Page 145 of Every Good Thing
He sighs and checks his watch like he’s worried about being late. My heart sinks.
But then, he grins and latches onto me. “You had me at don’t go.”
Forty-Six
BEN
There it is. That look. Adoring. Proud. I live for that look. Joy erupts inside me like fireworks.
She falls into me, full-bodied and tearful, like I’m her damn hero.
I’m not.
She’s saving me. She saves me every day without even knowing. I’ve put her through hell the last two months, but she muscled us through it with that Herculean strength of hers, never giving up on us.
Lena Buckley-Wright is the hero of my story forever.
She could’ve asked me anything, and I would’ve said yes. But I’m happy it was this.
Yes. Happy.
Though our weekend discussion helped me conclude that I needed to put myself out there and explore other opportunities, it made me uneasy. I barely slept last night, trying to pinpoint my distress.
Now, I understand that Lena’s been the source of my hesitation. She loves what she does. It motivates and excites her. She’s been right this entire time—I want a job that makes me happy. Saddletree became my dream almost as soon as it became hers.
Now, I get to live that dream, too.
Her relief and love wrap me tightly, and I feel complete. I lift her off her feet to bring her even closer. She laughs in my ear and then pats my back to set her down. She motions behind us.
We have an audience.
Ruthie laughs as she signs, “We snuck up on you.”
“Congrats, boss man,” Dot says while the others hoot and clap. “Don’t let it go to your head. The ladies will always be the real bosses around here.”
I nod. “Understood.”
Matt Kirby approaches cautiously, arms oddly folded over his gathered shirt.
“Sorry to interrupt, but…” He maneuvers to reveal a tiny head. “I found this little guy foraging under the catering table in the tent.”
“Ross!” Ruthie screams and bum rushes the actor, snatching her pygmy bunny from his hands.
I can’t fucking believe it.
“Oh, thank you!” she gushes. “Thank you!”
“Happy to be of service, Miss Ruthie.” Matt Kirby bows dramatically.
“Let’s get that little fella home,” Jaye says, motioning Ruthie to the pen.
“Yes, he wants his friends,” Ruthie coos. “They’ve been so sad without him.”
“Thanks, Matt.” Lena flashes her grateful smile.
“Yes.” I step to the Jeep’s passenger side and retrieve the cinnamon rolls. “Cinnamon rolls. For your trouble.”
“Sweet.” His eyes look lustful. He’s sampled Lena’s baked goods before. “You’re wrecking my diet, but these are too good to care.”
