29. Tomorrow Can Wait

Chapter 29

Tomorrow Can Wait

M aeve was perched in her usual spot in the kitchen beside the brewing coffee percolator. She was patiently waiting for the water inside to bubble to a rich dark amber. After what seemed like the longest day, the peaceful, quiet night felt like a cool balm, recharging her empty battery. Even though she was enjoying the moment to herself, she was grateful when Dozer perked up. He ran to the door to greet Dallas, who met the pup with a gentle scuffle of his floppy ears.

“Hey there, buddy,” Dallas’ voice bounced playfully. “I love you, but there’s someone else I’m looking for.”

Dozer let out a low whine.

“I know,” Dallas chuckled. “You’re jealous.”

Eavesdropping on their sweet exchange, Maeve couldn’t help but smile.

She didn’t have to wait long before Dallas appeared in the kitchen. Not bothering to hesitate, he pulled Maeve into a close embrace. She couldn’t deny that being tucked in his arms was her favorite place to be .

“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever,” Maeve commented, closing her eyes as she nestled into his soft shirt.

Dallas let out a long sigh, resting his chin on her head. “It’s been a long couple weeks.”

“Has it only been a couple weeks?” she sighed. “I’ll make you something to eat.”

“I’m starving,” Dallas admitted. “Something easy, a couple of eggs?”

Maeve pulled open the refrigerator door, retrieving their last carton and the tub of butter. Opening the lid on the eggs, she eyed the last two. Knowing there would be slim options to feed the family for breakfast, she had to admit that perhaps Oakleigh had been right about the chicken idea.

Taking out a cast iron skillet, she flipped on the stove. Realizing she didn’t have a backup if she made a mistake, she carefully cracked the eggs into the sizzling hot butter. Grabbing the spatula, she stopped in her tracks.

“I don’t think I’ve ever asked you how you like your eggs.”

It was a small detail that reminded her, although they had been close for so long, they still had much to learn about each other as husband and wife.

“Sunny side up for me,” he answered.

“So let me get this straight — you don’t drink coffee, and you like your eggs runny?” Maeve teased with a forlorn shake of her head. “Do we have anything in common?”

His arms slipped around her waist. She felt the scruff of his beard and his soft lips on the nape of her neck .

“I know that I love you,” he whispered.

Maeve had an irrepressible smile, playfully thwacking him with the spatula. “You better cool off before I burn these eggs.”

She plated the simple meal and set it in front of Dallas at the kitchen island.

Taking his first bite, he pointed his fork at the plate, accentuating every word. “Darlin’, these are about the best eggs I’ve ever had.”

The simplicity of their relationship drove a contented smile to her face.

“It’ll be an early morning tomorrow,” Maeve sighed. “A lot to talk about.”

Dallas paused before his next bite. “Is Harper going to be okay?”

Maeve bit the side of her lip as she shrugged.

She only knew for certain that the following day would require more than a few pots of coffee.

“You let me know if you need me,” Dallas reminded her.

It was comforting just knowing he was nearby.

“It would really help me if you could pull Crew aside?” Maeve suggested. “We’ve got this competition day after tomorrow, and all he can seem to focus on is how to propose to Oakleigh.”

“Oh, it can’t be that bad,” Dallas scoffed. “When it comes to rodeo, I’ve never seen a rider more disciplined.”

“Have you ever met Oakleigh?” Maeve smiled amusedly.

“She can be a little demanding,” Dallas observed .

“She’s got that boy so shook up,” Maeve chuckled. She tipped the percolator and filled her mug. “Last I heard, he put the ring in a cup of coffee.” Leaning against the counter, she took a long drink. “I’m afraid I’ve got to side with Oakleigh on this one — choking to death on a diamond is not a cute way to go.”

Dallas’ eyes went comically wide. “You’re right about that,” he replied, attempting to keep a straight face.

Pulling her fingers across her brow, exhaustion won. A burst of laughter broke free at the thought of Oakleigh’s wide-eyed, horrified expression as she conveyed every detail of the ridiculous proposal.

Maeve had to admit it felt good to laugh.

Dallas cleared his plate and brought it to the sink. Washing and drying the dish, he reached up and stacked it high in the cabinet.

“He washes dishes, too?” Maeve observed with a whimsical glance. “I think I picked a good one.”

Dallas wrapped his arms around her once again, pulling her close. “Even if he doesn’t drink coffee?”

“Even if he doesn’t know what he’s missing,” Maeve grinned.

He took her by the hand and led her up the stairs. They went down the hall together to the bedroom they now shared.

Our bedroom.

Our bed .

She closed the door behind her and twisted the lock. Sitting on the plush down comforter, she ran her fingers over the soft sheets.

After the long day of pouring into others, Maeve felt a wave of exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her.

Holding the family together came at a price. She had to be strong, and it wasn’t often that she could be entirely transparent — but Dallas was her person .

“I’m tired, Dal,” she admitted.

“I know, darlin’,” he said. He sat beside her, kneading a thumb into her tight neck and shoulders.

She ran her fingers down his jaw and through his thick brown beard, soaking up the love and concern that gazed back at her from his hazel eyes. There was more peace with him than she had ever found in her quiet moments alone.

She closed her eyes, feeling his soft lips capture hers and trace down her neck once again.

Maeve allowed it all to drift from her mind.

Melting into his embrace, she allowed Dallas to distract her from every concern.

Tomorrow’s worries could wait.