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“So many things. The past three months have been some of the best of my life.” Ever replied, nestling herself into the living room couch. “Returning to the farm has flooded me with memories, has answered so many unknown questions about my mother and the biggest surprise of all, has brought Ben into my life.”
“Ben?” Whitney asked the pitch of her voice, raising a few octaves. “Is he the inspiration behind “The Protector?”
“He is. I love him, Whitney.”, she confessed.
“Oh Ever, I am so incredibly happy for you!” she gushed with the sincerity of a true friend. “Are you still planning to return to Toronto?”
“Yes, that still is the plan.”
“Oh, okay! Selfishly, I am happy you are coming back. But how is that going to work?” Whitney questioned.
“We have discussed it briefly, but honestly, I’m not 100% sure.”, she sighed. “Do long-distance relationships even work?”
“I don’t know Ever. But I know you and when you want something, you don’t give up.”
Ever contemplated her words. Were they going to be able to make a long-distance relationship work? She didn’t know, but she knew she had to try. Her love for Ben was too strong to simply give up. She couldn’t imagine him not being in her future.
Breaking the silence, Whitney exclaimed. “Enjoy that hunky man of yours and I expect pictures!”
“Just texted you one.”, Ever replied with a giggle, obliging her friend’s request.
“Yes, let’s see here…. Oh, dear Lord, Ever, he is…. Wow, just wow!”
“He has a brother, Whitney!” Ever shared teasingly.
“Don’t tempt me,” she replied. “One more thing before I go. Can you promise me something?”
“What?”
“You will enjoy the rest of your time there. Every moment. You deserve so much happiness, my friend.”
Ever smiled at Whitney’s request. Ben made her happy. Happier than she had ever been. She decided right then to take her friend’s advice. Over the next four weeks, she was going to put aside their impending goodbyes and spend every moment she could, wrapped in his arms.
CHAPTER 13
On the August long weekend, they took a little road trip. Ben asked Hayden to check in on the animals, so they had three full days together. Deciding to go camping, they packed up Ben’s truck with all their supplies, food, and coolers.
“Where exactly are you taking me?” she asked as they pulled onto the highway heading southeast.
Ben winked at Ever and laughed. “Just wait, so impatient! This is a place I like to fish sometimes, a little off the beaten path.”
“So, it's by the water? A lake, a river?”
“Yes,” he replied with an eyebrow raised. “I hope you brought your swimsuit.”
“I did.”
“A bikini?” he growled in question, giving her a wicked grin.
Grinning back, she gave him a wink and replied, “Perhaps.”
* * *
After a two-hour drive, they finally arrived at their destination. Turning down a dirt path, tall evergreens lined the road as they drove deep into a secluded area of bush. Suddenly, a clearing appeared next to a small lake. On one side of the lake, a narrow beach lined the bank and just down from the beach, a dock jutted out onto the lake, perfect for fishing.
Getting out of the truck, Ever walked down to the end of the dock, taking in the scene in front of them. Tall evergreens surrounded the lake, the water shimmered in the sun as it rippled from the breeze. The water was clean and clear, just right for swimming. She couldn’t think of a more perfect place for them to escape to for their weekend together. A private and unexpected oasis.
Ben started to unload their supplies and Ever wrapped her arms around his back in a reverse hug. “I love this place.”
