“Do you have any other siblings?” His mom poured them each a glass of water from a pitcher and then took a seat at the table.
“Another sister, Ava. She and I are best friends, so I’ve got someone on my side.”
“And your dad?”
“He stays pretty neutral when he’s around.”
“I’m sorry you’re dealing with all that.”
“Me too, but fingers crossed I’ll be on the other side of the country by the end of the month.”
Oh? Maverick’s ears perked up.
“Oh?” his mom echoed aloud. She had this way about her that made a person talk about anything and everything. She genuinely cared and set people at ease with her kind voice and friendly expression.
“I’ve been interviewing with a hospital in Boston. They have one of the best ERs in the country, and I’ve never wanted a job so badly.”
Maverick could sympathize. There was a time when all he wanted was to have his own veterinary practice. He hoped Kennedy’s wish came true.
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you,” his mom said.
“Thank you. I should hear this week if I’ve been invited for an in-person interview. If so, I’m pretty sure that means I’ve got the job.” She took a bite of apple.
“Have you ever been to Boston?”
“No,” Kennedy said, eyes remaining on his mom. It was like he wasn’t there, which suited him just fine.
Until his mom said, “You’ve been to Boston, haven’t you, Mav?”
He finished chewing his food, two sets of eyes on him. “I have. It’s a fine city.”
“What were you doing there?” Kennedy asked.
He had no intention of going down that path so said simply, “Vacation.” He met his mom’s gaze, silently imploring her to let it go. That she’d even brought up his travels was enough to make him want to run out the kitchen door. He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.
Thankfully, Kennedy did let it go. “In all honesty,” she said, “I chose it because of its great reputation, but also because it’s far from L.A.”
“That’s where you’re from?”
“Born and raised. I love it there, but I’m ready for a change.”
“Being on a ranch isn’t exactly Kennedy’s idea of fun,” Maverick said.
“True.” She pointed her fork at him. “But I am finding it to be more interesting than I thought it would be.” She turned her attention back to his mom. “And the people are beyond nice. How is Nova, by the way? Have you seen her today?”
“I saw her this morning and she was doing well. A little grumpy because the bottom of her foot hurts. But that’s what she gets for gardening barefoot. My husband took her to see Doc and they’re due back anytime. Thank you again for everything you did.”
“It was my pleasure. And this lunch is delicious. Thank you.”
“What’s on your agenda for the rest of the day?”
“I’m not sure,” Kennedy said.
Maverick had a feeling her plans were predicated on if she could get a minute alone with Reed. Thankfully, the topic of the wedding hadn’t come up with his mom.
“Well, don’t forget tonight is the ‘S’more the Marry Her’ event around the firepit near the pond. We put on a mean s’mores event.”
So much for avoiding that subject.
Kennedy cut him a quick glance. “Right. Of course I’ll be there. I can’t remember the last time I had s’mores.” She looked around the kitchen. “Do you do all the cooking here?”
“My husband and I, yes. He worked the ranch up until he had an accident five years ago. He was thrown from a horse and broke his leg and pelvis. During his recovery he started taking cooking classes and found he enjoyed it. I’ve been stuck with him ever since.”
Maverick inwardly smiled at the term stuck. His parents had been happily married for the past thirty-four years. His dad doted on his mom, and vice versa.
“We have additional help when we hold weddings and other large events. There’s another kitchen on the property.”
“How long has the ranch been in your family?”
“Over a hundred years.” His mom looked fondly at him. “We’ve carried on traditions and started a lot of new ones.”
“The Christmas trees are a newer one?”
“You’ve seen the trees?” Her eyes darted between him and Kennedy.
“Maverick showed them to me. It must be magical here around Christmastime.”
“It is. You’ll have to come back for a visit.”
“She’ll be in Boston,” he said matter-of-factly.
Kennedy gave him a sidelong glance. “Thanks for the vote of confidence. I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“You’re a good doctor,” he said.
“Wow, you’re on a roll. Please don’t stop.” She made a circular motion with her hand to keep going and looked at him expectantly, those brown eyes of hers way too keen and appealing for his liking.
He turned his head to his mom. “Thanks for lunch. It was great as always.”
His mom, clearly enjoying the exchange between him and Kennedy, looked ready to swing from the ceiling fan in joy. “Come back tomorrow. I’d love to continue this conversation then.”
Or he could keep as far away as possible from his well-meaning but too-inquisitive mom. “We’ll see,” he said, knowing he’d at least be back alone. With travel plans of his own, he cherished time with his family even if he didn’t always show it.
“Before you go, I have something I want to give you, Kennedy.” His mom stood and moved to a drawer on the far side of the kitchen. He picked up his and Kennedy’s plates and took them to the sink to wash.
“Thanks,” she said to him as she got to her feet.
“This is just a small token of friendship for you to take with you,” his mom said.
He watched over his shoulder as his mom placed a small glass ladybug in Kennedy’s hand. She had a collection of the handmade pieces of art and didn’t give them out readily. Bethany and Jenna each had one. His aunt. Their head housekeeper. Nicole.
“It’s lovely, but I can’t—”
“You can.” Mom closed her hand over Kennedy’s. “Around here, we believe that ladybugs are good luck charms, and I hope this one brings you luck in your job, and in love.”