Chapter 2

TWO

Stella

Getting rescued by a handsome stranger was not on my bingo card today. Who am I kidding? Nothing about today has gone the way it was supposed to. I wasn’t supposed to be driving home from Atlanta today. However, Ada’s dad refused to come and pick her up. What makes matters worse is when I got there, he wasn’t home. I had to call his cell five times before he answered, and he claimed he forgot.

Forgot.

How do you forget that it’s your weekend to see your daughter? How did he forget when we talked right before I left the house to drop her off because he didn’t have gas money to come to Willow River? How is that normal? It’s not. He’s not. But those are the cards my baby girl and I have been dealt.

Speaking of normal, Maverick Kincaid is unlike any man I’ve ever met. He’s kind, and he’s good with kids. He’s gorgeous and not at all what I was expecting when he approached my car earlier today. Sure, I barely know the guy, but from what I’ve seen, Maverick is one of the good ones.

As an only child, I don’t know what it’s like to have a large family, but the Kincaids seem to have it down to a science. Kids are passed around, and everyone is talking and laughing, and it makes me yearn for something like this for Ada.

She doesn’t know either set of her grandparents. My grandparents are her great-grandparents. They’re so good with her, but it’s just not the same. I know that they are getting up there in age. They can’t run and play with her as my parents could have. I swallow back the emotion when I think about losing either one of my grandparents. They’re the only family we have since my parents disowned me.

Well, I guess that’s not completely true. We have Ada’s sperm donor, but that’s all he was good for. The minute I told him I was pregnant, he informed me he didn’t want to be a dad. Since then, he’s done everything in his power not to have to help support our daughter. He can’t hold down a job. It’s more like he refuses to hold down a job, so child support is nonexistent. I’m doing this on my own, and that’s okay, but sometimes… sometimes, I wish we had a support system like the one we’ve found ourselves sitting in the middle of today.

“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.

“They’re baby hogs. Literally. I have to run and hide whenever I get lucky and get one of our nieces or nephews. Well, all except for Blakely. She’s the oldest by a few years, and she knows how to play us all.” Maverick shrugs as if it’s no consequence that the girl, Blakely, rules the roost.

“Uncle Mav!” A little girl comes bouncing over to us. “You have a baby?” she asks, her eyes wide.

“No, kiddo, this is my friend Stella. That is her baby girl, Ada.” He points to where my daughter is living her best life with his mom. “Stella, this is my niece Blakely, the oldest of my nieces and nephews.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Blakely.” I smile kindly. She tilts her head to the side, studying me. I try not to squirm under her gaze. She’s a kid, for goodness sake. I should not let her scrutiny get to me. I grab my water and take a drink to give myself something to do other than stress about this little beauty approving of my presence among her family.

“Stella, do you like arm porn?” Blakely asks.

I choke on my drink of water. Maverick is laughing, and I can feel his shoulder shake next to me. I open my mouth to reply but then quickly close it. Did she ask me what I think she did?

“Blakely.” Carol sighs. “Go find your daddy.”

“He’s drinking a beer over there.” She points behind her. “My daddy and my uncles gots arm porn, Stella. If you are Uncle Mav’s friend, you must like it, huh?”

Merrick is doubled over, his hands resting on the back of his dad’s chair as he heaves with laughter.

“Declan!” Raymond calls out. “Come get your daughter,” he says, barely containing his own laughter.

“What’s so funny?” Blakely asks.

“Come here, you.” Maverick snakes an arm around her waist and pulls her onto his lap. “You can’t go around asking people if they like arm porn,” he tells her. How he manages to keep a straight face, I’ll never know.

“But my mommy and my aunts like the arm porn, Uncle Mav.” As if she needs to demonstrate, she reaches out and squeezes his bicep. She nods her approval, and all I want to do is tell her, “Same.”

Maverick definitely has some sexy arm porn. I cover my mouth because even thinking about it makes me want to laugh, and he’s trying to discipline her, so I need to be a mature adult and keep a straight face. It’s hard to do.

