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)
“Do you want me to take her?” I ask Carol Kincaid, Maverick’s mother. She scooped Ada up in her arms as soon as we were introduced and has had her ever since.
“Oh, heavens no. She’s a sweetheart.” She holds Ada’s hands while my little one bounces on her little legs on Carol’s lap, laughing and having the time of her life.
“Just let me know.” I watch the two of them as my chest fills with longing for all the things my baby girl is missing out on.
“She’s fine. You eat and enjoy the break. I had nine; I know that breaks for mothers are few and far between.”
I smile and nod. “Thank you for having us. I hope we’re not intruding.” Maverick insisted the more, the merrier, and well, I was at his mercy, so I agreed. I was also curious about the family of the man who went out of his way to be kind to me and my daughter.
“Nonsense,” Carol tells me. “Our door is always open. You see this wild group, right?” she asks. “We’re prepared to feed a small army, one bigger than ours.” She laughs, which makes Ada laugh as well. Her eyes flash to her son, who is sitting next to me. She’s smiling as if she has a secret the rest of us are not privy to.
“Told you.” Maverick leans over, pressing his shoulder into mine. “Stella’s grandparents are Harriette and George Gunderson,” Maverick tells his mother.
“Oh, what a small world. Raymond and I, that’s Maverick’s father, were just in the hardware store the other day. George was telling us that his granddaughter and great-granddaughter were staying with them for a while. How are you liking Willow River?”
“We’ve only been here a couple of weeks, but I’ve always loved the town. My parents didn’t bring me to visit often, but it holds a special place in my heart. They used to take me to a sunflower field.”
“Yes!” Carol exclaims. “Sunflower Park. It’s in Harris, just a twenty-minute drive from here.”
I nod. “I want to take Ada there and get some pictures.”
“You should talk to my sisters-in-law Palmer and Scarlett. They’re both photographers and work at Palmer’s studio, Captured Moments. I’m sure they’d be happy to help on that front,” Maverick tells me.
“I was just going to snap a few with my phone.” I smile kindly. I would love to afford a professional photographer, but right now, professional pictures are not a necessity, unlike diapers and other essentials that Ada needs.
Maverick turns to look at me, and he nods. He gives me a look, one I can’t decipher, but I’m sure he sees a broke single mom. Not that I take offense to him thinking that. That’s exactly what I am. I’m struggling, and I’m so grateful for my grandparents taking us in so that I can save some money and get back on my feet.
“Who do we have here?” an older gentleman asks, stepping up to the table. He leans down and kisses Carol, which tells me this is Maverick’s dad.
“Dad, this is Stella, and that cutie Mom is hogging is Ada. They had car trouble, and I had her car towed to Dec’s shop. I was going to take them home, but I was already late, so I convinced the ladies to join me.”
“I’m sorry,” I whisper.
Maverick whips his head around. His intense gaze staring me down. “You have nothing to apologize for. I had to work today at the last minute— I was supposed to be off. If I didn’t have to work, who knows how long you and Ada would have been sitting there on the side of the road? Everything happens for a reason, Stella.”
“Is this the cool kid's table?”
I look up and do a double take. There is a replica of the man sitting next to me, smiling down at my daughter.
“There are two of you?” I whisper to Maverick. I mean he told me, but seeing it is surreal. I realize my question sounds stupid, but two Mavericks is a lot to take in. Not that it matters. He tosses his head back in laughter, drawing attention our way with the boisterous sound.
“Merrick, this is Stella, and that cutie our mom has been hogging, is her daughter, Ada. Stella, this is my twin, Merrick.”
“Nice to meet you,” I say politely.
“You too. Sorry about her.” He nods toward his mother. “There just aren’t enough babies to go around yet. Give us a few years. My brothers are working on it.” He winks.
“I don’t mind. I feel guilty. I should be looking after her.”
Maverick’s father laughs loudly. “As soon as the love of my life decides she’s ready for a break, it will be my turn. I hope you don’t plan on heading home anytime soon.” He’s smiling, and I know his words and his smile are to put me at ease, and it works.