Chapter Eleven

Two days later, Parker stood in the basement of the church with her parents, receiving condolences from friends and family who had come to pay their respects to her grandfather. It was heartwarming to see so many people gathering to honor his memory.

"He would have loved this," Parker said to her mother with a smile.

"Yes, he would have."

"Trust me, he's watching us from above and feeling proud," her father chimed in.

"Everyone I've talked to has said we should raise a glass to him. You should do that, Dad," Parker suggested with a grin.

"I will, but right now, I'm going to mingle." Her father excused himself and blended into the crowd.

"Are you okay, Mom?"

"I am. I know your grandfather is happy to be reunited with your grandmother, but I'll miss them both greatly."

"I know. I will—" Parker suddenly gasped.

"What is it?"

"Maverick."

"Do you need to call him?"

"No. I need to talk to him."

"Parker, you're not making any sense."

Parker looked at her mother, tears welling up in her eyes. "He's here."

"What? Where?"

"Parker pointed toward the door. "By the entrance. Tall, dark, and handsome, holding a cowboy hat in his hands."

"Oh, my goodness. Well, honey, go get your handsome man."

A huge smile spread across Parker's face as she nodded and pushed through the crowd toward Maverick who was looking around for her. She approached him quietly until she was standing next to him.

"Looking for someone, cowboy?" she asked with a playful tone.

Maverick turned toward her in surprise and Parker couldn't help but think how much she needed this man in her life forever. He grinned at her.

"Hey, I know you didn't want me here—"

"Let's step out into the hall for a minute."

"Alright."

She took his hand and led him out into the hallway. Once they were alone, she turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips to his in a deep kiss, relieved to finally be able to hold him again.

"I've missed you so much, Maverick," she said as she gazed into his eyes.

"I've missed you too."

"I don't want you to think I didn't want you here. There's no place I'd rather have you."

"But—"

"No. I was wrong. When you asked me about coming with me, I was so consumed by grief that I couldn't process it and I said something horrible."

"Parker—"

The words trembled on her lips as she continued, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I remembered saying I didn't think it was a good idea... about you coming with me." She paused, her voice thick with emotion. "I was only thinking about what my mother was going through and I didn't want you to meet my parents when they were going through such a rough time. But, baby, I was so wrong."

She shook her head, the weight of regret heavy in her heart. "The night before he died, Pops said he wished he could have met you, and I knew then I was so very wrong. You should have been here with me. I did need you with me and I know I hurt you. That is one thing I never want to do to you. Ever." She could see the tears in his eyes as he stared at her.

"I'm not going to lie," he finally choked out. "It hurt. I couldn't figure out why you wouldn't want me with you when you were going through that pain. I would have wanted you with me. To me, we should always be there for each other. I was afraid that you didn't care as much as I'd hoped."

A sob escaped her lips as she reached for his hand. "Oh, Maverick. I do care. I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love someone." She took a deep breath, trying to regain control of her emotions. "I can't apologize enough. I did need you here and I was just too upset to see it."

Her heart breaking all over again, she continued, "When Pops said that, about meeting you, it broke my heart because two men I loved so much didn't get to meet and it was my fault. I will never forgive myself for that."

Maverick brushed away the tears from her cheeks, his own emotions raw and exposed. "I would have liked to have met him too," he said softly, "but I don't want you blaming yourself for it. Your grandfather and I have something in common. We both love you and always will."

Her eyes searching his, she asked, "How did you ever find me?"

"Shay helped me find where in Oregon your parents lived, and Wes had their pilot fly me here. After I rented a truck, I drove down the street and came to the church," he explained. "The bulletin board outside said the memorial for Chester Lang was being held in the basement. I parked and came inside." He shrugged. "I wasn't going to give up until I found you. I just lucked out driving down the right street."

"Maybe Pops had a hand in that," she said as she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I'd like to believe that." He tugged her close and kissed her head.

Parker's face lit up with a smile as she looked at him. "How about I introduce you to my parents?"

