Chapter 8
Maverick
My baby’s eyes are so beautiful as she watches mama tell a story about her childhood at the dinner table. The ring is in my pocket. Has been for a couple of days. Just waiting for the perfect time to give it to her. It’s been so busy, what with her ex and the shit that he pulled, and with work, both hers and mine, there hasn’t been a dull moment. As much as I’m dying to pop the question, mama’s always been telling me that timing is everything. Now, I know that her answer isn’t contingent on timing, see, because the way that she looks at me, I know that she’s mine forever, ring or not, but Ellie deserves the best, and that’s what I’m going to give her.
“Yeah, I can totally relate.” Ellie says to mama, as she finishes the story. I love it that Ellie feels close to mama, despite us losing the baby. Mama knows how much we love each other, and she feels bad for the loss. I could get lost in how she talks to my family. And as mama calls her outside to show her something in the back garden, I want to follow them, but then I feel like she and mama might like some time alone, so I stay inside with my brothers, not saying much.
“Hey, daydreamer!” Gunner shouts, startling the pants off me. “You’re like a million miles away.”
“Sorry.” I say, pulling my hat off, raking a hand through my hair.
“What’s going on, man?” Blake asks, as Ruby walks into the house. She gives him a quick peck on the lips and takes up a plate next to the sink.
I’m not about to tell them about the diamond ring in my pocket, and judging by the look on Blake’s face, he’s not going to squeal that he knows about it.
“So, when are you going to do it, man?” Zack asks.
Blake puts his face in his hands. “You stupid asshole.”
“Hey, listen, if both you and I did it, then he can do it, too.” Zack retorts.
“Do what?” Ruby asks.
“Propose to Ellie.” Zack says behind his hand, just as Kate and Myra come into the house.
“Would you…shut the hell up?” I say, bulging eyes, not wanting anyone else to overhear.
“Did I just hear right?” Kate asks, stealing a morsel off Ruby’s plate, as Myra goes straight to Zack, climbing up on his lap. Kate’s swollen belly looks like she’s got a watermelon tucked under her shirt.
Blake scrubs a hand down his face. “Sorry, man, I had to tell him. I was backed into a corner. It’s a long story.”
“I’ll bet.” I say facetiously, pissed off.
“Can we all just keep our voices down, please? Mama and Ellie are just outside.”
“Are you gonna ask Ellie to marry you, Uncle Maverick?” Myra asks.
“Show us the ring, man.” Zack urges.
“No, I’m not showing you the ring!” I hiss. “What if Ellie walks in?”
“Just…show it quick.” Kate suggests. “Is it on you now?”
“He’s been carrying it around for a few days.” Blake says.
“God…damn! Doeseveryoneknow my business?!”
“We’re your family, Maverick. Like it or not.” Austin says.
“I’ll remind you of that when you’ve got an engagement ring in your pocket, and your to-be fiancé is just outside the door.” I seethe.
“How is Whinny, anyway?” Kate asks with her mouth full.
“She’s fine. Buried in work at home, as usual.” Austin states.
“And when are you going to pop the question to her?” I probe, trying to change the subject, but Zack, and his big mouth, catch on.
“Let’s circle back to you, partner. You know, since you’re the one with the rock in your pocket.”
