Page 47 of The Maverick’s Legacy

JenniLynn nodded at that. “I can understand why. From what Grayson told me, Jesse came home from work one day, found Oscar screaming his head off and MaryBeth unconscious on the floor. She died shortly after they got her to the hospital. There was nothing they could do. Jesse distanced himself from everyone except Oscar. He protects Oscar like his life depends on it. Part of it, I think, is because of Oscar’s autism. I get that. My youngest is also on the spectrum, and it’s impossible to not worry about them and what their future might be like. I think another part of it is his fear of losing another person he loves. But ever since he met you, I’ve noticed a change in him. He smiles more. He gives Oscar more space to grow and become his own man. It’s a good thing—you being in his life.” She reached over and squeezed Carly’s arm. “Be patient with him. Because I can tell you from firsthand knowledge, these Abernathy men are worth it.”

Carly nodded. They said their goodbyes, and Carly headed over to the Silver Spur Café, where a tall, handsome man stood outside, texting someone on his phone. His sleeves were rolled up, showcasing tattoos on both arms. He was the type of man who stopped women in their tracks. It was too bad Carly’s heart was already consumed by Jesse.

“Hi,” she said as she came up to him. “I don’t suppose you’re Connor Adair?”

“That I am,” he replied, flashing a professional smile. “You must be Carly.”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

“You too.” Connor nodded toward the café. “Let’s grab some coffee while you tell me about your plans. I work better with a cup of caffeine in front of me.”

“Same.” She laughed. “Lead the way.”

They entered the café and were shown to the seating area to the right. After they slid into the booth, a middle-aged woman came up to them, introduced herself as Francine, and took their coffee orders.

“So,” Connor started, “Josh said you’re looking to build a riding school for foster kids.”

“I am,” Carly said. “I spent my early childhood in foster care. It wasn’t until my parents took me in and put me on a horse for the first time that I felt safe. I want kids in similar situations to have the same experience.”

“And you’re going to bring in horses bound for the slaughterhouse?” he asked, and when she nodded, he smiled. “That sounds like an incredible project that I’d love to help out with. Have you looked into running it as a nonprofit? It can give me more options in terms of cutting pricing.”

“Oh…” Carly responded. “I hadn’t thought about that.”

“You should,” Connor encouraged. “I work pretty closely with some agencies throughout the area who can help you get it established. I can send you some names later if you want.”

“That’d be amazing,” Carly said, thankful for the help. She’d planned on using her name to connect with sponsors who were known for funding these types of projects. Telling them that they could possibly get a nice tax break could be just the incentive she needed to get them to commit.

Connor nodded before he said, “Give me an idea of what you’re looking for.”

“Well…” She pulled her phone out of her purse. “This is the current barn where I plan to stable the horses. It has a cement slab to the left of the main door, and I thought that might be the ideal spot for an office. You see right—”

“Carly?”

Carly dropped her phone as her head whipped to see Jesse standing beside her table. Oscar was with him.

“H-hi,” she sputtered. Jesse looked from her to Connor then back to her, so she said, “This is Connor Adair. Connor, this is Jesse Abernathy and his son, Oscar.”

“Nice to meet you,” Connor said, continuing to keep things professional.

Jesse nodded, but his eyes didn’t stray from Carly.

“Carly, guess what!” Oscar said. “Coach Finn promoted me to team statistician.”

“That’s amazing!” she replied, smiling brightly at the teen.

“Oscar, didn’t you say you needed to use the restroom before we leave?” Jesse asked.

Oscar rolled his eyes, but he waved to the occupants in the booth before heading to the bathrooms in the back.

Jesse turned his full attention back to Carly. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

Carly glanced at Connor. They were in the middle of a business meeting. She didn’t want to be rude.

Connor scooted out of the booth, solving the issue for her. “I needed to follow up with my assistant on something anyway. I’ll be back, and we can continue our discussion.”

She gave him an apologetic look but was grateful. “Sounds good.”

As soon as he left, Jesse slid into his spot.