Page 78 of Maverick

"Were they worried about Declan and Kade in jail?"

A low chuckle rumbles through his chest. "Not even a little bit. If Kade were in danger in any way, Becca would be right there, backing him up. She's protective and deadly. But if he's acting like a dumbass and has to face the consequences, she's got no sympathy for him."

"And Cara?"

"I think she said something about not wanting their mess in her car."

"So they called Maverick."

"Yeah." Head tilted, he peers at me. "Does that bother you? That he's always on call."

I watch Maverick at the railing, phone pressed to his ear looking a mix of exhausted and frustrated. Turning back to Ransom, I shake my head. "No, it doesn't bother me. Actually, I admire it. I haven't had many reliable people in my life, aside from Nan. It's... comforting to see how dependable he is."

Ransom nods, a knowing look in his eyes. "He's always been that way. Ever since we were kids."

"I worry about him a little though," I admit. "Does he ever take time for himself? I mean, between the club, his legal work, and being there for all of you... it seems like a lot."

Ransom's expression softens. "Yeah, it is. And you're right to worry. We all do, to be honest. Mav's always put everyone else first. It's just who he is."

I glance back at Maverick, still deep in conversation. "Has he always been like this? So... committed to helping others?"

"Pretty much," Ransom chuckles. "Even when we were in the group home, he was always looking out for the younger kids, making sure everyone was okay. It's just ingrained in him."

I bite my lip, considering. "Do you ever worry he might burn out?"

Ransom's eyes meet mine, serious now. "All the time. But you know what? I have high hopes that you might be the one to slow him down a bit."

I blink, surprised. "Me?"

He nods. "Yeah, you. I see the way he looks at you, Cadence. You make him want to take time off, to enjoy life a little more. And that's something he desperately needs."

Part of me is flattered that he thinks I could be good for Maverick, that I might help him find balance in his life. But another part of me bristles at the idea.

"I... I don't know about that," I say, fidgeting with the hem of my dress. "I mean, I care about Maverick, but I don't want to change him. That's not my place."

Ransom nods, understanding in his eyes. "Of course not. I didn't mean to imply that."

Eager to change the subject, I wave in Nan's direction. "Hey, thank you for inviting Nan up here. She seems to be having a great time."

Ransom laughs, running a hand through his hair. "To be honest, I didn't have much choice. Everyone kept asking where she was. 'Can Nan come?' 'Is Nan joining us?' They've all kind of adopted her as their own grandma."

I glance over at Nan, surrounded by the Brash brothers and their partners, all of them hanging on her every word. A warmth spreads through my chest at the sight.

"I hope that doesn't bother her," Ransom adds, a touch of concern in his voice.

I shake my head, smiling. "Trust me, Nan's not shy. If she didn't want to be here, she wouldn't be. She loves the attention, actually. And the company."

Ransom's shoulders relax. "That's good to hear. She's become a part of our family pretty quickly."

"Yeah," I say softly, watching as Nan laughs at something Kade says. "I think she needed this just as much as I did."

I watch as Maverick finishes his call and makes his way back to me, an apologetic look on his face.

"I'm so sorry about that," he says, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean to step away."

I wave off his concern. "It's no big deal. I understand you have responsibilities."

"I'm done for the night now, promise." His gaze drifts to the pool. "Want to go for a swim?"

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