Page 124 of Falling Stars

“It’s early. And I’m taking an Uber, but thanks.”

Rhett crosses his arms. “You and Baylee have things figured out?”

“Not by a long shot.”

He sighs like he’s disappointed. “I love you, Maverick, but damn. Come on, bro.”

I shove my hands through my hair. “We’ll figure it out. You don’t have to worry about me.”

He lowers his voice. “It’s not you I’m worried about.”

Frustration makes me bristle. “I’ve done everything I can to set Baylee up while I’m gone. She has a place to live, a nice nursery, food in the fridge. I’ve helped her with some bills so she’s not drowning anymore. I set up her security system and contacted a top-of-the-line security company to make sure her salon is locked down. And it’s not like I’m going to Mars. I’ll be back. Maybe sooner than later.”

“All right. You’re old enough to make your own decisions. I’ll butt out. Just know we’re here for you. And no matter what happens, we’re proud as hell of you. If you can’t play football anymore, it doesn’t change a damn thing. Let me know if you need anything.”

I nod and hug my big brother. Hell, I’m gonna miss him. Rhett’s a hardass, but I love him. He’s the rock of our family.

When I’m done, Beau scruffs my hair, and Jace bats his eyelashes at me. “Come back soon, baby bro.”

“Shut up.” Laughing, I shove him.

I hitch a ride back to my condo with Chet Dickson, who talks nonstop about our high school football days. When he steps off the elevator on his floor, and I’m finally alone, my mind races with all the shit I need to do tonight. Fuck, I still need to pack, so I can’t hang out with Baylee. Maybe Rhett was right to be irritated. I’m irritated with myself.

I guess I’m not handling this well.

When I unlock the condo, all the lights are out except the small lamp in the living room. It’s only eight thirty, but Baylee’s asleep on the couch. Damn, this sucks. But after working all week and spending the whole day at the rodeo, she must be exhausted. Maybe we should’ve spent today here after all.

At her side is Leo, all tucked away in his basket.

We’re back to that damn basket.

Unease crawls down my spine. Why didn’t she put him down in the nursery? He’s been sleeping there for the last several nights.

I head to the master bedroom. I’m filthy, so I take a quick shower. After I throw on some jeans, I quietly go around the condo and gather my shit. I drag everything back to the bedroom and toss it in my suitcase. In the bathroom, I stare at all of Baylee’s beauty supplies on the counter. At her hair ties and brushes. At her shampoo and conditioner in the shower.

I grab her shower gel and bring it to my nose.Peaches. Fuck, I’m gonna miss her.

I find myself in the doorway of the nursery staring at all of Leo’s little things. His stuffed animals. His toys. His baby blankets. The vertical jumper I still haven’t tried with him. The rocker I was hoping to use when I read to him.

But I haven’t read those books to him yet. They’re neatly stacked on his bookshelf.

So much will happen with Leo while I’m gone. He’ll get teeth. He’ll start crawling. Hell, he might start walking before I get back home.

A heaviness I wasn’t prepared for weighs on my heart.

When I step into the kitchen, I find Baylee’s half-eaten PB&J, and I shake my head. I bought a refrigerator full of food yesterday, and she’s eating this crap again.

“Hey,” she says softly as she walks up to me.

“I’m sorry, babe. Did I wake you?” I turn around and am caught off guard by her red-rimmed eyes. “What’s going on?”

She blinks several times. “Just sad.”

“I know. I am too. Come here.” Hugging her, I kiss the top of her head. “It’ll be okay. We’ll talk all the time. I promise I’ll call.”

She goes stiff. Then steps back. “You know, I’ve heard that before.”

I frown. “Heard what?”

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