“Daddy.” Blakely climbs off Maverick’s lap and wraps her arms around the newcomer”s waist.

“Are you being good?” he asks. He stares down at her like she’s his world, and I feel my chest tighten with longing. Not for me, but for Ada. Will she ever know what it’s like to have a male role model who looks at her like she’s his little princess? My grandpa does a great job, but he’s older, and by the time Ada is Blakely’s age, who knows how well he will be getting around? A wave of sadness washes over me. I can’t imagine a world where Gramps isn’t working at the hardware store and rushing home to Grandma for dinner. I know I can’t be selfish and keep them forever, but I can still wish for it.

“I’m always good, Daddy.”

“Uh-huh.” He laughs at his daughter before giving me his full attention. “Hi, I’m Declan.”

I wave awkwardly. “Stella. Another brother?”

“Yeah. I’m the mechanic. We’ll get your car fixed up. Make sure you give Mav your contact info.”

“My daddy works on cars. When I help, I have to wear my wiener pants. That’s how he’s gots all the arm porn, right, Daddy? Working on the cars?” Blakely asks.

I slap my hand over my mouth and watch as Declan smashes his lips together to contain his laughter. He eventually gets himself under control. “Blake,” he warns, in what I’m assuming is his dad voice.

“Uh-oh.” She wiggles away from him and backs away slowly. “I better go see my mommy and my aunts.” With that, she turns on her heel and darts across the room.

Several voices, including Maverick, Merrick, Declan, and their parents, call out—hell, I think every adult in the room gives her the warning simultaneously: “Don’t run,” making her giggle.

“Sorry about that,” Declan says, running his fingers through his hair.

“Nothing to be sorry for. She’s adorable.” I’m not exactly sure what wiener pants are, but I can only imagine what that sweet girl has made up in her mind.

“She is.” He nods. “She’s also a handful. She was the only grandchild for a few years, and well, my brothers spoiled her, and she’s… a character.” The smile on his face tells me that he adores his little girl. “My wife and I, we’ve been trying to teach her, but she’s got a mind of her own.”

“She’s perfect,” I tell him.

He smiles over at Ada, who is laughing at their father as he makes funny faces at her. “They grow up way too fast.”

A beautiful woman walks up, and he immediately slides his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his chest. “Our daughter is talking about arm porn again.” She bites down on her lip, hiding her smile.

“She’s your daughter when she talks about arm porn,” he tells her. “That’s you and the Kincaid ladies all day long.”

“He’s right,” Merrick chimes in. “You can’t blame us for that.”

“Fine. I’ll take the blame for the arm porn. Lord knows this family has it an abundance.” She smiles up at her husband.

I want what they have.

I want a man to love me so openly that everyone around will know it without him saying a word.

“Hi, I’m Kennedy. This one is mine.” She pokes Declan gently in the belly.

“I’m Stella. Nice to meet you. I met your daughter. She’s adorable.”

“Thank you. We have a son too. Beckham, he’s one.”

“The same age as Ada.” I nod toward my daughter.

“Oh, we should schedule a playdate.” She rattles off a bunch of names and ages. “Blakely is the odd woman out.” She laughs. “The rest of them are really close in age.”

“I’d like that,” I tell her, and we exchange numbers. Mentally, I’m fist bumping myself for making friends with other moms, even though I know it wouldn’t be happening if the handsome stranger sitting next to me didn’t offer to help me and then insisted my daughter and I join him today.

As the day passes, I meet several more brothers, wives, and kids. Ada is passed around, and my baby girl soaks up all the attention. What started out as a shit-tastic day turned out to be one of the best I’ve had in a really long time.

“You about ready to go?” Maverick asks me.

“Yes. I’ll just go get Ada,” I say, nodding to where Merrick is holding her in a chair. They both look as though they’re on the verge of falling asleep.

“I’ll get her.” He gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, and he leaves to take my daughter from his brother.

I watch him as he gently lifts her into his arms and settles her against his chest. Ada lays her head on his shoulder, and Maverick rubs her back soothingly. He says something to Merrick that makes his twin laugh. With a nod, he heads my way. “Ready?”

