Chapter21
Belle
His family was so nice.There were just so many of them, and it was loud and a little chaotic.There was constant teasing and laughing.When I visited home, I was on edge, waiting for the inevitable criticism.Why aren't you going back to school?What are you doing with your life?Why do you insist on opening a silly bookstore?
I wouldn't make any money with this little dream of mine.I should do what's practical and get my doctorate.Then people would respect me.My parents would respect me.
But I wasn't so sure they'd ever respect my choices.They'd always think that I'd failed somehow.
But Maverick's family was different.They seemed to truly enjoy each other's company.The teasing was good-natured.There were no caustic remarks or well-timed barbs.
We ate dinner, which was essentially a Thanksgiving meal in the dining room.I was fairly sure it was the only table in the house that could hold this many people.Afterward, we helped clear the table.Then we moved to the living room.Ayla played blackjack with Maverick and his brothers.
It was interesting watching Maverick with Ayla.He instantly softened when he talked to her and followed her orders without complaint.I couldn't imagine that all men would have gotten on the floor and played cards with a little girl.
That told me a lot about Maverick's character.He was a good man who was hard on himself.He didn't think he deserved me.That I came from a better family somehow.But that was the opposite.He'd gotten the loving family while I'd been stuck with parents I couldn't please.Who withheld love when I didn't do what they wanted.
I suspected Maverick's parents would approve of him, no matter what career he chose or who he dated.That meant his ideas about who he deserved came from within and not his family.
I just hoped that dating me showed him that we weren't too different.
"How's business at the bookstore?"Maria asked.
"Steady.Once the four-seasons room is completed, we'll have room for more meetings.I was thinking of adding art classes for the kids and other clubs."
"Oh, that's a good idea.How did you think of that?I wouldn't have paired art with a bookstore."
I glanced over at Maverick."Mav took me to the Denver Public Library last Sunday.They offer a lot of art classes there for kids and adults."
"He took you to the library?"Aspen asked.
"Yeah, they were having an evening event with dinner."
"What a thoughtful idea, taking Belle to the library," Maria said.
"We toured the space and then ate dinner in the lobby.The blending of the different styles of architecture and the exhibits were wonderful," I said.
"Aren't you the perfect boyfriend?"Aspen said to Maverick.
"I know what Belle likes," Maverick said.
Maria smiled."I think it was a lovely idea.I'd love to visit."
"It's one of the largest libraries in the country.Make sure you allow for a lot of time to visit when you go," I said.
It felt like everyone was watching us closely.They weren't used to him dating anyone, and now they were wondering how serious we were.
I wanted them to like me.But I had a feeling they were more concerned about our relationship.The important thing was, I didn't feel like I was lacking.They accepted me for who I was.The local bookshop owner who was successful in her own right.I just wished my parents felt the same.
"That sounds fun," Ayla said.
"You want a boy to take you to the library one day?"I asked her.
Hudson glared at me."No."
Everyone chuckled at his terse response.
"She won't be dating," he added.
