THE CRAZY GOOD SERIES - Rachel Robinson Page 0,153

of my decisions have led me to this exact moment in time when everything is seemingly perfect.

The hurdles and bad choices all ended working in our favor. If one small thing shifted in our past we may not be right here, in our kitchen, getting ready for our son’s birthday party. I wouldn’t be pregnant with our little girl. I rub my hand over my stomach when I feel her kick as if on cue. Maverick may not be talking to his parents. If it weren’t for Mav, my mom might not be the mom and grandma she is today. If I hadn’t had my heart broken, I wouldn’t have taken the leap with Maverick. If Stone didn’t save him, he wouldn’t have died inside and then risen wiser and stronger. Everything is connected. By time. Or by space. Be it by people merely making stupid decisions. Once in a while, right in the middle of death, love lives. Love always lives.

Maverick interrupts my thoughts. “I have to shower. Can I have a rain check on that manual labor?” I shake my head and chuckle.

“Anytime,” I purr.

He cocks his head when I don’t elaborate. I hit him with one of his tricks first. “One word,” I ask. Sometimes it’s amazing how alike we think. I wonder if he’s feeling as nostalgic as I am as our well-fought-for fairytale wraps around us. Our love story isn’t ideal; in fact most people don’t have to lose everything to come together. I’m glad we did. I’m so glad we did.

Dimples appear first and laughter is second. “What if I need more than one word to describe? I might need three,” he says. I roll my eyes. He always plays by the rules when he’s the one doing the prying. I give in to him. Because I cherish and believe every word that comes out of this man’s mouth.

“Fine. Leniency granted. Three words,” I sigh.

He kisses me softly once. “Happily. Ever. After.”

NEW EXCLUSIVE BOX SET ONLY

Epilogue

Maverick

10 years later

THE WAY WINDSOR moves is downright criminal. A lithe prowl, as she circles a marble column in our new kitchen. The house is vacant but for us. Morganna and Steve have our kids at the harbor for lunch. We got the keys to the new pad twenty minutes ago and I locked the door as soon as we made it inside.

“How much do you love it?” I growl. I know her answer can’t be quantified. It’s why we chose this house instead of what would have been my first choice. One day, we’ll build the house of my dreams. Just not quite yet. The view of the ocean and the expansive gourmet kitchen sealed our homestead fate. It’s big and ostentatious, just as I like to live. It doesn’t matter though. As long as I have my family, I’d live in a cardboard box.

Windsor caresses the cream-colored buttress as her blue eyes lock on mine. “Do you want me to show you how much I love it? Is that what you’re asking?” One of her brows raise, tempting me.

I grin, and watch as my smile takes effect. Her tongue slips out to wet her lips and she approaches. The fifteen-foot island is separating us. “I didn’t say that. You did. Remember that when it’s all said and done.”

“You love to beat around the bush,” Win says, shaking her head.

I lean forward and whisper loudly, “I get shit done, darling. I don’t have to beat around the bush.” I pause as I study her face, feeling grateful for a full life. “Didn’t you want to measure the kid’s bedrooms so you can put a furniture order in?”

She sighs, and lets her gaze move to the glass paneled wall that leads to the patio and pool area. With a button click, the glass slides down. Windsor moves to the control panel and taps it. The warm air filters in, a caress of a perfectly temperate San Diego day. “This is my new favorite place on earth,” she whispers.

Coming up behind her, I press my lips on the top of her head. “I’m happy you’re happy with the house, babe.”

She spins in my embrace, chin tilting up to look me in the eyes. “Not just the house, Mav. Everything. You. Luke and Carolina, err Marley. Us. This crazy life we created together. It’s all I need. It’s my favorite.”

My heart knocks against my chest like it always does when I start counting my blessings. Because it makes me think of