I’m holding one of Haddy’s romance books, but I can’t concentrate on it. I stretch in my seat, looking around at the leather interior, the wood trim, the plush blankets… Until my eyes stubbornly return to him.Again.
He’s reclined against the window dozing. His dark hair is pulled off his face in sort of a samurai style, and the scruff on his cheeks is darker, thicker.
He usually keeps his beard neatly shaved, but since the accident, he’s let it grow more. He looks more mature, formidable.
Another electric thrill races through my veins, and I can’t stop a grin when I picture what it will be like when Corey sees him again.
I want to lean my head back and laugh, but instead, I put my book in front of my face and try to read.
“You’re here, at last!”Mom runs out of the house as soon as we pull into the driveway, arms wide.
“I haven’t been gone that long, Mom.” I shake my head.
“It feels like a year.” She pulls me into a big hug while Mav and the driver unload our bags.
Maverick’s car service was waiting when we arrived at the small airport in Monroe, and we were all secure in the black SUV and headed this way so fast, I felt like a mafia wife.
Clearly, I’m the only country girl in the group, because Gina and Maddie never even batted an eye at our smooth transportation. We didn’t have to wait for anything or deal with rude travelers stepping in front of us or hitting us with their things or lost luggage or waiting on a rideshare…
I might cry when all this is over, and I have to go back to flying commercial.
Now we’re greeting my parents in the gravel drive behind the old white farmhouse where I grew up. It hasn’t changed a bit. Not that anything ever changes around here… or at least, nothing used to change.
Dad walks over and bends down to give me a hug. “We’ve missed you.”
His deep voice makes my eyes heat, and I shake my head, exhaling a laugh. “I’m going to have a talk with Pen. She’s clearly not spending enough time with her parents.”
Dad only chuckles, holding me close to his side. “Penny’s five minutes away, and we never see her.”
“Sounds like she’s enjoying college,” I tease.
“Maverick Murphy, I can’t believe how tall you’ve gotten.” Mom stands on her tiptoes reaching for him. “Icould look you in the eye last time you were here. Now you’re as tall as your daddy.”
Standing back, I watch him bend down to hug my petite mom, answering with a polite, “Yes, ma’am.”
He moves next to my dad, shaking his hand. “Good to see you, sir.”
Dad takes his hand, squinting an eye at him. “I have to say, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this arrangement at first.”
“What… arrangement?” Mav looks from him to me, and we both frown.
“Taron Rhodes!” Mom walks over grabbing his arm. “Don’t even start with that. I told you, we were their age once, and we’re so happy y’all are together. I spent all day getting the cottage ready. Fresh sheets are on the bed, the mini fridge is stocked, and the window unit is running.”
“Wait, what’s happening?” Gina steps up, looking from Maverick to me. “What did I miss?”
The skin on the back of my neck prickles, andholy shit, Corey Hayes is not that proud. He blabbed to everyone.
I flash worried eyes at Maverick, but he holds out his hand, doing a little motion for me to wait, saying. “Appreciate y’all.”
“Gina Grace, you looked just like your mamma stepping out of that car.” Mom steps forward, pulling her into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. Dove’s old room is all fixed up for you and Maddie, and we’d absolutely love it if you wanted to have your wedding here. Mindy’s coming by tonight, and she can show you the decorations… Boo’s wedding is going to be so beautiful.”
Kelani lets out a little yip from her crate, and Maddie dives forward to open the door and take her out. “Look what we brought, Ms Noel! Uncle Mav said Dove had a dog just like this when she was my age.”
“Oh my goodness!” Mom’s eyes warm, and she lifts the puppy into her arms. “She looks just like Akela did. Taron, look at this.”
Dad steps closer, putting his hand on Mom’s shoulder and the other on Kelani’s little head. “She looks like a good dog to me.”
A knot clogs my throat, and I press my lips together, shaking my head as I laugh through misty eyes. “Can we stop being so sentimental please?”
