Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70264 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 351(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 234(@300wpm)
Molly’s breath is steady and even, and her pretty lips are parted as she dreams. Jesse has offered her Beth’s old bedroom, which is dated but girly, with Beth’s old decorations still in place.
Maverick suggested he could take us into town to get some things to update the space, and I’m going to gather some wildflowers to breathe new life into the room. I’m overcome with the urge to pull Molly into my arms, but she’s exhausted, and I want her to sleep for a little longer. She doesn’t stir as I lift back the covers and tiptoe out of the bedroom door.
I pad down the stairs to the kitchen and discover Maverick, shirtless, fixing himself a cup of coffee. Standing in the doorway for a moment, I relish the sound of him singing along as he potters. The richness of his voice is so soothing. The sunlight tickles my nose and I sneeze, interrupting him. He turns and smiles so broadly when he sees me, my heart melts. I love this man so much that my emotions threaten to spill over just at the sight of him looking back at me, his warm, hazel eyes searching mine for a connection. He’s so solid and powerful, but the vulnerability that peeks through every so often makes me want to fix him so badly.
“Morning, muffin.” The shadows under his eyes give away the night he had. A twinge of guilt plucks in the cavity of my chest for my role in the tiredness that’ll make an already grueling day even more challenging. As I shuffle towards him, he pulls me against his bare chest, wrapping his powerful arms around me and humming. The clean smell of his body and the rhythmic beat of his heart make me weak at the knees. “You can really sing, you know that?” He squeezes me tighter and kisses the top of my head.
“I can play the guitar as well. Having you here is making me want to make music again.”
“I’d love to hear you play.”
He smiles, but it’s kind of shy, and I get a rush of feeling deep in the marrow of my bones. Molly and I really are safe here. How could I have ever thought about leaving? We have found our way into the lives of three imperfectly perfect men who want to do all they can to provide us with care and stability. It seems almost unreal.
“Clint and Jesse have gone out to deal with the cattle and the new recruits. I drew the short straw.” He winks.
“So you’re stuck with us?” I say it like it’s a huge chore rather than the easiest job going.
He grins sheepishly. “How’s Molly today?”
“I left her to sleep. She’s been running on fear and adrenaline ever since I left. The guilt of leaving her to deal with Dad alone is still eating me up.”
“You gotta stop that, honey. You had no choice. We’ll spoil her rotten today. How about before we head out, you run Molly a nice hot bubble bath? She said she’s not happy that her sister has been living a life of luxury, and she wants a slice of the good life!” We both laugh out loud, knowing she said nothing of the sort.
“Do you think you could drive me over to Beth’s today?” His quizzical face portrays a flicker of concern.
“I guess, but why d’ya wanna go there? Craving drama?” He grimaces at the thought of Beth raging some more.
“I just need to talk to her.”
Maverick raises his eyebrows. “I can, muffin, but you know she works at Maplewalk Elementary. She won’t be home until this evening.”
“I heard her telling Barb that she’s only doing half days to spend time with the twins before they start school. She picks them up from daycare around twelve, I think. I don’t want to give her the option to refuse to talk to me. I just want to turn up if that’s okay? Please, Maverick. It’s important.”
He holds my gaze, considering the idea. “Okay, peach pie. It’s a sweet idea, but are you sure you want to deal with that sort of crap today? I’ve known Beth for a long time and still shrink in her company. God knows how Duncan stands up to her without losing body parts.”
“If I’ve learned anything from all this, it’s that no matter how bad things get, honest, straight-talking is the only way to deal with a problem. If I’d just been upfront with you about what happened at the auction, I know you’d have helped me with Molly.”
He kisses my lips gently and strokes his thumbs over my cheeks. “You’re not wrong there, muffin. Beth appreciates straight talking. It’s how she does things. She’s protective of her brother, which you can understand. And between you and me, she doesn’t want to lose her claim on the ranch for the twin’s sake. She just wants the best for her family. Like we all do.” Maverick squeezes my hand gently in his, and as we link our fingers together, I’m sure that I have to do this for all our sakes.