A Match Made in Wilde (Wilde, Nevada Beginnings 2)

Kaylyn picked the puppy up and quickly brought him and sat him in Maude’s lap.

“He loves everybody, but he still pees in the house.”

“He’s still a baby.” Maude held Duke but her eyes never left Kaylyn.

“And I’m a good mommy,” Kaylyn said, turning to Tina. “Right, Mommy?”

“Very good, sweetheart,” Tina said.

Kaylyn smiled and turned back to Maude. “What’s your name?”

“I’m Maude.”

“Maude, that’s a funny name, but you’re really pretty.”

Maude laughed. “You’re right, sweetheart. My name is funny, but it fits me. I’m used to it.”

“I like you, and so does Duke. Are you staying for dinner? Daddy and I made chocolate chip cookies for dessert.”

“That’s so sweet of you, Kaylyn, but we can’t stay,” Maude said, her voice shaking just a little. She turned to him and Greg. “This is Grant and Greg. They brought me here to meet you.”

Kaylyn smiled and stepped in front of them. “Pleased to meet you.” Then she turned to Tina. “Did I do it right, Mommy?”

“Yes, you did, sweetie. Perfect. A little lady.”

“We have to leave, sweetheart. I’m so glad to meet you and Duke.” Maude smiled. “Could I have a hug?”

Kaylyn wrapped her arms around her, and Maude held her tight. When they released each other, Grant saw tears in Maude’s eyes.

“Why are you crying, Maude?” Kaylyn asked.

“Because you are just so beautiful and sweet. I’ve never met such a wonderful little girl in my life.”

* * * *

Sitting between her guys in the car the entire trip from San Diego, Maude hadn’t stopped looking at the photos of Kaylyn that Tina had given her.

Now that she knew her little girl had been placed in such a loving home, the crushing weight she’d been carrying for so long was gone. Tina and Dale had promised to keep her informed of all that happened in Kaylyn’s life. When they thought Kaylyn was ready to know the truth about her, they would tell Kaylyn. One day, she would hug her again. Until then, she knew her little girl was being taken care of by two loving parents.

Grant and Greg had given her so much, but the best gift had been reuniting her with her daughter.

“Almost there,” Grant said, sitting behind the steering wheel.

“I can’t wait to see the boys.” Maude looked out the windshield and saw the Wilde mansion come into view.

Her sister was on her honeymoon in the Caribbean. She was so anxious to tell her everything.

Mom Carol, Pappy Jack, Dad Tom, and Pop Will had been thrilled to take care of the four boys while they went to San Diego.

Grant parked the car.

“Let me out,” she said excitedly.

Greg smiled and stepped out.

She got out of the car and ran straight into the house. “Boys. Boys. Where are you?”

“They’re in here, sweetheart,” Mom Carol said from the living room.