"I'd love to meet them, if you're sure."

She squeezed his hand. "I'm absolutely positive."

Parker guided him inside and through the crowded room. She couldn't ignore the lingering gazes of other women on Maverick, but she didn't blame them. He was undeniably handsome. They arrived at her parents' side, and Parker beamed at them.

"Mom, Dad, this is Maverick Whitacre. Maverick, these are my parents, Gina and Clark Gordon."

"Ma'am, sir, it's a pleasure to meet you both. My condolences for your loss," Maverick said as he shook hands with her mother first, then her father.

"We're glad to meet you too, Maverick. Thank you," her mother replied.

"Yes, it's wonderful to meet you, and thank you for your kind words," her father added with a smile.

"Are you hungry?" Parker asked Maverick.

"Actually, I'm starving."

"Then let's go grab some food. The buffet is right over here and there's a wide selection to choose from. Mom, Dad, we'll be back in a bit."

"Take your time. I'm sure you both have lots to talk about," her mother reassured.

Parker winked at her mother before taking Maverick's hand and leading him to the food tables. Once they loaded their plates, they found a table to sit at. As he glanced around the room, Parker couldn't help but stare at him with happiness. She was so grateful that he had come. He looked back at her and smiled.

"There are a lot of people here," he commented.

"He was loved by many."

"It looks like it."

She knew he was still thinking about not meeting her grandfather. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be. I understand."

"But I really wish you could have met him. He was an incredible person," her voice caught.

Maverick reached for her hand. "Someday, I'll get the chance to meet him."

Parker tried to hold back her tears as she smiled through them. "I hope so."

Maverick picked up his fork and started eating, and Parker followed suit.

"Did the pilot wait for you?" she asked.

"No, I told him I'd either catch a ride with you or rent a car."

"So, you were hoping we could talk things out?"

"Of course. I just hoped you wouldn't be angry with me for showing up." A tear rolled down Parker's cheek, and he wiped it away gently. "Don't cry, darlin'. We're okay."

"I hope so. Hurting you is the last thing I want to do."

Maverick nodded in agreement. He took her hand in his and gazed into her eyes with love. "Parker, you're the only woman I'll ever love. We may have disagreements, but that's all part of being in a relationship. I promise to never intentionally hurt you."

"I promise the same. I just hate..."

"Let it go, darlin'. I already have. We're good." He winked at her, making her smile. "Oh, I should probably find a hotel for the night."

"No need, you can stay at the house."

"Are you sure? You might want to check with your parents first."

"I will right now. I'll be back."

"I'll be right here."

Parker stood up and walked over to where her parents were sitting with friends.

"Mom, can we talk for a minute?"

"Of course, honey." Gina got up and they stepped away from the group. "What is it?"

"Um, would it be okay if Maverick stayed at the house?"

"Well of course he can. "

"In my room?"

"Parker, you're a grown woman, dear. You can make that decision yourself."

"But it's your house."

"It's fine, honey. I can see how much you missed him and how happy you are that he's here. It's wonderful that he made the trip for you. And he's incredibly handsome." Gina laughed.

Parker glanced at Maverick and then back at her mother. "He really is, isn't he?"

"Yes, very much so. Those blue eyes are stunning. But don't tell your father I said that, or he'll give me a hard time."

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. Do you think Dad will mind?"

"Not at all. Everyone will be leaving soon, so if you want to go home, don't feel obligated to stay. I'm sure Maverick is tired, so take him home and we'll see you both soon."

Parker hugged her mother and returned to where Maverick was sitting.

"My parents said it's fine. Are you tired?"

"Exhausted. I've been up since four this morning."

"Then let's go. You can follow me."

"Sweetheart, I'd follow you anywhere."

"Right back at you, cowboy."

After disposing of their paper plates, they stepped outside into the cool fall air.

"It's a nice night," Maverick remarked.

"Nice? It's freezing!"

"Parker, it was ten degrees when I left Clifton. This is nothing."

