AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Ava grinned. "They just got started last Monday."
"That's so exciting. I'm sorry I hadn't asked how it was going."
"You've had your hands full this week. I know it'll be a while before it's finished, but I'm kind of looking forward to living with Jameson in a smaller space in the beginning. I'd rather spend more time with him than keeping a house, but we'll need more room eventually."
Everly covered her cheeks with her hands. "Are you planning to have kids soon?"
"We both want a family, but we want to be settled in the new house first."
Everly reached over and gave Ava's arm a quick squeeze. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thanks." Ava's expression fell slightly.
"What's wrong?" Everly asked, unsure if she could handle any more bad news right now. She'd had her fill this week.
"Nothing. I just want you to be happy too. Not just for me, but for you."
"I will. Don't worry," Everly said. "I'm not jealous of you and Jameson. Sure, I want that someday, but I know this isn't my time." The timeline she’d planned was getting shifted around, and she was becoming comfortable with the changes.
Ava's shoulders lifted and fell as she took a deep breath. "I know you'll be just fine. Anyway, what I was getting around to saying is that if you haven't found a place by the time I move out, you're welcome to take my room at the main house. That's if you're ready to get out of Ridge and Blake's place then."
Everly snuggled closer to Thane. She knew her arrangement at Ridge and Blake's was temporary, and she'd been comfortable there so far. Ridge and Blake were very respectful, but her changing feelings for Blake definitely complicated things. "Wow. That would be amazing." She looked over her shoulder at the main house.
"Grandpa said he'd love to have you," Ava added.
The main house was the focal point of the ranch. Mr. Chambers had always opened his home to the ranch workers, and he treated all of them like family. The outside was stately while the inside was cozy and welcoming.
"I would love to stay here until I can find something, but I don't know if I could afford a room here for an indefinite amount of time."
The door behind them opened, and Mr. Chambers stepped out onto the porch with a cup of coffee in his hand. He wore his usual flannel shirt and loose jeans that hung around his socked feet. He’d given up bulky boots for the most part in the last few years.
"Afternoon, ladies."
"Hey, I was just telling Everly about the room here when I move out," Ava said.
Mr. Chambers waved a wrinkled hand. "Oh, yeah. You just come on when it's time. I'll be missing the company when Ava leaves."
Everly sat up straighter as Thane laid on her feet. "That's so nice of you, but I'm not sure I could afford the rent." She hadn't even asked, but she was afraid to hear the amount and have her hopes crushed.
Mr. Chambers rested his mug on the porch railing. "Oh, you know better than that. I won't take your money."
Everly gaped. "I can't stay here rent free."
Ava held up a finger. "If you'd help out a little at the house, we'd all really appreciate it. Mom still has a hard time getting around sometimes."
"And I don't need any help," Mr. Chambers added. His bristly tone was firm but playful. "I'm fit as a fiddle."
Everly grinned and cut a glance at Ava, who winked back at her. Mr. Chambers was in his mid-to-late seventies, but he had been doing well since his stroke last year.
The loud beep of a truck in reverse had them turning to find the source of the noise. Thane stood, snout pointed toward where Blake waved the enormous dump truck into a small side path.
It seemed everything in her life was pointing toward Blake. Was it a sign or was she reading too much into things?
"If you can hang around a little bit this evening, Linda wants to meet with you," Ava said.
"Of course." Everly had hoped to get to talk to Blake about the new job offer and the room at the main house, but maybe she could catch him tomorrow.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
