“Ooo, we’re gonna be shacking up.” We both frowned at her wording. “Sorry Oz said that the other day and it just kind of wormed its way in my head.”
And just like that Fancy grabbed her glass of wine and Coke and walked off toward the barn to visit with Cotton Candy. I couldn’t contain myself and let out a loud yelp that was a mixture of relief and excitement. Yeti, who was resting on the floor in the sun, jumped and tossed me an irritated eye.
I was more than ready to start this next chapter with Fancy by my side. What was three months when we had forever together.
My last dayin Hume was filled with family. The hostess with the mostest, my mom, planned a big cookout and invited damn near everyone in town. It was reminiscent of when Darla and I first left Hume. With people wishing us well and telling us they’d be praying for us. At that point, I’d been in Hume for nineteen years and never felt more loved than when I was about to leave.
It was at that first farewell party where my mother pulled me aside and let me know I could always come back home. She said, “Fancy if it’s not what you expected, if the dice aren’t rolling in your favor, shit if you just need a hug, you can always come home. There’s no shame in starting over or taking a break to catch your breath. Home will always be here waiting for you.” Those words stayed with me and there were plenty of times over the past ten years I wanted to throw in the towel and come running back.
Chap cheating was the tipping point. I’d been unhappy for a while, silently pushing through thinking once the tour was over or the album recorded things would get better between him and I. But I didn’t realize just how bad things were. Coming home was the best decision I could have made. Because in this monthback I realized my happiness was more important than fitting in or being considered cool.
After a summer afternoon of good food, good conversation, and good friends, Edison pulled me aside and asked if he could take me somewhere else before heading home. My response without hesitation was yes. I would go anywhere with this man, do anything for him, and allow him to dick me down anytime and anyplace.
After saying our goodbyes, we headed west. Just the radio and his hand in mine. Edison offered no hints as to where we were going, but the further we drove, the more confused I became. There was nothing out here, except a few farms and a dairy factory. We turned left onto a dirt road as he hummed along to a Kane Brown song.
Edison parked his truck on a hill overlooking the town of Hume. “I thought we could share one last sunset together,” he said.
“Not our last. I don’t think I’ve ever been up here.” We exited the truck, Edison lowered the tailgate and we took a seat, which provided the perfect view of the town below.
“Yeah, I love this spot. It’s kind of outta the way and not many people make the trip. I mostly come here to think, this place is good for that.”
“It’s like a whole other perspective on home. Knowing everyone is down there living their lives while we look on from afar.”
“Yep.”
“Today was nice.”
“It was.”
“Tomorrow—”
Edison shook his head. “No not yet … I’m still appreciating what today has to offer.”
Crossing my legs, I turned to face him. “Did you see our mothers in their little mom huddle conspiring?”
“They were probably planning our wedding.”
“I think if we hadn’t finally figured it out, they would’ve floated the idea of an arranged marriage.”
Edison smiled through a chuckle. He had the most amazing smile. I could sit and stare at this man for hours. “Shit, maybe.” His smile slowly faded and the muscles in his jaw protruded. He was mulling something over.
“This is the part where they say speak now or forever hold your peace.”
“About what?”
“Concerns, second thoughts, doubts.”
His eyes rested on my features. “You have doubts?”
My chest was heavy, and my heart felt lodged between my ribs. We had a plan. It was a good plan. But three months was a long time. Maybe once we were apart, this haze of cozy adoration would pass. Everything in my life was moving fast, including this. “Sometimes.”
“Let me help alleviate them.” He claimed my hand. “I am going to love you for the rest of your life and mine. Every day won’t be perfect, but it will be better than any day without you. And our kids?—”
“We’re going to have kids?”
“Yes, if you want them.”
“With you, yes. Tell me all about them.”