"It probably feels like summer weather to you after that. "

Maverick chuckled. "Where did you park?"

"In the lot next to the church. Where's your truck?"

"Over there." He pointed to a white pickup truck parked at the curb.

"Okay, I'll pull out in my car and then you can follow me."

"Sounds good."

****

Maverick awoke and took in his surroundings, remembering he was staying at Parker's parents' house. She was sleeping next to him, probably not getting much rest since her grandfather's passing. He sat up and quietly slipped out of bed, pulling on his sweatpants and a T-shirt before leaving the room. His throat felt dry, so he made his way down to the kitchen, trying not to trip or make any noise along the way.

As he descended the stairs, gripping onto the banister for support, he noticed that a light was on in the kitchen. He hesitated but decided to go in anyway; his thirst couldn't wait. Inside, he saw Parker's father sitting at the bar. Mr. Gordon looked up and greeted Maverick with a smile.

"Hey there, Maverick. Can I help you with something?"

"Just some water please. Sorry if I'm disturbing you, Mr. Gordon. I'll be quick."

"You're not disturbing me at all, son. Grab yourself a bottle from the fridge and join me."

Maverick followed his instructions and sat on a stool beside him, unscrewing the cap of his water bottle before taking a long drink and setting it down.

"I see you enjoyed the ham," Mr. Gordon noted.

Maverick grinned. "I sure did, but it always makes me thirsty."

"Same here." Mr. Gordon chuckled. "So, tell me about yourself. Parker mentioned you're a foreman on a ranch?"

"Yes sir. It's one of the biggest ranches in Montana, one hundred thousand acres. I've been working there for twenty-four years."

"That's quite a long time. You must love it."

"I do. I have great bosses."

"And that's one hell of a big ranch. Are you the only foreman?"

"No sir, there are four of us total."

"It sounds like you need a team that size for such a large ranch."

"Yes, sir."

"No need to call me sir, Maverick. Just Clark is fine," he said, turning to face him. "You love my daughter, don't you?"

Maverick met his gaze confidently. "I do."

Clark nodded in understanding. "I can tell. And she loves you too. She needs a good man in her life, and I believe that's you. Do you know about her past, her husband and child?"

"Yes, sir. It's heartbreaking to imagine what she went through, but she's one of the strongest women I've ever known."

"Indeed, she is. Just like her mother."

"Clark," Maverick began, hesitantly using his first name. "I want to marry Parker. I'd like your blessing. "

"My blessing? Not permission?" Clark smirked.

"To be honest, I don't need your permission, just hers, but I would like your blessing."

"If I don't give it?"

"I'll marry her regardless, if she'll have me."

"I'm heading back to bed now. These past few days have been tough on all of us."

"Of course, goodnight," Maverick replied respectfully.

"Oh, and Maverick?" Clark looked over his shoulder at him.

"Yes, sir?"

"You have my blessing," Clark said with a smile before leaving the kitchen.

Maverick couldn't help but grin at the thought of asking Parker to marry him once they returned to Clifton. He finished his water and tossed the bottle into the recycling bin before making his way back to the bedroom.

Quietly entering the room, he climbed into bed beside Parker and pulled her close to him as she snuggled into his embrace. This was exactly where he wanted to be, with Parker by his side for the rest of his days.

****

Parker embraced her parents, then Maverick hugged her mother and shook her father's hand. Then she and Maverick climbed into her SUV, with Maverick taking the driver's seat. Parker was grateful that he offered to drive; she was still exhausted from the past few days. Her parents were going to return the truck Maverick had rented.

"If you start feeling too tired, just let me know and we can stop at a hotel," Maverick said.

"That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure you're tired too," Parker replied.

"Nah, I'm good. I slept well last night, and I know you did too. You didn't even stir when I got out of bed."

"When did you get out of bed?" She raised an eyebrow.

"Around midnight. The ham we had for dinner made me so thirsty, I had to get some water. Your dad was in the kitchen too." Maverick chuckled.

