Page 9 of Merry Ever After

“Really? From whom?”

“Mostly the chickens.”

She sets loose the most incredible laugh I’ve ever heard in my life. I feel it everywhere, but especially in my heart. Thesound grabs Sonny’s attention, and he watches his mother curiously as they cross to the window, looking out, then down.

“Oh,” she breathes. “That’s a bike.”

“It’s a bike.”

“With a ... with a baby seat on the back.”

I wish I was wearing a hat so I had something to fuss with right now. My hands have no idea what to do with themselves. “I’m hoping you’ll use it to come see me at the farm, Evie.”

She doesn’t respond.

I’d give all one hundred acres of my land to know what she’s thinking right now.

“Thank you,” she says finally, a slight tremble in her voice. “Thank you.” She turns, cradling the baby’s head against her chest. “That was really thoughtful, Luke.”

I grunt. What else can I do?

I’ve made my intentions clear. The next step is hers to take.

“I’ve caught you in the middle of making dinner,” I say, rubbing the back of my neck on the way to the door, pausing with my other hand on the knob. “I know tomorrow is Christmas Day, but would it be all right if I called on you anyway—”

“Stay now,” she blurts out, turning a pretty shade of pink. “I mean, why don’t you stay for dinner? Since you’re already here.”

“I couldn’t.”

“You could. You will.” The way she takes charge once she’s made a decision is very Evie, and I like knowing this. I like having knowledge—anyknowledge—of her, no matter how big or small. Right now, she’s crossing the room toward me, taking hold of my elbow and ushering me toward the blue upholstered couch, which faces the muted television.Home Aloneis playing. She has great taste. “Here. Sit and relax. I’lljust ...” She trails off, glancing toward the kitchen. “I was just making grilled cheese and tomato soup. Is that okay?”

“Better than okay.”

“Good. Okay.” She turns in a circle. Have I flustered her?

“Evie.”

“Yes?”

“I don’t mind leaving.”

“I don’t want you to leave, Luke. I’m just overwhelmed by the bike. It never occurred to me to get one. And the baby seat.” She rolls her lips inward, wetting them. “I’m not sure I should accept. Like I told you, I’m not—”

“Looking for anything serious. I know. It’s repayment for the jeans.” I raise an eyebrow. “If you’d just taken my money, you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

She battles a grudging smile. “Lesson learned.”

We stare at each other for nearly a full ten seconds, and I’d happily stay like this forever, being the center of this woman’s attention. “If you want me to watch Sonny while you’re cooking, I can do that. I’m the oldest of five. There’s a thirteen-year gap between me and the youngest, so I’m battle tested.”

Evie hums, rocks her son side to side. “I don’t think anyone has ever held him besides me and the nurses at the hospital.”

I nod.

And wait.

“He’ll fuss if you hold him while you’re sitting down. He likes to make you work.”

“My sister was the same way.”

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