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So much love.

Then, Maverick pulls away, tugs me up, and sweeps me into his arms before I can so much as process what’s happening.

I laugh and rest my head against his chest as he carries me toward the back stairs. “You know, a girl could get used to this.”

“Good. Because this is what I want to do every day for the rest of my life.”

“Carry me around?”

“Care for you,” he replies, then kisses me quickly before starting up the stairs.

When we reach his apartment door, I expect him to set me down. Instead, he shifts me so he can open the door. Once inside, he moves through his living space and toward the patio. After setting me down just inside, he opens the door and guides me out into the crisp morning air. In the distance, I can see the ocean and the steeple of the white church in town.

Maverick flips on the patio heater, then turns to me. “You stay here. I’m going to go grab fresh coffee, okay? Then I’ll tell you all about the day I have planned for us.”

As I take a seat on the patio couch, he kneels in front of me again, moves in between my knees, cups my cheek, and kisses me softly. I melt into it, so grateful for this moment shared with him. His kindness soothes the pain in my chest. It’s balm to every single bad thing that has ever happened to me.

“I’ll be right back,” he promises.

“Okay.” I watch him leave, then turn my attention back to the scene in front of me. There was never a time I imagined living anywhere but Georgia, yet in one week, I’ve found a home in South Carolina.

With a man I only dared dream of.

Thank You for Maverick, Lord. Thank You for showing me where I belonged.

I take a deep breath, knowing that I need to pray for Bella and Darren, too. So, even though my heart is still angry, I continue.

Please help Bella and Darren find what works for them, and please soften Bella’s heart, Lord. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

MAVERICK

Normally, I hate tossing food. But today, after that disaster of a breakfast, I want no reminders for Sadie. So, I head over toward the table to grab the plates and tray of pancakes. Only to see that Darren and Bella have left their jackets.

Fantastic.

Which means, any minute now, they’re going to realize it and come storming back. I only hope she’s upstairs so she doesn’t have to deal with them again. The anger I felt—it took everything in me not to rip them both out of their chairs and throw them out, like Ryker has had to do a time or two with drunk idiots.

Maybe I should have had my bouncer here.

Honestly, we should have met in a neutral location like Anastasia’s shop or the diner. Perhaps they wouldn’t have been confident enough to speak down to Sadie the way they did if other people were around.

Really, Sadie? A bartender?

Those words would have leveled me if Sadie hadn’t immediately put her in her place. Seeing her stick up for herself brought me immense joy. And not just because it means she’ll be here.

I meant what I said—if Sadie wants to go back, I understand.

I’ll just follow.

Other than this bar, I have no ties to this place. And if it meant I could stay with Sadie? I’d leave Stormwatch Landing in a heartbeat.

After tossing the food, I set the coffee pot to make a fresh batch, then turn to face the island. Her Bible is on the counter, so I step across to open it to another random page. Right before I get ready to open it, though, my cell rings.

I pull it out and see Sawyer’s name on the screen, so I answer. “Hey.”

“Well? How did it go?”

“Great. Until we were interrupted by the family she used to work for.”