Page 30 of Enchanted Hero
Did she have a chance of escape?
Silence ruled as they walked, the game and the kiss replaying in her mind once and then a thousand times. She almost mentioned it as many times, yet what could she say?You kiss better than a romance novel hero. Would you kiss me again, pretty please?
No, she wouldn’t mention it at all. It wasn’t supposed to happen, and never could again.
Finally he spoke, “The deep-friend donuts are delicious, don’t you think?”
Even as she recognized the attempt of distraction for what it was, she grasped it. “Yes, but not as good as the deep-friend cookies.”
“Good point,” he conceded. “Can we both agree there should be a new food group called ‘deep fried crap?’”
“Indeed.”
The amicable conversation relaxed her, especially as they moved on to other frivolous topics. By the time they reached the agriculture area and stopped in front of a large rainbow-hued tent, she was nearly smiling.
The sounds of the farm drifted through the air, a squawking, mooing and clucking animal symphony. Memories flooded her, and she sighed softly. Alexander grazed her shoulder. “By that winsome smile of yours, I’m guessing you did something like this as a child.”
She nodded. “My grandparents owned a farm, and every summer we experienced authentic country life. It was very rugged, and we rose before dawn to tend to the animals.”
“And you loved every second of it.”
Yes, she did.“There’s nothing like that moment right before dawn, with the promise of a new day. The air is cool and fresh, and all is at peace. Some of my happiest times were on that farm.”
“That sounds amazing.” Alexander squeezed her hand. “I haven’t spent a lot of time in the country. Do you ever go back?”
“No.” Her smile wavered just a little. “My grandparents are still around, but of course they’re much older. They couldn’t keep up with the farm anymore, and my parents lived in the suburbs, so they sold it. Now they live in a chic condo by the beach.”
“But you still miss it.”
She could almost smell the hearty coffee her grandma brewed at precisely 4:00 a.m. every morning. “Yeah.”
He jerked his head to the tent. “Let’s go.”
The heavy scent of animals, hay and nature swirled as they entered the spacious tent. Cattle, horses and chickens ran, pranced and waddled, creating a scene straight from a children’s storybook. The loose hay shifted under her feet as she strolled to a playful horse straining at its gate to see her.
“Hey girl.” She leaned over the wooden fence and caressed the animal. It neighed happily.
Alexander leaned against a pole. “She likes you.”
Her grin widened. “You think?”
“Would you like some carrots?” A young girl with red hair, freckles and overalls two sizes too big offered. “This is Maisie, and she’s a flirt.” The girl giggled as she rubbed the horse’s flank. When she stopped, the horse tossed its head, demanding more. The girl happily complied.
Everleigh accepted the crisp, orange vegetable. “Thank you.”
Alexander nodded in satisfaction as the girl left to share more carrots. “She loves those animals. Her family takes good care of them.”
“And they should.” The horse neighed appreciatively as Everleigh fed it the carrot. “It’s our responsibility to care for all the creatures of the Earth.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
Everleigh delighted in the friendly horse for a few minutes more, then moved to the filly in the next stall. The same girl returned, carrying a basket of squeaking yellow chicks. “Would you like to hold one?”
“Sure.” Everleigh held out her hands, and the girl carefully placed a sunshine ball of fluff in her palms. The tiny creature wiggled mightily in her grip, tickling her palm with its dewy softness.
“Want one?” The little girl beamed at Alexander.
“No, thank you.”
