AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey guys,” he acknowledged, taking a seat across from them.
“Hey Big Ben! Thanks for showering for us and cleaning yourself up a bit,” Bea teased, giving him a compassionate smile. “You’re looking a lot better than the last time I saw you.”
“Yeah, you definitely look a lot better, bro.” Hayden agreed. “Have you been thinking about my suggestion?”
“I have.” Ben replied with a nod. “Just not sure exactly what I should do.”
Bea beamed with excitement. “Hayden filled me in, and I think a grand gesture is exactly the right course of action. If you have not figured it out yet, Ever is a hopeless romantic, but she is practical too. She loves you. There is no question there. I know she wants to be with you at Prairie Sky, but she is scared to give up the life she has established in the city.” Bea explained.
Ben nodded in agreement.
“You need to show her it is a sacrifice worth making. You need to show her you are willing to give up your dreams for her. If she sees you are willing to sacrifice what is important to you for her, putting her first above all else, I know she is going to want to do the same for you.” Bea continued knowingly.
“So, what exactly do you think I should do?” Ben asked.
“You go to her, and you tell her you are moving to be close to her.” Hayden suggested. “I know that is not what you want, but wouldn’t you do anything and give up all you have to be with her?”
“Everything.” Ben confirmed in agreement. “Even Prairie Sky, if that is what she wants.”
Both Bea and Hayden smiled as they glanced at each other.
“Then we know exactly what you should do.” Bea answered, sliding a piece of paper across the table.
Ben picked up the paper and his eyes widened as he flashed them a confirming smile.
Reaching for Ben’s hand, Bea gave it a confident squeeze and met his gaze. “Go get your girl.”
CHAPTER 17
Ever entered the trendy downtown gallery and took in the sign at the front door. “Prairie Musings - the works of Ever Wolton” on a large sign. Smiling proudly, she slipped her jacket off her shoulders, revealing her daisy dress, the same dress she wore on her first date with Ben. When deciding what to wear for this event, the beautiful dress was the only choice that made sense. Smoothing down the skirt, she spotted Whitney, who gave her a wave of acknowledgement and strode over to greet her. Whitney, dressed in a green cocktail dress, makeup, and hair on point, looked every bit the professional. She hugged Ever and held her arms out to look at her.
“Ever you are gorgeous tonight. That dress is amazing!”
“Thank you” Ever smiled, smoothing her hands over the embroidered daisies along the neckline. Her mind drifted to Ben and his face the first time he saw her in this dress. Oh, how I miss that smile and those beautiful blue eyes.
“Are you ready, my friend?” Whitney asked, turning towards the sign.
Nervously, Ever let out a deep breath. “I think so. Never thought I would be back here again.”
“Tonight will be fantastic!” Whitney reassured, giving her another squeeze. “We are expecting a full house tonight as there is so much buzz about your new work. Seriously, these may be your best paintings yet. I know they will all sell.”
Giving her friend a look of gratitude, Ever followed Whitney into the gallery, making her way towards the Gallery Director who shook her hand as she gushed about her paintings.
As the doors opened, the gallery filled. Friends and acquaintances, faces old and new mingled happily, wine flowing, appetizers making the rounds and Ever, working the room sharing her thoughts and inspirations for each piece on display. The high of compliments surrounding her made her feel back in her element. Despite this, her thoughts continued to drift to Ben, wishing he was here with her. Roaming through the gallery, she stopped at her favorite painting in her collection. “The Protector”. The silhouette of Ben, golden and beautiful, leaning on the porch railing, coffee in hand, taking in all that is now his. She remembered the day she painted this, how he allowed her to capture this moment. The protector of Prairie Sky, the protector of her heart. Her eyes welled up as she remembered the warmth of his strong arms around her. That feeling of completeness in his embrace. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to steady her emotions.
Just then, she felt a hand on her shoulder, which startled her from her reflections. Turning around to see Whitney beaming with excitement. “Sorry to startle you, but your first piece just sold!” she shared brightly.
“Which one?” Ever asked, looking around the room.
Whitney gestured to “The Protector” and Ever’s heart sank, unexpected disappointment coming over her in a wave. “Who purchased it?” she asked, looking around the room again.
Just as she asked her question, she saw him. Standing across the room, towering over the guests, eyes transfixed on hers. As devastatingly handsome as she remembered him. Dressed in a blue button-down shirt, black jeans, and a brown leather jacket with matching cowboy boots. He looked like a dream. He smiled the gorgeous smile she loved so much, his bright blue eyes shining. Drawing her in like a beacon, like a ship in a storm. He strode to her, the crowd parting like something in a movie.
Whitney leaned over to her and whispered. “Follow your heart,” then stepped aside.
Ever let out a long breath she didn’t realize she was holding as Ben reached her and stopped a mere foot apart away. Her gaze locked on his. He looked down on her tenderly, making her knees weak and her heart flutter wildly.
“Hello.” Ben said, his hands in his pockets, a look of uncertainty on his face. “I hope it's okay that I’m here?” he continued. “I missed you and don’t want to spend another day without you. I am here indefinitely if you will have me.”
