Page 107 of Every Now and Then
"Within those walls, I found out I was pregnant with Claire. It's where Grace learned to ride a bike. Where she lost her first tooth. That house is where I brought Claire home from the hospital, and it’s where she learned to walk and talk. It’s where I tucked my girls into bed every night for over five years."
"Sounds like a lot of good memories were had there." It doesn't escape me that none of those memories include Kyle. They may have been married, but Annabelle was as close to alone as one can be within a marriage.
"There were," she nods. Looking up at me with luminescent eyes, she says, "But I'm also eager to make new memories. I'm ready to close that chapter of my life. I'm ready to move on from it."
"I'm proud of you, Annabelle. And I'm happy for you. And for us."
"I'm happy too, Hayes. Happier than I've ever been." She steps into me, resting her forehead on my chest. My hand roams up and down her back. “I can feel myself relaxing, bit by bit, now that the moving process is almost over.” Annabelle smiles. “Of course, I still have to find my dream house, so I guess the process isn’t so much over as it is paused.”
“Maybe you should just stay here for a while. Let things lie. See how things go between the four of us. Then, when you’re ready, maybe we should look forourdream house together.”
Annabelle’s eyes widen, but her gaze doesn’t waver from mine. “Hayes.”
In that one uttered word, there are so many underlying emotions. But the two easiest for me to identify are happiness and hope.
“I’m not suggesting this happen tomorrow, but maybe in a few months, or even a year, from now. Remember, I read ahead and finished the book before you did. I already know that you and the girls are it for me.” Brushing a kiss across her forehead, I give her arms a squeeze. “Just think about it, Yankee.”
That evening, after the movers have come and gone, after the girls and I spent hours at the pool, and after the four of us ate Chinese takeout around the kitchen table that I never used when I lived alone, I drove out to the ranch by myself.
It needed to be done. I need to leave the three of them to get settled, but with every mile I put between us, it feels like I’m leaving my heart behind.
37
Hayes
Now
Annabelle
Call me when you get a chance. I’ve got another funny/not funny Grace story for you.
Me
What has the little firecracker done now?!
I'll call you when I get back inside after I finish my ranch chores.
Annabelle
Okay, talk soon, Gunslinger!
Me
Gunslinger?
Annabelle
Yeah, you know, because you're an… outlaw. Get it?
Me
Keep trying, Yankee.
Annabelle
I thought you'd be glad that I've abandoned Kitten and Bambi.
Me
