Charlie
After feeding all the chickens,the goats, and the lamb that wandered over from next door, I showered to change into a pair of nice trousers and a clean jumper and checked in with Agata.
“It’s ready.” She shoved a plate of cake across the counter. “You eat a piece too.” She poked my stomach. “Good to see meat on your bones.”
I gave her a pointed look before gathering the tray of tea and cake and made my way upstairs to Kate’s office.
I gently knocked on the door but got no response. The sounds of mad typing indicated she was deep in her zone. I quietly pushed open the door. Kate had her headphones on and was humming as her fingers blurred over her keyboard. The sun shone through the window, blowing a soft breeze through the French doors and stirring the hairs around the base of her neck. Thankfully, the smell of sheep was not blowing this way today. On his little perch, just outside her second-story window, Nugget sat, dutifully keeping an eye on both Kate and all his hens.
“Traitorous bastard,” I whispered and glared at him.
I set down the piece of cake and cup of tea. She didn’t notice me. Her brows were creased, and her eyes were watering. She sniffled and looked out the window. She stared for a moment, hands paused in their work. Sunlight streamed into the room, swirling dust motes, before kissing her long, lovely neck. I would not disturb her by grabbing her and snogging the breath out of her. As much as I wanted to. It was almost just as enjoyable to watch her in her element. Almost. She wiped a tear from her eye and returned to writing. I moved to the chair, content to wait until she reached a good pausing point. For several more minutes, she typed before she sat back with a sigh, taking off her headphones. She sniffed and then startled when she spotted me in the chair in the corner.
“Hi.” She flushed. “How long have you been here?”
I shrugged. “Just a few.”
“Everything okay?” She blinked as though coming fully back to herself.
I stood and went to her. “Everything is fine. I didn’t mean to interrupt you. I brought sustenance to keep you going.”
“You didn’t interrupt. Your timing is perfect. I just finished an intense chapter.” Her eyes welled. “I think this book is going to be something good.”
“I know it will be great.” I reached out my hands and pulled her to stand.
She glanced to her desk and spotted her treats. “What’s this for? I thought we weren’t celebrating my birthday until we met up with Harrison and Emma later?”
“This isn’t birthday cake. It’s ‘anniversary of meeting’ cake.”
Her face melted into a soft smile, and I pulled her into a hug. We held each other and rocked to the hardly audible sounds coming from her headphones.
“I’m so glad you had a pity party and googled yourself four years ago today,” she said against my chest.
“I should have never told you that.”
“I know all your secrets.”
“You sure do.” I lifted her chin to look into her eyes. “Finding you online was the best thing that ever happened to me. You’ve changed my whole life, Kate Dubois.”
“I never thought my real life would be better than any fantasy,” she said.
“Now that is a compliment. Your imagination is one of the things I love most about you.”
I squeezed her tight to me. My body felt as though it could barely contain the happiness overflowing within. Every day I loved her more. Every detail I learned about her was more precious than the next. I loved everything about her, and I would spend the rest of my life making her feel cherished and special.
“Even when I mentally check out for days at time?” she asked with a teasing smile.
“Of course. My body needs a break occasionally,” I teased.
She rolled her eyes.
“I love the way your mind works,” I said seriously. “I wouldn’t change a single thing about it.”
“I understand that now.” She snuggled closer. “I always thought there was something broken in the way my mind works but it’s part of who I am. I’m proud of myself.” She said it as though she was still testing how the words felt on her tongue. “I’m proud of you too. And this beautiful home you’ve built for us.”
I sighed contentedly, still holding her close when I remembered the other news.
“Speaking of, your mum called,” I said. “She’s coming to visit the Vicarage next month.”
