Page 132 of Falling Stars

Ranch hands crisscross the property, and dogs happily chase after Rhett and the boys as they head to the barn. I raise my mug when they wave hi.

I thought being here would help me escape all the memories of Maverick at his condo, but in some ways this is worse.

Being here is like living the life I’ve always wanted to have with him. Only he’s not here.

This was my dream. Living on a farm or ranch with Mav. Raising children. Riding horses. Tending to a garden. Taking midnight walks with him in our backyard to watch the stars.

Sighing, I get Leo ready for the day, feed him, burp him, change him. Hug and kiss him.

“It’s just the two of us now, bud,” I tell him as I snap his froggy jumper. It’s been six days since Maverick left, six of the longest days of my life. But today, as I glance around the sparkling clean camper, I can breathe a little easier knowing that I’m not taking advantage of him by squatting in his condo.

I kiss my son. “Our first night here wasn’t so bad, was it?” I’m comforted to know that Paige and Rhett are only a stone’s throw away if I need them.

Leo gives me a big, toothless grin, which eases my loneliness a bit. I carry him out to my vehicle in his car seat. After I snap him in, I hand him his ratty-looking lion rattle. “I have to crochet you something new. This toy has seen better days.”

Paige joins me on the driveway. “Can I hitch a ride into town? I need to order some fabric. One of the guys can pick me up afterward.”

“Sure.”

After she climbs in my car, she turns toward me. “I’m planning a big dinner for tomorrow night. Think you can make it?”

Tomorrow is Sunday. I think about what’s on my calendar. “I have a few clients in the afternoon, but if they don’t run long, I might be able to make it.”

“Baylee, I say this with love, but you need to start taking time for yourself. You’ll do Leo no good if you work yourself into the ground.”

“I promise I’ll start cutting back soon. I’ve been working with Vera on raising our prices. That’ll help. So will living in the camper.” As we exit the ranch, I stare longingly at the property across the street. “I heard the Three Oaks Farm got an offer. I’ve always loved that house.”

“Gosh, that was quick. It just went up for sale the other day.”

“Good things get snatched up quickly.” As I say those words, I can’t help but think Maverick will have a new girlfriend in no time. Or maybe he’ll be like Jace and fuck around. Both scenarios make me want to hurl. But I guess I should start preparing myself for the inevitable moment when he starts dating again.

After I drop off Paige at the Thread and Thimble, I head to the salon. I have clients the entire day.

By the time Miss Rosie arrives, I’m the last stylist left. I set Leo down in his basket a few feet away so I can hear him while I work.

“Thank you for squeezing me in, dear. I wanted my hair to look nice for charades this week.”

“I’ll always make room for my favorite client.”

Miss Rosie gives me a wide grin as I clip the black nylon cape around her neck. But after a minute, she frowns. “Dear, you look sad.”

I consider pasting a smile on my face and lying, but I don’t have the energy. “My boyfriend and I broke up.”

“That nice Walker boy? I heard you two were an item.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“What happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” After I explain the reasons, she sighs. “I’m eighty-eight years old. I’ve done a lot of living, and if a man as good as that waltzed through my door, you bet your biscuits I’d move heaven and earth to make it work. Because nothing weighs more than regret.”

I stare at the ground. “I said some ugly things before he left.” He said he loved me, but what if I broke us beyond repair?

She pats my hand. “That’s what makeup sex is for, dear. Give him a blow job that makes his eyes cross.”

“Miss Rosie!” I laugh for the first time today as I reach for my bottled water.

“What? I’m old, not dead, dear.” She points to herself. “I used to have very nice breasts when I was your age. All the men used to want to touch them.”

I choke on my drink.

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