We’re both decked out in school colors, and I’m wearing a custom football jersey that Paige made for me. It has “Walker” stitched on the back.
My mom, who’s sitting on my other side, holds up my drink. “You need to stay hydrated.”
Smiling, I lean over and take a few sips from the straw. “Thanks, Mom.”
She brushes the bangs out of my face. “You look lovely tonight.”
Maverick helped us find a memory care center for my grandfather that was nearby. And although it was a tough move,Abuelohas finally settled down. It helps that we can see him every day.
Although I’d love to have my mom back at the salon, she says she’s tired and would rather help with Leo. Since my sister stayed in Amarillo because she met someone there, my mom says helping with the baby gives her life meaning.
I can’t explain how much that’s made a difference for me. Knowing Leo’s with my mom is a huge relief. Although on the weekends, if I’m working, he stays with Mav, who wears him on a chest harness as he works on our farm. He’ll send me pics all day of them with our horses and baby goats. Those two are adorable.
My mom shows me her phone. “Your video has gotten over a hundred thousand views. You’re going to be booked through Christmas.”
Vera and I shoot glow-up videos every week. Clients love to get picked to do these. It’s extra work, but super fun. I forgot how much I enjoy posting on social media.
“I think it’s time to hire another stylist.” That will mean all of our stations are full, and since we’ve raised our prices, we’re officially on solid financial footing.
“Is Sean picking Leo up tomorrow morning?” she asks.
“In the afternoon. He and Mav are going fishing first.”
At first, things between them were awkward, but after Leo got kidnapped, Sean and Mav set aside their differences so they could both be great dads to my son. And then they realized they had a lot in common. It started slow. When Sean would come to pick up the baby, Mav would invite him in, and they’d talk over breakfast or shoot zombies on the PlayStation. And now you could say they’re almost friends.
“Let me take Leo tonight and give you and Maverick a night off.” She gives me a funny look.
I try not to think what that look means. Will I be having dirty, sweaty, hot sex with Maverick? Probably. Do I want my mom knowing that? Definitely not.
I cough. “That would be great. Thanks.”
“And tell Sean I made him some fideo. That boy needs some home-cooked meals.”
“I hope you made Maverick some. Don’t want him to get jealous,” I tease.
“Please. I make him fideo every week. I don’t know where he puts it all.” We stare at my handsome boyfriend down on the sideline. He looks every bit the football star as he shouts directions to his athletes.
Maverick kept up with his rehab, and while he shouldn’t ever take another hard tackle by a linebacker, he can do almost everything he needs to on our farm. When he needs help, his brothers pitch in.
I stand Leo on my legs and turn him so he can see Ella, who’s sitting on Paige’s lap. On her other side, Rhett, Jace, and Beau are debating how long it’ll take for Mav to win state.
Although my dream about Maverick in a huge stadium after a win hasn’t come true yet, I’m starting to realize that it probably will—with his high school team. I lean over Paige and tell Rhett, “He’ll do it in two years. Three tops.”
Needless to say, my sweet boyfriend is kicking ass on that field today. I know I’m supposed to be watching the game, but it’s hard to peel my eyes off him as he stalks up and down the sidelines and coaches his team.
I nudge Paige. “He’s so good with those kids.” I sigh happily because holy hot damn, he’s handsome.
“He really is. They all look up to him like he’s a football god.” Paige chuckles. “But we won’t tell him that. Don’t want it to go to his head.”
I high-five her, and we laugh. Then I realize what I’m about to do and freak out. “I’m getting nervous.”
“You’re going to do great.”
“What if I screw up? I mean, why did they pick me to do this?”
“Because you’re awesome. You practiced, right?”
“All week. But I had a nightmare last night that I missed the football and everyone laughed.”
