Page 98 of Maverick

"Oh my god. And you were picking up animals?"

"Well, yes, but we weren't being weird or anything. Colton was sure he could pick up the donkey. Which he did. It wasobvious the donkey really liked the way Colton picked him up. He was happy." Like really happy. More than a foot long happy. Why did I start telling this stupid story? Let's face it, all my stories are stupid when they involve my brothers. And alcohol.

"Does a donkey have much expression on his face."

"Well, I'm not sure. But other parts of him got really happy."

"Other parts…oh my god!" She slaps her hand over her face, choking out a laugh.

"I had the same reaction."

"What did Colton do?"

"He didn't seem that bothered, honestly. He complimented the donkey on his package. Itwaspretty fucking impressive."

Cadence loses it, dropping her head to the table, her whole body shaking with her laughter. I love her like this. Carefree, completely enjoying the moment. And if it takes our ridiculous stories to make her laugh, then I don't have a single problem throwing my brothers under the bus.

"Jesus, you guys are unhinged."

"But in a good way, right?"

Her eyes are shining. "In the best way."

I'll take it. Not wanting to push my luck, I steer the conversation back to Cadence, and her vision for her future. "What else would you do for the rescue?"

She sighs and props her chin on her hand. "We'd have a top-notch medical facility on-site. No more scrambling to find vets who'll work with rescue rates. And a training center where we could offer classes to the public."

"I love that idea," I interject. "It's never a bad thing to have money-making opportunities in a nonprofit setting."

"Exactly! Oh, and I'd want a retirement home for senior dogs who might not get adopted."

As she speaks, I can see it all in my mind's eye. The sprawling facility, dogs running free in fenced areas, dedicatedstaff working tirelessly and a big house full of dog beds, muddy footprints and gray muzzled dogs. It's a beautiful vision, and I find myself wishing I could make it a reality for her right now.

But I promised not to, and I intend to keep that promise. For now, at least.

"That sounds incredible, Cady," I say softly when she finishes. "You've really thought this through."

She blushes slightly. "Well, you know. It's nice to dream sometimes."

I reach across the table and take her hand. "Dreams are important. They give us something to work towards."

"Maybe, but sometimes dreams are just reminders of what we'll never have. I've learned to be okay with my place in the world."

"That sounds an awful lot like settling, Cadence."

"Not settling. Just being realistic."

"Cadence, say it with me. Fuck Reality. Come on, you can do it."

She groans and shakes her head, but finally, with a grin, she gives me what I'm looking for.

"Fuck reality."

33

CADENCE

Istumble through the door of the dojo, Nan's grip on my arm like a vise. The place buzzes with activity - bodies grappling, fists flying, feet dancing across mats. My eyes dart around, recognizing most of the techniques. I used to spend hours in places like this. Most of my childhood involved sweating and grappling. It was pretty damn fun, and I didn’t realize until I walked in here how much I miss it.

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