Page 83 of Against All Odds

He laces our fingers together as though it’s the most natural thing. “I’m only saying it so you understand—you don’t have to get what you want to be happy. Sometimes you find the things you need in the hard times.”

Like him again.

If the absolute shit show of my life didn’t happen, I wouldn’t have come back here. I would’ve been in California in my big house with my husband who didn’t love me. I’d have stayed because it was just easier and there never felt like a way out.

I was trapped, but only because I let myself stay in it.

Until I had no choice.

Then it was my decision to come here. I wanted to find myself again. I wanted to be with Everett. I wanted to be touched, adored, worshipped, and he gave me that.

Without any demands.

Maybe this setback will only bring me something else I never thought to ask for.

“All right, I need to go see a man about a cow.” Everett gets to his feet, outstretching his hand to me.

“Is that a euphemism that I just don’t know about?”

“No, the farm down the road just got some cows, and I need to run a few tests.”

I get up, feeling awful for keeping him. “Oh! I’m sorry. I’m keeping you from work. I’ll head home, and again, thank you for last night. You gave me exactly what I needed.”

Everett tilts his head. “Come with me.”

“What?”

“Come on, you can come to the farm, see the cows, and they have goats. They’re cute, even if they’re the most absolutely mischievous animals ever.”

“Goats?”

He nods. “I swear, they’re magicians and can get out of anything they want to. I saw the little fuckers stack on top of each other to hop a fence. I’m not even kidding.”

I bite my lower lip, thinking how I have a million other things I need to do, like call my lawyer and best friend, but they’ll be there later, and there’s a three-hour time difference anyway.

“And you really want to spend the day with an emotional headcase who might puke randomly?”

Everett chuckles. “It’s every man’s dream.”

“Sure it’s not.”

“Well, I might have to stick my hand inside a cow, so really, I’m just a walking dream come true too.”

Oh, that image. “If you don’t want me to hurl, I would leave out that part.”

“Got it. Are you ready?”

“Now?” I ask in surprise. “No, I need to go home and shower. Do I have time for that?”

“Of course. I’ll check on Mom, make sure she’s set for the day, and then come pick you up.”

“All right, I’ll see you soon.”

I walk over to kiss his cheek, but as I lift up, he moves his face and our lips touch. His hand moves to my back, holding me against him. After a second, he releases me and grins. “I figured I’d do that before I have to go near the cows and goats.”

My stomach flutters, in the good way this time, and I smile broadly. “You really are a walking dream come true. Don’t sell yourself short.”

I step back, grab my sweater off the back of the couch, and head out the door with a smile on my face.

---