Page 18 of The Maverick's Homecoming

“I hope you two found everything to your liking.” Ruby Satterfield smiled down at them.

Kenzie nodded. “Thank you, Ruby. It was wonderful. The meal, the service—all of it was excellent.”

“That’s what I like to hear. More coffee?”

“No, thanks. One cup was exactly right.”

“Fair enough.” Ruby granted them a regal nod. “I will be right back.” She bustled away and reappeared a moment later. “Satterfield’s famous crème brûlée,” she announced as she set the tempting dessert in the middle of the table and handed them each a spoon.

* * *

The shared dessert was the perfect ending to a wonderful meal, Kenzie thought.

The mood lightened as they jockeyed for bites of the creamy treat. Finn talked about coaching, about how the Titans were shaping up. She loved to see his excitement at building the home team and found herself totally charmed by him—which was why, she reminded herself, that she needed to keep a tight rein on her emotions around him. This more mature, more perceptive Finn could be dangerous to her wounded heart.

But it wouldn’t be a problem, she promised herself as she claimed the last spoonful of custard and caramel. She’d learned the hard way—first from Finn, and now, from Tate—that getting too wrapped up in a man simply wasn’t for her.

Most of all, she longed for a family of her own—and at last, when her baby came, she would have the family she’d always wanted.

Finn asked, “So how are your folks?”

“They moved to Phoenix five years ago. And then two years ago, they called it quits.”

He blinked in surprise. “They got divorced?”

“Yep. Dad moved to Southern California. Mom stayed in Arizona.”

“I can’t believe it,” said Finn. “They were always affectionate with each other. They loved each other and you and their little shop.” Sally and Dick Osborne had owned Sally’s Gifts and Sundries right there on Central Avenue. “They used to finish each other’s sentences and laugh at the same jokes. They were just so…solid together.”

“Theyweresolid—at least, back when you knew them. From what my mom told me, once they retired, they just kind of drifted apart. Nowadays, I don’t talk to my dad all that often, but he calls at Christmas and on my birthday. Mom and I keep in pretty close touch, though. She’s got two dogs, a cat and a boyfriend—and she loves helping out at her local humane society.”

“Well, as long they’re both happy—your folks, I mean…”

“They are, at least as far as I know. Mom’s planning to come stay with me for a few weeks when the baby arrives.”

“That’s good. I always liked your mom.”

“And she likes you.”

He sat up straighter. “Likes? Present tense?”

“Absolutely. She called yesterday. I told her you were back in town selling houses and coaching the Titans. She predicted a winning season.”

“Your mom…” He seemed thoughtful all of a sudden. “Always kind, never judgmental.”

Kenzie felt pleased that he remembered her mom so fondly. “Yeah. My mom’s the best, no doubt about it.”

For a long, sweet moment, they simply stared at each other. Kenzie felt a hint of the old magic they used to share—more than a hint, if she was being honest with herself.

But it was no problem. She liked him and she admired him.

And he’d been so great that day last spring, when he followed her into the Grizzly and made her feel better about everything. Plus, she loved the excitement and focus he brought to his plans for building the home team.

He was a good guy and she was really happy that they were becoming friends—and that was all. Friends. Nothing more.

To keep things from getting too personal, she asked him about football practice.

He said, “It’s intense right now, getting ready for the first game of the season. It’s great watching the team dig in and work hard. Yeah, it’s unlikely we’ll be winning the championship this year, but—”