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"It's a plan then." Eva got the phone.
They sat side by side on the sofa, curled together under a cozy throw.
"Thank you for everything," Eva said as she ordered them some food and sent Michael a text to let him know where she had ended up. "I'm lucky to have you."
Claire held her close. "No, I'm the lucky one." She reached up and gently brushed a stray tear from Eva's cheek with the pad of her thumb. "No matter what happens or how overwhelmed you feel, I'm right here by your side."
Managing a watery yet grateful smile, Eva said softly, "Thank you. For today, and every day."
Claire placed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. "No need to thank me. You mean everything to me."
She loved the smile Eva gave her.
"Now let's enjoy this movie," Claire said, returning her smile.
"And some Chinese food," Eva reminded her, glad for the lighthearted turn the morning had taken.
"That too," Claire agreed, pulling Eva against her.
Chapter Thirty
Eva woke up with sunlight against her face, birds right outside the window, and a soft gray and white cat against her throat.
"Daisy," she croaked.
The cat gave her a sleepy look and purred louder. Daisy gave her a slow blink and began to knead against her.
Eva sighed. She snuggled in against the cat and closed her eyes. Part of her knew she could get used to this. Movie nights with Claire, waking up with Claire's arms around her. Even having Daisy trying to strangle her during the night. She felt content and loved. Nothing was hard with Claire. Even in the early days of her relationship with Liz, things had been uncomfortable at times.
Looking back, there were early warning signs she brushed off. Liz hiding her phone or getting upset if Eva picked it up just to check the weather before they went out. Things she should have known were red flags but had ignored. She didn't want to think about her ex. She wanted to have a relationship full of peace and comfort. Eva rolled over and reached out, but the bed was empty.
"Claire?" she called out, hoping for a response.
There was nothing.
"Come on, Daisy. Let's find her."
The cat stretched luxuriously. Then she hopped down and padded into the living room. Claire wasn't in there. The bathroom was also empty. Eva walked to the kitchen and, looking outside, spotted Claire sitting in the garden, in her pajamas, painting.
Eva smiled. She pulled on some clothes and stepped outside.
"Hey, you," Claire said, not turning her head. "How are you feeling?"
"Better, now that I'm with you," Eva replied.
"Movie night helped a lot, didn't it?" Claire asked looking up from her painting.
"So much," Eva admitted. She stepped closer and watched Claire work. "So this is what a day with you is like, huh? Movies, Chinese food, and art? I could get used to this."
Claire smiled up at her. "Presumably there would also be trips to the cafe, walks around town, maybe getting Daisy some more toys."
"Oh, we have to," Eva agreed. "I saw the cutest cat tent on Instagram. I'll send you the link."
Claire's expression softened. "You're good for her. For me."
Eva smiled and blushed a little. "Right back at you. You're exactly what I've been needing all these years. Someone who is kind, loving, and has their shit together. And you're so beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you," Claire replied. She looked thoughtful for a moment. "I could honestly paint you all day."
