Three hours later, they’d achieved most of what Alexa had hoped for. Everything was put away in the kitchen cabinets and drawers, her mom’s bed was made and clothes were all put away, and Maverick got the TV set up, cable connected, and furniture in place so she’d be comfortable. He even found her box of photo albums and set them out on the end table next to her favorite chair.
When he was done, Maverick leaned against the arch to the kitchen. “How’s it feeling, Mrs. H?”
“It’s a little overwhelming, but it’s coming together. You kids did a lot today,” she said. “And I know I was a pain in the ass.”
He chuckled and winked at Alexa. “A Harmon be a pain in the ass? Never.”
Her mom smiled, just what he was going for. “I suppose we have our moments, don’t we?”
“Who doesn’t?” Mav asked. “What else can I do?”
“I’d love to get all the empty boxes and packing material outside. You’re going to have so much space here, Mom. Just wait and see.” Alexa tore down one of the boxes, making it flat.
“You got it.” He headed for the other end of the house and cleared out the bedroom and hallway first. By the time he emptied the living room, Alexa had taken care of the kitchen.
Smiling, Alexa passed him with an armful of bubble wrap. “We make a good team.”
He kissed her. “Damn right we do. Want me to take that out?”
She shook her head. “I got it.”
The moment Alexa stepped out the front door, her mom came into the living room. “How’s she doing? Really.”
“She’s strong, Mrs. H. She’s okay. You should ask her, though,” he said.
“I did, but of course she doesn’t want to worry me.” She waved a hand. “But I’d like to take that Grant over my knee.”
Maverick might pay good money to see that. “I understand the sentiment.”
Cynthia eyeballed him. “You’re good for her. You always were. Even when you were more of a hellion.”
The comment drew a smile from him, but also made him think. “She’s good for me, too. And I’m serious about her. That okay with you?”
She nodded. “All I ever wanted was for her to be happy. You make her happy, Maverick. That’s more than good enough for me.”
Alexa came back in and stopped short. Looking between them, she asked, “What’s the matter?”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Nothing’s the matter. We’re just talking.” He managed to keep his voice casual, even though her mom’s words added to the high he was riding. Knowing she approved of them—of him—took a load off his mind. Because Maverick was already thinking in terms of forever. What to do with that, he didn’t know. But they had time to figure it out.
“You kids should go. I know you have that carnival. I’m pretty beat and think I might just like to put my feet up for a while.” She made her way to her chair and sank down. “Aw, look at you putting my books out.” She ran her hands over the album on top of the stack and gave him a smile.
Alexa squeezed his arm as she passed him, and then she crouched beside her mother. “You sure you’ll be okay by yourself? New house and everything?”
“I’m an old pro at being by myself. You go and have fun. You deserve it after everything.” She held out her arms. “Give your mama a hug.”
Mrs. H was so much more relaxed than she’d been earlier in the day that it gave Maverick hope that she’d be happy here, and he knew that would make Alexa happy, too.
“Okay,” Alexa said, rising. “I’ll check on you later.”
“You don’t have to do that. I’m just gonna watch some shows and maybe work on unpacking some more.” She pulled one of the photo albums into her lap which was something he’d seen her do when she was stressed or upset. So maybe she was hiding how she was feeling until they were gone. Fair enough. She was allowed to be stressed over such a big change—and on such short notice.
“All right then, Mrs. H, we’ll get out of your hair for a while. But if you need anything, you call and we’ll be here. Simple as.” He nailed her with a stare so that she’d know he was serious.
“Don’t worry.” She pushed back in her recliner and stroked her hand over the album’s cover.
Alexa gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I want you to be happy here, Mom.”
“I think you did a good thing for me, Alexa. So thank you.”
When Alexa turned toward him, the expression on her face nearly sucker punched him. Mrs. H wasn’t much known for giving apologies or outwardly showing affection, and she’d given both to Alexa today in one form or another. Maverick knew what that meant and he was glad for her. Alexa deserved it, and she needed it right now, too.