Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78542 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
The only problem is that I have no idea what size clothes she wears. I could text my sisters-in-law, they could probably guess, or even my mom, but I’ve tossed enough fuel at those flames for one day. Instead, I grab my phone and call Stella.
“Hello?”
“Quick question.”
“Okay?”
“What size clothes is Ada wearing?”
“What?” she asks. I can hear not only humor but confusion in her tone.
“What size is she? 2T? Wait, no twelve months. She’s one, so twelve months, right?” I grab the twelve months and hold it up.
“She’s in eighteen months.”
“Oh, okay. So, it’s not just by age, then?”
“No, not always. Maverick, what are you doing?” she asks.
“Nothing. I’m at Walmart.”
“And you needed to know what size clothing my daughter wears?”
“Yes. It’s a surprise. You’ll see later.”
“Should I be worried?” she asks, chuckling softly.
“Nah, it’s a good surprise.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
“I’m still picking you ladies up at six, right?”
“Yes. If you still insist that we need to go out to celebrate.”
“I insist.” I look at the items in my cart and grin. “I’ll be there at six, maybe a little before.”
“That’s fine. She’ll be up from her nap, and we’ll be ready to go.”
“Great. See you soon, Stel.” Hitting End, I slide the phone into my pocket and toss the outfit into my cart. Pushing on down the aisles, I grab a case of water and a couple of bags of Cool Ranch Doritos. Merrick and I both love them.
By the time I check out, I still have plenty of time. I head home, unload the few groceries that I tossed in my cart, and unbox the camera. I plug it in to charge. Thankfully, the battery is showing it’s 75% charged already. The house is quiet, and I’m thankful Merrick is gone. Without a doubt, he’d be giving me shit over this purchase. Not that he’s not going to, anyway. I’m actually shocked word has not made it back to my brothers yet. I guess it’s still early. I’m certain by the time I go to bed tonight, they’ll have the intel.
An hour later, I packed up my new camera and headed to pick up the girls. When I knock on the door, I step back, not expecting George to answer. I mean, I know this is his house and that Stella is his granddaughter, but I’m still surprised.
“Good to see you, Maverick. Come on in.”
“You too, George.” I step inside and close the door behind me.
“So, you’re taking my girls out tonight?” he asks, smiling.
“Yeah. I thought Stella needed to celebrate her new job at the boutique.”
Before he can grill me, Stella walks into the room. “Hey.” She smiles, and so does Ada as she lifts her arm and waves. She coos and babbles like she always does when she sees me.
“Ada girl, you know I need snuggles.” I walk to where they stand just a few steps away and take Ada from her, rubbing my stubble against her cheek and making her giggle. “You ready?” I ask Stella.
“Yes.” She picks up the diaper bag and tosses it over her shoulder.
“I won’t have them out late,” I tell George.
“You kids have fun.” He leans over and kisses Ada’s cheek, but she shies away and buries her face in my neck. “I see how it is.” George laughs before turning to Stella. “Don’t leave an old man hanging, Stella.”
“Never, Gramps.” She smiles and places a kiss on his cheek. “You and Grams have fun at bingo.”
“You know your grams, that’s her thing. I just tag along because it makes her happy.” He smiles widely.
“Let’s get moving.” I bounce Ada on my hip. Her laughter fills the room, and it’s infectious. What is it about baby giggles?
Once we’re on the road, Stella glances over at me. “Where are we going?”
“Well, I thought we would have a picnic of sorts.”
“A picnic? You packed us a picnic?” she asks. There’s a little awe and surprise in her question, and I wish I would have packed us a damn picnic.
“Not exactly. We’re going to a park where there are a ton of food trucks, like fifteen or so. They have anything and everything you could want. I thought we could eat and let Ada play on a blanket.”
“That’s… very sweet of you, Maverick. You’re always thinking about and including her. I appreciate that. I appreciate you. You’ve made this transition to Willow River so much easier for us, and financially, between my car and the job, you’ve been our guardian angel.”
“I’m no angel; just ask my momma.” I laugh. “I’m happy to help out. It’s nothing, really. Besides, we both have to eat, and we should do it together to celebrate your new job. How’s that going, by the way?”
“Great. Jordyn is so nice, and it’s all fairly easy. I’ve been helping her set up a new display this week.”