature champion outfit from their county rodeo. Bailey wore her costume from her barrel racing days. Even Gracie Faith had a new costume. It looked the same as Bailey’s but with a bright pink star.
She was thrilled, twirling around in her little skirt over and over. Her little boots had matching pink stars. Her hat was trimmed in pink. And Nash the pig had a bright pink bow. “They’re gonna take off the bow before we show him though. It’s not allowed.” She stood up straight and tall, and Maverick couldn’t be prouder.
“Now, you’re ready?” he asked.
“I’m ready.”
He nodded. “Good girl. Your group is first, you know.”
They made their way to the Dawson Ranch box seats. Everyone around them was buzzing with excitement.
Maverick heard Bailey ask Dylan, “Do you think anyone will come?”
“Oh, they’ll come. If only just to see him.” Dylan pointed at Maverick.
Maverick was happy he’d been practicing. As the arena filled up, he knew he was gonna need to rely on some of that practice.
The emcee announced the clowns from Willow Creek and then their sponsors.
Maverick stood and led Gracie down the stairs. “You’re on in just a minute.”
Coming Home to Maverick Page 16
