“Why? So we don’t end up pregnant? I think we’re good there.”
“It’s good to see you smiling, son,” Clancy says.
“It’s good to be smiling,” I reply.
And why wouldn’t I?
It’s such a surreal time in my life, but I’m trying this new thing—acceptance.
And I’m getting rid of another thing—being angry all the fucking time.
There’s no way to sugarcoat how hard losing my sight is. Despite all my planning and the gradual deterioration of my sight these past few months, being completely blind makes so many things feel unfamiliar. I’m doing everything I can to cling to my independence, but I rely on Maverick way more than I’dlike to. And then there’s the growing realization that I’ll never see my loved ones’ faces again. I won’t see Evie grow up. Or Clancy’s boyish smile. Or Sib rolling her eyes when we banter. Or Verity’s beautiful hair. Or Maverick’s dimples.
There’s also the fact that I’ve acquired the world’s actual biggest rich asshole as a half brother. Future-me is going to have to deal with that at some stage. But for now, I’m focusing on the positives. Thanksgiving might be a few weeks away, but I’m not waiting until then to count my blessings.
I have a family who love me. A better best friend than I could have ever wished for. New people in my life who seem to tolerate me. An adorable four-year-old who is cool with me not knowing how to act around him. A beautiful cabin to call home. And the best guy in the world to share it with.
All things considered, I’d say I’m doing okay.
“How do you feel about the new horse handler starting next week, Maverick?” Pip asks.
“Well, he’s got impossible shoes to fill, but I’m glad we took our time and picked someone good. Right, Jackson?”
“Yeah. Corbin seems great. He’s got a lot of experience, and he’s cool with me transitioning to other areas where I can contribute at the sanctuary.”
As I feared, I can’t continue as head handler. It’s not fair to the staff and, most importantly, the animals to pretend otherwise.
In news that will surprise no one, Maverick has been super gracious and amazing about the whole thing, letting me take the lead in headhunting a new handler. It’s not the outcome I wished for, but I can still work with horses and continue at the sanctuary, which…cue the acceptance thing…I’mokaywith.
The conversation splinters off after that. Clancy makes funny noises, which sets Sammy off into a fit of giggles. Sib is being Sib and oversharing with Tim, Verity, and Chris. I zoned out whenI heard “leaky boobs.” Wagner and Ollie are talking business in hushed voices. I don’t know what Pip’s doing, but I think we should strike now.
I pinch Maverick’s thigh under the table, and when his hand slides up my leg, I know I’ve got his attention. I latch onto his shoulder and lean in closer. “Talk to Wagner so Ollie and Pip can, you know…”
“Fall in love after meeting each other for the first time less than an hour ago.”
I dig my fingers into his shoulder. “Well, not when you put it like that. Don’t you think it could work?”
Pip is as single as he’s always been in the three years I’ve known him, and Maverick told me Ollie ended things with his cheating ex, so who knows? Stranger things have happened. And by stranger things, I mean me and Maverick. If we can make it work, what’s to say my bestie and his bestie can’t?
“Don’t think it’s going to happen,” Maverick whispers, his warm breath ghosting against the shell of my ear.
I turn my head toward him, cover my lips, hoping I’m being subtle. “I think it’s worth a shot.”
“I disagree.”
“Why?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“Tell me now, or I’ll make a scene.”
A chuckle. “Of course you will. Forgot who I was dealing with.” He leans in even closer. “Let’s just say, I think Pip’s got his eye on someone else.”
“Someone else who’s sitting at this table?”
“Yep.” I rule out Chris and Tim, which only leaves Clancy and… “Don’t—” Maverick’s lips crash over mine.
“Are you kissing me to shut me up?” I whisper against his mouth.