“I can take her.” I reach for Ada.

“Nah, she’s comfy. Aren’t you, baby girl?” She’s content to be snuggled in his arms.

“Don’t you need to say goodbye to everyone?” I ask him.

“Nah, I see them all the time. Besides, they’re also wrangling up their littles to head home.”

Not knowing what else to do, I grab the diaper bag and follow him out to his truck. He straps Ada in with quick efficiency before softly closing the door. With his hand on the small of my back, he opens the front passenger door for me. Once I’m settled, he closes the door and rushes to slide behind the wheel.

“Do you want me to drive you by Declan’s shop so that you know where it is?”

“You don’t have to do that. Willow River is a small town. I’m sure I can figure it out.”

“Your grandparents know as well. Dec does all of their maintenance and repair work.”

The knowledge makes me feel better. Silence fills the cab as Maverick pulls out on the road. We’re getting close to my grandparents” place, and I need to get out my thank-yous for today so that when we get there, I can grab Ada and we can get out of his hair. I know I need to, but doing so means today is over, and well, I’m sad about that.

“Thank you for today, Maverick. For stopping to help and including us in your day. You didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re welcome. It was nothing, and you met the fam. They were happy to have you there. I’m sorry they hogged your daughter all day.”

“No. Don’t be. She loved all of the attention. It was nice to feel like we were a part of something more. Something bigger than what’s our reality.”

“Well, I’ll loan them to you anytime. Don’t get me wrong, I love them, but I’m more than happy to share. There are plenty of Kincaids to go around.” He glances over and winks, and my face heats, so I turn to look out the window.

We’re both quiet until Maverick pulls into the driveway and turns off the truck. “I’ll carry her in for you.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that. I’m used to doing it.”

“I know I don’t have to. I want to.” Something crosses his face, but it’s gone before I can name it.

Speaking of being gone, Maverick is out of the truck, snuggling my sleeping daughter to his chest before I can unbuckle my seat belt and climb out of his truck.

“Lead the way,” he says, stroking his gigantic hand over Ada’s back.

I nod and turn, walking toward the front door. The house is quiet, and that’s when I remember Grams telling me they were going to visit friends for dinner. Suddenly, my day, tagging along with Maverick and his family is even more of a blessing. We would have spent the day alone. Don’t get that twisted. I love quality time with my daughter, but I can also admit I’m lonely, and the adult interaction was nice.

“Back here,” I tell Maverick. I lead him to the small bedroom I’m sharing with my daughter. “I can put her down,” I tell him.

“Nah, we have a better chance of her not waking up if we don’t transfer her.”

I stand by and watch as he lowers her gently into her crib and brushes her hair back from her eyes before standing to his full height. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. Unlocking the screen, he hands it to me. “Put your number in,” he tells me. “I’ll make sure to get it to Declan. Do you need a ride to work or anything?”

“No. I’ve been looking for work, but nothing yet. I’m going to start at the store with Gramps tomorrow. I was hoping to avoid that.”

“Why?” he asks, keeping his voice low, careful not to wake Ada.

“I already feel as though I’m taking advantage of them. We’re living with them rent free. I don’t need them to pay me too.”

“That’s what family is for, Stella. Let them help. I know them pretty well, and I’m sure they’re happy to do it.”

“Yeah,” I reply. That’s exactly what they’ve been telling me since I got here, but I still feel guilty.

“Declan will be in touch.” His fingers fly across his screen, and I hear my phone. “I just texted you, so now you have my number. If you need me, you call me. You know, if you’re stranded or need to borrow my crazy family for an afternoon.”

“Not crazy.”

“We are, but I love them because of it.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

He nods and leads the way to the front door.

“Thank you again so much.”

He turns and lifts his hand to brush my hair out of my eyes, much like he did my daughter’s. “You’re welcome, Stella.” With that, he turns and walks away.

My heart pounds in my chest as I watch him leave. There isn’t a doubt in my mind that everyone he knows, their life is better because he’s in it.