Kimberly’s eyebrows jutted up. “In the cold? Oh, for goodness sake, Colton, bring himin.”
“I heard that,” Maverick boomed. “Where’s my Mama Mitus?” He entered the living room and threw out his arms, his contagious grin lighting up his face. “There sit three of the most gorgeous women this side of the Mississippi. Who wants a Maverickhug?”
Kimberly laughed. “Oh, Maverick, honestly, you never did learn to use your insidevoice.”
Maverick’s thunderous voice made Alexandra chuckle. After Maverick leaned down and tenderly kissed her mom’s cheek, he bear-huggedAlexandra.
“Ashton!” shesquealed.
“Hey, baby girl!” Maverick set Alexandra down. “How the hell are you?” He gave her the once over. “Damn glad Goth didn’t make acomeback.”
Kimberlylaughed.
Alexandra tousled his blond mop. “You haven’t changed a bit. And that’s a good thing, too. Still a big ball ofcrazy?”
“Absolutely. Wouldn’t have it any other way.” Maverick eyed Brigit. “This must be the future Mrs. Mitus.” With a sweep of his hand, Maverick bowed. “I am in awe. Theonewoman who could make this insane man fly right deserves my utmostrespect.”
Through her smile, Brigit shook her head. “Ashton Hott, the legend. Colton has told me some pretty crazy stories aboutthe wild bunch. It’s a wonder Harvard survived yourescapades.”
“The good old days,” he said with a wink. His playful expression fell away and he sat next to Kimberly and clasped her hand. “I’ve been thinking about you. Wanted to tell you how much I appreciated you over theyears.”
Kimberly patted his hand with her other one. “Thank you.” Her sad smile tore through Alexandra. “I’m glad I got to see you, Ashton. You were one of myfavorites.”
“You, too, Mama Mitus.” Maverick kissed her cheek before clearing his throat. “You laughed at all of my lame jokes and always made sure I got something to eat whenever I’d stop by to see this guy. We had some good talks about life, you andI.”
“Yes, we did,” Kimberlysaid.
Alexandra had never seen this side of her brother’s friend and she blinked back thetears.
Maverick gave Kimberly a gentle hug before he stood. “I need to borrow the golden man, if you lovely ladies can part withhim.”
“Mom, I’ll be back to get you for dinner.” Colton pecked her cheek. “I’m glad you’rehere.”
“Me, too, dear,” saidKimberly.
“Elliott is making beef Wellington,” Brigit said. “Can you bothstay?”
“You eat like a king, Mitus,” Maverick said to Colton. “Count mein.”
“I’ll stay if it’s still snowing,” said Alexandra. “I don’t like driving in it, especially since I had that littlemishap.”
Kimberly shot to attention. “You had anaccident?”
Crap.She hadn’t wanted her mom to find out. “It was nothing. Plus, Crockett was withme.”
Relief washed over her as Kimberly settled back into the sofa cushion. “I love ourCrockett.”
Maverick laughed. “Everyone lovesCrockett.”
Me, most ofall.
“Honey, I’m going to finish helping your mom unpack,” Brigit said toColton.
“Thanks for doing this,babe.”
Rap, rap,rap!
As Brigit hurried toward the front door, she called over her shoulder, “Kimberly, I promise you’ll get somerest.”
