Page 20 of The Maverick’s Forever Home (Montana Mavericks: Behind Closed Doors #2)

He read and reread the message. Was she giving him parenting advice or worried about him? He shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? Why was he picking apart each and every word? Another text rolled in.

I’ll be around tomorrow, if you need anything.

That was encouraging, wasn’t it? Before he could respond she sent another.

Or not. I’m sure you’ve got things covered. Good night.

He frowned at his phone. Well, hell, he didn’t know what to make of any of that. He almost set his phone aside but decided to send a final text. He typed it, stared at it for a solid minute, then hit Send.

Sweet dreams, Maggie.

He set the phone on his dresser and headed into his bathroom.

All he could do now was take a long, hot shower and get some shut-eye.

He was making this into a bigger deal than it needed to be.

At the moment, he was too tired to figure out why that was.

But tomorrow, when he was clearheaded, he’d figure all this out.

The shower was long and hot but it didn’t relax him.

Sleep eluded him almost entirely. He’d finally dozed off when his alarm jolted him awake.

But rolling over to find Delilah asleep beside him gave him an excuse to stay put.

He wasn’t ready to face the day—or the persistent questions and confusion that had taken over his brain since his text exchange with Maggie.

He closed his eyes but it was no use. Growing up on a ranch meant rising with the sun. Since the sunlight was streaming through his curtains, there was no hope for him.

“Daddy?” Delilah whispered. “You awake?”

“No,” he whispered back. “I’m dreaming.”

“’Bout what?”

“About you waking me up so I can make you pancakes.” He smiled.

“I do wike pamcakes.” She poked his cheek. “Are you reawwy sweeping?”

“I’m sound asleep.” He nodded, sliding one hand out from under the blanket so he could tickle her sides. His little girl was super ticklish.

“Daddy!” She squealed, her laughter ringing out and putting a smile on his face. “Wake up and stop it.”

He stopped tickling her and opened his eyes. “Delilah? When did you get here?”

“Daddy.” She giggled. “You are so funny.” She rubbed her eyes with her fists. “Are we having pancakes?”

“How’s your tummy?” That would decide what breakfast looked like.

“All better.” She shrugged. “I would wike pancakes very much.”

“Then you’re getting some pancakes.” He gave her a quick hug and sat up. “But I’ll need your help.”

“Yay.” She slid off his bed. “I am a good heper.”

“Yes, you are.” He ran his fingers through his hair and tossed the covers back. “Go find the aprons and I’ll be right there.”

“Okay.” She ran from the room.

He chuckled and headed into the bathroom.

So much had changed since Delilah had moved in.

He used to wake up to his alarm, but Delilah’s internal alarm had her waking up—and waking him up—before it went off.

He used to sleep naked, now he slept in sleep pants or sweatpants as a good father should.

Breakfast before Delilah was a couple cups of coffee, or, if he was hungry, he’d trek up to the main house to eat whatever they were having.

Now he made breakfast for the two of them.

Pancakes were her favorite. He liked this time together, just the two of them.

I look like hell.

His reflection showed dark circles under his eyes.

The lack of sleep was catching up with him.

He splashed some cold water on his face but it didn’t help much.

He tugged on a white T-shirt, ran a comb through his hair and joined Delilah in the kitchen.

She’d already pulled out the mixing bowl and pancake mix.

“Look at you.” He grinned, pulling out the mixer.

“I’m aw ready.” She pointed at her apron. “Put yours on, Daddy.”

He did as she said, then opened the step stool so she could put everything on the countertop. He pulled out the skillet and grabbed the spatula he’d bought when he’d discovered Delilah’s affinity for pancakes. She was such a picky eater, but lucky for him, pancakes were cheap and easy.

The knock on the door was a surprise. He waited, fully expecting one of his siblings or his parents to walk in. But then he remembered he’d locked the door. “Guess I have to go see who it is.”

“Me, too.” Delilah climbed down from the step stool and ran ahead of him. “Coming!” she yelled when there was another knock. “Hurry up, Daddy.”

Braden didn’t have a problem with his brothers waiting, but he hurried for Delilah’s sake.

He unlocked the door. “Didn’t expect you two to come by so early this morning.

” He opened the door. “You two… Maggie?” Finding her here, her eyes bright and her smile even brighter, was one of the best surprises he’d ever had.

“Maggie!” Delilah squealed. “Cody! Come in, come in. We are making pancakes.”

Maggie glanced his way. “No, no. That’s okay. We were just dropping this off.”

It didn’t matter that he looked like hell with bags under his eyes and wearing his sweatpants and T-shirt.

He didn’t hesitate to ask, “You came all this way, why not come in and stay awhile?” Because he wanted them to stay.

He wanted Maggie to stay—to have time with her.

“There’s plenty of food for the two of you.

” All he could do now was hope she’d say yes.