Parker laughed along with him. "For the same reason?"

"Yep. We chatted for a bit. I really like your parents."

"They like you too. My mom thinks you're incredibly handsome," she teased.

The corners of Maverick's mouth twitched in a playful smile as he couldn't resist teasing her. "What can I say? Your mom has good taste."

Parker laughed, feeling grateful for his lightheartedness. "No modesty at all."

"Like you don't know you're beautiful." He grinned and winked at her.

Shaking her head, Parker couldn't help but feel lucky to have such a caring man by her side. It still pained her that she had hurt him. He deserved so much better than what she gave him.

"Stop thinking about it," he urged gently.

"I can't help it. I hate that I hurt you."

Maverick reached for her hand, his touch comforting and warm. "I understand, Parker. You were grieving and it didn't occur to you."

"But it should have, Maverick. As soon as you suggested going with me, I should have listened. I did need you with me, but I couldn't think of anything else but getting home to see my grandfather. But in doing so, I disappointed two men I love."

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Please let it go. It's in the past now. Meeting your grandfather would have been nice, but more importantly, I wanted to be there for you during such a difficult time."

Parker couldn't hold back the tears that pricked at her eyes. "But I didn't even let you do that. I didn't even say goodbye or tell you that I loved you before leaving like that. I will never forgive myself for that."

Feeling overwhelmed with emotion, she was surprised when Maverick pulled over to the side of the road and turned to face her.

"Baby, you have to let this go," he pleaded, his eyes searching hers.

"But I hurt you," she whispered.

Maverick let out a heavy sigh. "Yes, but I understand. You were in shock over your grandfather's diagnosis. Your mind wasn't clear. I get it." He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Please let it go, love."

"I promise to try," she said through tears.

"It's all I can ask. Let's get back on the road. I'd like to get home."

"Me too. I have to pick Pumpkin up at the hospital." She looked at him. "What did you do with Blue?"

"Grady took care of her."

"You seem close to him."

"He's my best friend. He started at the ranch a year after I did."

"I'm sure you've gotten close then, working together all those years."

Maverick chuckled. "All those years. Way to make me feel old, darlin'."

Parker laughed. "I didn't mean it like that."

He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her palm.

"I know."

After checking for traffic, he pulled onto the road and headed home.

****

Maverick parked the SUV in front of his house and glanced over at Parker, who was fast asleep in the passenger seat. He knew she was exhausted after a hectic week. Gently shaking her shoulder, he said, "Parker? We're home, baby."

She stirred awake and blinked her eyes before looking at him with a smile that made his heart skip a beat. "I fell asleep, didn't I?" she asked.

"Ya think?" Maverick chuckled.

She sat up and touched his cheek. "You should have woken me up so I could drive for a while. You must be tired."

"I'm fine. I'll head to bed early. Do you want to drive to your place or stay the night?"

"I'd like to stay if it's alright with you. I'm still so tired."

"Of course, it's alright with me. Let's go inside. I texted Grady, so he should be here soon to return Blue."

"Okay. Can you open the hatch please?" She got out of the car and walked toward the back. "Damn, it's freezing out!"

Maverick chuckled as he pushed the button to release the hatch and grabbed her suitcase and his duffle bag. Nodding for her to lead the way, he followed her to the porch.

"The door's unlocked," Maverick said.

Parker looked at him in surprise. "Don't you lock your doors when you leave?"

"No need to. I told you; no one ever comes around."

"Okay." She opened the door, shaking her head as Maverick chuckled.

He stepped past her and carried their luggage to the bedroom before heading back to see her sitting on the sofa with her eyes closed.

"Why don't you lie down? Once Grady gets here, I'm going to have him take me to the barn to get my truck."

"Alright. I can't believe how exhausted I am."

"You haven't slept much this week, Parker."

"Have you?"

"Not really, but I'm used to it."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and Grady walked in with Blue excitedly running past him and barking at Maverick.

"I think she missed you, though I can't imagine why."

