“Yeah, I know. She’s just having such a good time here.”
“Bring her back tomorrow. Just because you guys live at the warehouse doesn’t mean you can’t come over anytime you want. You know that. You’re here every fucking day.”
“Okay. You’re right.” I slap my hands down on my knees. “I’ll go talk to her.”
Aspen is already on to something else by the time I approach Jenny. She laughs. “That was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time. Did you see my mom’s face when Aspen started running toward her?”
I shove my hands in my pockets and smile. This ismyJenny. The girl who is full of life and spunk.
“I was sitting too close to her to laugh, but it was kind of funny.”
She begins to meander around the yard again, so I follow. When she pauses to smell Willow’s roses, I take the opportunity to bring up the time.
I scratch my head. “So, it’s after two, and Dan is chomping at the bit for us to get over to the warehouse.”
Jenny straightens. “Oh, we should probably get going then. I don’t want to keep them waiting.”
“I’m sorry. It’s my fault we’re late.”
She reaches out and touches the side of my face. “I’ll be okay, Raffe. You’ll be with me every step of the way.”
“I will.” I place my hand over hers, enjoying the warmth of her touch. It’s one of the things I’ve missed most about not being in a relationship.
“Just let me say goodbye quick, and then I’ll be ready.”
She hurries around, saying goodbye to everyone, even stopping to give a few chickens a pat on the head.
Willow steps up beside me. “Here are her things.” She hands me a bag.
I peek inside, finding her apron and a wind chime.
It breaks my fucking heart.
Jenny and Jackson join us beside my truck.
“Go on. Ask her,” Jackson says, amusement lighting his face.
“Ask me what?” Willow says, giving him the stink eye.
Jenny shakes her hands out in front of her. “Would … would it be okay if Garfield lives here? It’s just that he’s used to nature, and Aspen’s already fallen in love with him.”
“Yes!” She claps excitedly. “I’ll never turn down an animal.”
“Unfortunately, she’s not lying,” Jackson says, rolling his eyes. “I told you she wouldn’t say no.”
Jenny’s shoulders fall in relief. She looks back at her orange cat. He’s sharpening his nails on a tree while Aspen studies a patch of mushrooms growing on it. “Thank you. I know he’s going to love it here.”
“I’ll meet you guys over there,” Jackson says.
“Oh, you don’t have to …” Jenny begins to say.
He places his hand over her mouth. “I’m the president of the club. When someone new moves in, I like to be there. Plus, you’re my mom. I want to show you around.”
She blushes, and tears pool in the bottom of her eyes. “Okay, we’ll see you there,” she says, and then she turns to me.
This is harder on her than she thought it would be. She’s silently asking for help. I place my hand at the small of her back and gently push her toward the truck, helping her inside.
When I get in beside her, we both wave to Maggie, Willow, and Aspen one last time. “Ready?”
