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“How are you doing, girl?” Bea asked with a concerned look.
Feeling the emotion, she was trying to tamp down, rise closer to the surface, Ever looked down at Bea, her sadness not able to be hidden. “I’ve been better. Honestly, I am trying not to think about goodbye.”
Bea squeezed her supportively.
“I mean, we’re not breaking up or anything and we have mutually agreed to give the long-distance thing a try, but I cannot imagine a day without him now.” Ever confessed, letting out a long shaky exhale.
“Do you have to go?” Bea asked.
“I do.” Ever replied solemnly. “I have worked so hard to build a life in the city and establish myself in the art community there. I have great relationships with several prominent gallery owners and my apartment, which I love, is there. I feel like if I don’t return, I would be giving up a part of me and be giving up on my dream.”
“Can’t you paint anywhere?”
“Sure.” Ever answered. “But if I leave Toronto, I basically start all over again making connections here. I wouldn’t even know where to begin.”
“I get that,” Bea acknowledged. “But have you ever thought that you would give up more by NOT staying? Perhaps your dream has changed or evolved. Perhaps you are not giving up anything at all, just adding more to it. You need to ask yourself: Is what I am giving up worth it, or do I already have everything I need?”
Ever looked down at her friend with surprise and smiled, thinking of the words her mother offered her in her dream. Did I tell Bea about the words my mother told me in my dream? No, only Ben knows. She shook her head and put her arm around her friend. “Bea, I love you.”
“Love you too! I just want what’s best for you.”
“Thank you, I know that. I need to return to Toronto and see things through. I owe that to myself.”
“I get it girl! But please visit. That country boy of yours is going to be one lonely, sad sack while you’re gone.”
Ever thought about Ben and how leaving tomorrow would feel? An excruciating pain formed in her chest. The thought of leaving was too much, and she needed to steady her emotions. This week, in the moments she was alone, she cried, feeling lost in her thoughts, and bound to her decisions. She knew what she was doing was best for her but was it going to be best for them? She didn’t know. What she did know was that saying goodbye tomorrow would be one of the hardest things she would ever have to do.
* * *
Making her way outside, Ever halted in her tracks, taking in the scene in front of her. Ben set up a long family style table in the middle of the yard, dressed in a white tablecloth, and little bouquets of Daisies alternating with candles gracing the tabletop. From the posters of the porch, Ben strung fairy lights crisscrossing the yard, that were held up on the other side by temporary tent posts. A temporary wooden dance floor was set up as well. It was like a dream and Ever felt her heart swell at the beauty of it all. Coming down the porch, she was greeted by Hayden, Ms. Lynette, Mr. Estes and his wife and all the friends both old and new she spent time with this summer. Finding Ben off in the corner by the grill, she strolled over to him and put her arms around his neck, reaching up to kiss him softly.
“Did you do all this?” she asked, love and gratitude in her eyes.
“I did. Well, Hayden helped me get the lights up, but yes, I did.”
“Oh, Bear, I love it so much. I love you so much too. Thank you.”
“Anything for you, sweetheart,” he commented, capturing her mouth in a scorching kiss, not caring if they had an audience.
“Get a room!” Hayden bellowed across the yard, causing everyone to turn to them, then whistle and cat call.
Ben laughed and lifted her into his arms for another chaste kiss, then set her down on her feet to continue his grilling.
“Looks good.” she offered a glance at the grill. Giving him a playful slap on the rear, then with a wink, turned and strode off to visit with their guests.
* * *
The dinner was delicious. grilled steak and chicken skewers, potato salad, pasta salad, veggies and for dessert Ms. Lynette’s famous peach cobbler, which she declared was in honor of Hardin Wolton as it was his favorite! The echoes of lively conversation and laughter wafted over the yard as they ate and enjoyed fellowship together. It was simply a perfect evening. A perfect end to an unforgettable summer.
“Can I get everyone’s attention?” Ever shouted above the chatter as she stood facing everyone at the head of the table and gestured for Ben to join her where she stood. Everyone quieted and turned to face her, curiosity on their faces. “We have some big news to share regarding Prairie Sky Acres. As of tomorrow, Ben will not only be the Manager of Prairie Sky, but he will officially be the new owner!”
The look of surprise and, in some cases, knowing on their friend’s faces morphed into cheers. Their friends stood and swarmed them with handshakes, pats on the back, and hugs.
“Well, I think we need a toast!” Bea exclaimed, raising her glass. Everyone raised their glasses in unison.
“May I?” asked Ms. Lynette.
Ever nodded and raised her glass.
