Page 31 of The Maverick

“I think we have a few more years before our children start having those kinds of questions.” He ran a hand through his hair. “At least I hope so.”

Rachel laughed. “Tell you what. When Jake starts asking questions, he’ll come to you for answers and you can send Bailey my way. It’s easier to talk man-to-man or woman-to-woman, so to speak.”

He ran a hand through his hair. “I like to think that Bailey can talk to me about anything, but I’m not so sure I’ll have the right answers.”

“I feel the same way. I want Jake to grow into a good man, and I can’t think of a better role model than you.”

He tightened his hold and tugged her closer. “Thanks. I feel the same way about you and Bailey. I hope she’ll be close enough that she’ll ask you all the things that she won’t ask me. I know there will be a lot of things she’ll need a woman for.”

“I’ll be here, Nick, whatever happens. I’ll always be here for Bailey. Now, what about that wine and some stargazing? Do you want to get into our bathing suits first? We are a bit overdressed for stargazing.”

He laughed but moved away. “I’ll get changed into my swimsuit and then get the wine. After you change you can find us two glasses.”

She saluted. “Yes, sir.”

Nick narrowed his eyes before grinning. “You get a move on, missy.”

Rachel ran upstairs and changed into a black one-shoulder swimsuit. Then she headed for the kitchen. After looking through a couple of cupboards, she found the wine glasses. She picked out two of the sturdier-looking ones for the trip outside.

He came into the kitchen, wearing his swim trunks, and carrying a bottle of wine.

“That better be red.”

“I know you like red. You’re the only woman I know who would dare to drink red wine at a sushi bar.”

“I like red wine. I’m not picky, but I like red. I don’t like white, so why should I drink it just because convention says I should?” She carried the glasses.

Nick brought the wine.

She set the glasses on a small square table with a clear acrylic top. It sat between two chaise lounges. Then she laid on one of the lounges, crossed her legs at the ankles and gazed up at the star-filled sky.

“I haven’t seen so many stars since we were kids and took your telescope up on the roof of our house because it was flat. We could see everything and the vastness of it made me feel very small.”

Nick sat on the lounge on the other side of the small table. “I know. It’s a wondrous sight. I still have the telescope. I’m giving it to Bailey and showing her how to look at the stars. Maybe she’ll become an astronomer or an astrophysicist.”

“That would be nice. A scientist in the family.”I can’t believe I’m here with my love, talking about a family together.

“Well, we can’t all be ranchers.”

“I wouldn’t bet money on that. I believe that if you do whatever you love, then it’s not work.”

Nick lifted his glass. “You’re right. To girls...and boys...doing what their hearts desire.”

She clinked her glass with his. “I’ll drink to that.”

They stayed out on the patio and gazed at the stars until the bottle of wine was empty.

Rachel looked at the bottle, then picked it up and tried to pour into her glass. “Uh oh. Looks like we are dry.”

“I can get another bottle but I think we’d both regret that in the morning.” He stood and extended an arm. “Here, let me help you up.”

He pulled her up into his arms. “Well, what do you know? You are just where I want you to be.”

She giggled. “I think you planned that.”

He looked down, a smile on his face. “Maybe. Do you mind?”

“Right now? Not even a little.” She rolled to the balls of her feet and graced him with a soft kiss. “We should go in. I’m afraid of what will happen if we don’t.”