Maverick laughed as he squatted down to pet her.

Grady stopped short when he saw Parker getting up from the sofa. He looked at Maverick and raised an eyebrow, but Maverick just smirked.

"Parker, this is Grady Henderson. Grady, meet Parker Tisdale."

Grady took off his hat, smiled, and shook her hand. "Ma'am. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sorry for your loss."

"Nice to meet you too and thank you." She glanced at Maverick. "I'm going to rest for a bit."

"Okay. I'll be back soon." Giving her a quick kiss on the lips, Maverick watched as she headed toward the bedroom before turning to see Grady grinning at him. "Shut up," he muttered.

Grady chuckled. "I didn't say anything."

"No need. I know you too well."

"She's beautiful."

"Back off."

"Oh, come on, Maverick. I've never crossed any lines. I was just making an observation."

Maverick sighed. "I know. Sorry."

"Don't be. If she wasn't head over heels for you, I might have asked her out myself."

"You're a pain in the ass. Come on, give me a ride to the barn."

"Yes sir." Grady saluted.

"Fucking smartass," Maverick muttered as they walked out together with Blue following behind them.

****

Monday morning, Parker unlocked the door to the shop and entered, closing it behind her. She made her way to the back office, placing her purse in the safe, then hung up her coat, before grabbing a duster and beginning to clean the showroom. She was glad to be back in Clifton and back to work, but things didn't seem quite right with Maverick. He had been distant since they got back from Oregon, leaving her unsure of what to do to fix their relationship. Lately, she missed his touch; they hadn't been intimate since before her trip to Oregon and she didn't know how to bring up the subject with him. In Oregon, he told her he was fine, but something still felt off and she was afraid she had damaged their relationship irreparably.

As Shay entered through the front door, Parker's eyes welled with tears. Shay walked over and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so sorry about your grandfather," Shay said.

"Thank you, Shay. I'll miss him every day."

"Are you sure you want to be here?"

"Yes, I need the distraction. If I stayed at home, my mind would only dwell on him."

Shay studied her closely. "Is that all that's bothering you?"

Parker hesitated before shaking her head. "No. My relationship with Maverick is also weighing heavy on my mind. I don't know what's wrong with him. Well, that's not entirely true. I think he's still upset that I didn't take him with me to Oregon." Parker recounted the events from the night before she left for Oregon and when Maverick showed up unexpectedly. "In Oregon, he told me how hurt and disappointed he was that I didn't let him come with me. The night before my grandfather passed away, he told me he would have liked to have met Maverick, and it hit me hard just how wrong it was that I had not let Maverick accompany me and introduce them. Two men I love more than anything will never meet because I didn't let Maverick go with me. I was so happy to see him when he showed up at the memorial. He even said he knew I didn't want him there, but he wanted to be there for me." Tears streamed down Parker's face as she spoke.

"Have you talked to Maverick about this?" Shay asked.

"No, because he told me it was fine. After we talked about it in Oregon, he kept telling me he understood, and to stop blaming myself, but I can tell something is bothering him. Is everything okay at the ranch?"

"As far as I know," Shay replied. "But you need to have a conversation with Maverick. You can't just ignore this."

"I know, but I'm scared of what I might hear," Parker admitted. "I stayed with him Friday night when we got back, but he said he wanted to work over the weekend, so I left Saturday morning while he was at the ranch. We haven't had sex in almost two weeks."

"Go talk to him," Shay urged. "You can't let your fear of losing him stop you from addressing any issues in your relationship."

"You're right. I'll do that. I'll call him later and tell him we need to talk."

"Are you sure you want to be here?"

"Yes, please."

"Alright. Let me get my coat off and we can get to work, though with the snow, I doubt we have very many customers."

At noon, Parker sent Maverick a text. Yeah, she knew it was the coward's way, but she was afraid if she heard his voice, she'd never get the words out .

Hey, are you busy?

I'm always busy but never too busy for you. What's up?

That, at least, made her feel better.

Can we get together tonight? I think we need to talk.

