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Ben nodded and grabbed the box, following her to the couch as she cleared the coffee table and took a seat. He sat down next to her and pulled out a bunch of the photos, handing them to her one by one. Faded pictures of her parents when they were young, pictures of their wedding, photos of camping and fishing trips, arms around family and friends, pictures together on horseback. So many photos showing the mystery life of her parents that she was never told of. Sifting through the box, Ben found a bunch of Ever. Handing one to her, she took in a photo of her mother, her reddish-brown hair long and braided, tendrils of wispy hairs framing her face. Her eyes were bright, cheeks rosy, and smile was wide. She was so beautiful. In her arms was a pink bundle, the face of a sleeping baby barely visible in the picture. Looking at the back, it said - My Flowers, my loves – January 19, 1993.
“This is the day I was born,” she commented, handing the picture to Ben.
He took the picture in with a smile. “Your Mom was beautiful.”
Ever nodded and took back the picture, giving it another look before setting it on the pile. Leaning back on the couch, she closed her eyes and sighed.
“Are you okay?” he asked, putting his hand on her thigh as he snuggled in next to her.
She slowly opened her eyes and turned to face him with a reassuring smile. “I will be fine. Seeing that picture, she looks just like she does in my dreams.”
Ben’s eyes widened as he sat up and turned to face her. “You dream about her?”
She nodded. “I’ve had a recurring dream since I was a child. My mother is standing in a wheat field, and I walk up to her slowly. Not until recently has her face been visible. That is the face I see now.” She said pointing to the picture.
“Does she talk to you?” he asked curiously, reaching for her hand.
“Not until recently.” She replied. “She always says the same thing - you already have all you need.”
Pulling her onto his lap, she gazed at him warmly. “I don’t know exactly what she means, but the night before I started painting again, she finally became visible in my dreams.”
Ben’s eyes crinkled in a wistful grin. “I don’t know either, but perhaps she wanted to reassure you. Tell you to look within and around you. That even though you thought something was broken or wrong with you because you were unable to paint, she was saying nothing was missing all along. At least that’s how I read her words.”
She caressed his cheek and brushed her lips to his softly. “Ben Hastings, you are a wise man.”
“I try.” he winked, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
They sat there together for a few minutes, Ever relishing the feel of his arms around her, a constant support and comfort.
Turning to the fireplace, Ever looked up to the sketch above the hearth. “Did I tell you my mother drew that?”
His eyes followed hers and took in the beautiful sketch displayed there. “Really? I have always loved that picture. Are you taking it with you?”
“No,” Ever smiled, “my mother put there it and that’s where it should stay.”
“But what if the new tenants or owners remove it?” he asked, genuinely concerned with her choice.
“Trust me, they won’t.”
* * *
Ben finished up taking in a feed delivery and spotted Ever making her way down the path to the barn. She looks so gorgeous. Her hair swept up in a clip with tendrils escaping, framing her face. She was dressed comfortably in a soft pink cotton sundress, a denim jacket, and leather sandals.
“You look pretty,” he mused, taking her in with appreciation.
“Thank you.” She curtsied, making him laugh. “Bear, is it possible to go into town this afternoon? I would like you to come with me.”
“Sure, is everything okay?” he asked, his eyebrows raised in concern.
She reached up to run her fingers through his dusty beard. “Yes, Bear. Are you almost done here?”
“Yes, just going to lock up and come inside to clean up,” he replied. “Where are we going?”
She smiled and reached up to kiss him softly. “You will find out.”
* * *
Showered and dressed, Ben and Ever drove into Primrose, Ever directing him to the law office of ESTES & PARKER.
