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Pride overflowed in her as she caught some of the judge’s murmured comments about all the innovative and fun features inside the bookmobile. And she knew her own excitement shown through as she described the rural farms and ranches she served and all the wonderful kids who looked forward to the bookmobile visits.
For the first time in weeks, and thanks to Dodge, and the Lassiter family, she felt like she actually had a chance again at winning this thing.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Dodge was bursting with pride as the judges walked through the bookmobile and he listened to Maisie talk about all the ways that it had impacted the community. He was so proud of all the things she did for the kids in the rural areas and the ideas she had for how to bring books to more people in their county.
She worked so hard, and he wanted her to get the recognition she deserved. He really thought she had a great shot at winning this thing. If she did, he knew she would take the grant money and put it to great use in their community. And it made him happy to know that he’d played a small role in helping to make her dreams for her vision of what this bookmobile could do come true.
When the judges finally drove away, all he wanted to do was cheer and pull Maisie into a hug and swing her around. But he could tell from her crossed arms and the cool reception he got earlier that she might not be ready for that.
He just needed some time to get her alone—to talk to her—to tell her how he felt.
She was standing in front of the bookmobile, her smile wide, as Gertie gave her the big hug that he’d wanted to. He’d wanted Maisie to know she was surrounded by family and friends who cared about her, so he’d called his former Sunday school teacher and asked her to be there for the competition today, too.
Maisie had on a short floral print dress, a light green cardigan and wore low top olive-green sneakers. Her hair was pulled up into a twist on top of her head, the knot held in place with a couple of number two pencils. She looked casual and gorgeous all at the same time and his heart overflowed with emotion for her.
He saw his chance to catch her as she turned away from Gertie. “You got a minute to talk?” he asked as he walked toward her.
“Um…yeah…sure,” she said, her expression uncertain.
He hated that he’d done that—put that uncertainty into her eyes.
Until a few days ago, when he’d completely blown it, she’d only looked at him with tenderness and affection. Now he prayed he could get that look back.
“In here,” he said, gesturing to the bookmobile. As she walked up the steps in front of him, he glanced back and caught Gramps giving him an encouraging smile and a thumbs-up before he pulled the door shut behind them.
“I’m so proud of you,” he said, wanting her to know that first, above sharing his feelings for her.
“Thanks, me too.” Her smile was filled with pride but still a little timid. “The judges seemed to really like everything they saw. I think we actually have a shot at winning.”
“I know you do. But I just wanted to tell you that even without this competition, the people in this town and all the kids on your route are the real winners. You’ve created something amazing that you built with heart and hard work, and this community is lucky to have you.”
“That’s nice of you to say.” He earned another small smile, but he just caught it as she ducked her head. She stood by the reception desk, shifting from one foot to the other, obviously not knowing what to say now. “Did you really build this desk?” she finally asked.
He nodded. “Yeah. I watched a bunch of YouTube videos of what features were in other bookmobiles, and most of them had a little check-out desk toward the front. That spot seemed the best place for it, so I built something that fit there. I didn’t have time this weekend, but if you want, I can add some drawers to it later.”
Her voice was quiet but appreciative. “This was really thoughtful. I can’t believe you watched videos and did research on bookmobiles.”
“I wanted to make it amazing. And really, most of the ideas were yours. You told me all the things you wanted for this bookmobile—I just made them happen a little sooner than you’d planned.” He wanted to show her everything he’d done. “Hey, did you see this?” he asked, pointing to the small sink and counter area he’d created in one corner.
He flipped the tap and loved seeing her smile as water poured out. “It’s got a ten-gallon tank, so you have to refill it, but at least you’ll have a way to wash your hands and make snacks. I also painted and retrofitted an old cupboard we had in the shop to make these small cabinets above and below the sink.”
“It’s all incredible. I love everything.” She crossed her arms again as her expression changed to suspicion again. “But I still don’t get it. Why did you do all this for me?”
“It sure as hell wasn’t to get yououtof my life like you said before. It’s just the opposite, I did this to try to win you back. I don’t want you out of my life. I want—no, Ineedyou in it.” He took a hesitant step toward her. “Maisie, I was a complete idiot for pushing you away, and especially for telling you to go out with Pete Bishop.”
Her expression wavered for a second, but her brow stayed creased. “You were right though. Both that you were an idiot, and that Pete is pretty great.”
He swallowed.Damn. He knew she’d hit it off with that guy. Now he just hoped he wasn’t too late to prove he could be a great guy too.
He took a deep breath.
Here goes nothing.And everything.
“I have spent years guarding my heart and keeping anyone who tried to care about me at arm’s length. I have been afraid to let anyone in, to trust that a new relationship wouldn’t also end in grief and pain. But with you, it feels different. For the first time, I see a future like I never thought would be possible for me. And frankly, that scared the hell out of me. I know Chevy told you about the car accident and about Julie…and the kids. I almost throat-punched him when he admitted that he’d told you. But now I’m glad he did.”
This time Maisie took a step toward him. “I’m so sorry, Dodge.”
