I grinned against her lips. “You might’ve said it a time or two today. But I’ll never get tired of hearing it.” Not today or tomorrow. Not when we were fifty or ninety-two. Those were the words I wanted to hear from her every day for the rest of my life.
Epilogue
Everly
ONE MONTH LATER
“They look happy,” Addie said as she guided the rocking chair back and forth on my front porch.
My gaze traveled from her to the paddocks in the distance. Not only were our paint mare, Dolly, and our mini-donkey, Donut, happily settled in their new home, but a pig and two goats had joined the sanctuary. And this weekend, we were getting three miniature horses.
“I think they are.” I took a sip of lemonade. “So, what do you think? Whenever the house is done, you could live here in the cabin. You can stay as long as you want.”
Hayes and I had already had the main house leveled. The day the demolition crew had taken the first swing, I’d wept. I hadn’t realized just how much staring at the building I’d grown up in had been a weight. Just like Shiloh and the shed, I’d needed to start fresh. To tear it down so I could build the right thing in its place.
Hayes and I had met with an architect several times and were now waiting for the final plans to submit to the county. Addie had opted to stay with the Eastons instead of moving into the guest room in the cabin. I’d offered, but I also understood that it might’ve been awkward. The space was tiny, and we would’ve all been sharing a bathroom. But the Eastons had a ton of room.
Addie stared out at the animals. “Actually, Hayes said I could stay at his house in town when I’m ready. I’m not quite there yet. But soon. I want to stand on my own two feet.”
I swallowed down the disappointment. I wished I could have my cousin closer, to look out for her, but maybe that was why she’d refused. And I was touched that Hayes had offered his home to her. He’d already decided that he didn’t want to sell. This was the perfect use for the space.
I looked over at my cousin. She’d gained back a little of the weight she so desperately needed, but dark circles still rimmed her eyes. “It’s an open invitation. If you decide you don’t like living by yourself, this might be a happy medium.”
She reached down and scratched between Koda’s ears. He was fully healed now, and the Forest Service had caught the hunter who’d laid the trap that had broken his leg. The man was serving sixty days in jail. It wasn’t enough, but it was something. Koda leaned into Addie’s touch.
“Thanks, Ev,” she said quietly. “I appreciate it.”
Addie had taken to using Hayes’ nickname for me. I’d visibly winced every time she’d called me Evie. It reminded me too much of Ben. The Ben who was currently in county lockup, awaiting trial. His lawyer was using an insanity defense, and I wasn’t sure he was wrong. Ben was sick. And more than anything, I simply wanted him to get help.
Tires on gravel sounded as Hayes’ SUV crested the hill. Just the sight of it had the chill at the reminder of Ben fleeing. Addie rose, and I followed. “You don’t have to go. Why don’t you stay for dinner? I can drive you back after.”
Addie inclined her head towards Shiloh, who was walking up from the far paddock. “I’ll just go with Shiloh. I’m supposed to help Mrs. Easton with some of the cooking.”
“Okay…lunch tomorrow?”
“Maybe.”
Even though I had my cousin back, she was still a hundred miles away. Because while Ian had been arrested, Allen was still walking around free. Addie refused to report any abuse she’d suffered at his hands, no matter how many times Hayes had tried to broach the subject.
I pulled Addie in for a gentle hug. “Love you. I’m here if you need anything.”
Her arms circled me lightly. “Love you, too.”
She headed for Shiloh’s truck and gave Hayes a wave. Shiloh did the same. “See you guys tomorrow.”
Family dinner. The tension with Hadley and Julia hadn’t lessened any, but at least there were more people to distract both of them now.
Hayes waved to his sister and Addie and then climbed the porch steps. “Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
“I’ve got an extra glass just for you.” I reached for it and poured a tall glass of lemonade.
“There any vodka in that?”
I looked up, taking stock of Hayes’ features. “That bad?”
He bent to brush his lips across mine. “Better now.”
“Tell me everything.”