About?

Us.

Okay. I can come by tonight around six.

Alright. I'll see you then.

Yes, ma'am.

She was hoping to see ‘I love you', but he didn't tell her. A tear rolled down her cheek as she thought about losing the best thing to ever happen to her.

****

Maverick drove his truck down the alley and parked beside the steps. Ice pinged on the roof of the cab, and he hoped he didn't fall down those stairs and bust his ass. Freezing rain started an hour ago and everything was covered with a sheet of it.

He sighed as he opened the door, stepped out, closed the door, then carefully made his way up the stairs, holding onto the banister.

"Fuck, it's cold," he murmured.

He reached the stoop and knocked on the door. When it opened, he was surprised to see the tears on her cheeks.

"What's wrong?"

"Come inside."

"Okay." He wiped his feet on the welcome mat, removed his hat, and entered the apartment. " Should I take off my coat?"

"Yes, of course."

He nodded as he hung his hat up, then removed his coat and hung it on the hall tree. He turned to look at her.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"If you don't mind. It's damn cold out with freezing rain."

"It's no problem. Please sit and I'll make it for you."

Maverick sat on the sofa and couldn't figure out what was going on with her. Maybe she'd been crying over her grandfather. He knew she was still having a hard time with his death.

She brought his coffee to him, handed him the cup, then sat on the sofa beside him.

"I didn't know it was so bad out or this could have waited," she said.

"Could it? What's going on, Parker?"

She looked surprised. "Nothing is going on with me. What's going on with you?"

"Nothing. Why?"

"Ever since we got back, you've barely spoken to me. We haven't had sex since before I left for Oregon. You told me when we were there, that you were past what happened."

He raised his eyebrows. "I am. Just when were we supposed to have sex, Parker? We were at your parents' house for a few days, but you were gone before that."

"What about when we got home?"

"I was giving you space. You were grieving."

"Is that it?"

"Yes, of course."

"You've been distant and don't say you've been giving me space."

Maverick sighed. "I had something on my mind."

"You can't tell me?" She touched his hand. "I want you to be able to share everything with me, Maverick."

"I do, baby, but this was something I had to figure out myself."

"And have you?"

He bit his lip and nodded. "I have."

"Can you tell me now? I want us back to the way we were."

"I don't want to go back."

"What? Are you telling me you don't want to see me anymore?"

"Good Lord, woman. Where do you get such a thought?"

"You said you didn't want to go back to the way we were." She sniffled.

He cupped her face in his hands. "I don't want to go back because I want to go forward with you."

"Forward?"

Maverick got to his feet, walked to his coat, and reached into the pocket. He removed the small black velvet box, took a deep breath, and walked back to the sofa and sat.

"When we were in Oregon, remember I told you that your dad and I talked in the kitchen one night?" She nodded. "He said to me, you love my daughter, don't you and I said, I do, then I told him I wanted to marry you and asked for his blessing." Maverick grinned when she gasped and shook his head. "He left me hanging for a few seconds, then told me I had it. I've been trying to find the right time to ask you because you've been through so much with your grandfather, and the thought that you would tell me no, scared the hell out of me. I haven't been… distant , I've been scared."

"You asked my dad for his blessing?"

"Yes. He asked me what if he didn't give it and I told him I'd marry you anyway, if you'd have me." He stared into her eyes. "So, will you? Have me?"

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed his lips. "Yes."

He opened the lid of the box to show her the diamond ring set in white gold. He removed the ring, picked up her hand, and looked at her.

"I love you so much, Parker. More than I have ever loved anyone. Will you marry me?"

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded. "Yes."

Maverick kissed her lips, and slid the ring onto her finger, then kissed her knuckles. Parker held her hand out in front of her and stared at the ring.

"If you don't like it—"

"I love it. Almost as much as I love you." She leaned forward and kissed his lips again.

"I'm glad you do." He pulled her across his lap and pressed his lips to hers. Kissing her with all the love he felt for her.