Page 50 of An Endless Memory

Eliot

I finished the dishes left from lunch. There weren’t many, but after we ate, Lily and I listened as Weston rehashed everything we knew about the last will and trust of Annie Duke. Lily’s aunt was in charge of it all, but she and Weston had the authority to determine if we were a real couple or not. They both had to agree and sign off. Weird stipulation, but Annie Duke must’ve been in love with the idea of love. Then we’d had to rush to the recital. There hadn’t been time to introduce Lily’s family to mine before everyone had to return to Billings. From there, they’d travel to their respective homes. Jasper would come out to the ranch in September.

After the recital, the rest of Lily’s family cleared out of town.

Lily leaned against the counter. “Did you offer Jasper a job?”

It was close to ten, and the kids were already sleeping. Usually, I was sending her to bed first, but we had some time to ourselves. The house was quiet around us. My place was always quiet, but this was different. This was a home.

I hung up the dish towel. “Technically, Alder made a joke, not joking, about Jasper’s lack of a job, and I happen to have a legit opening.”

“Jasper used to love helping Grandma and Grandpa. He spent summers working for them.”

I rested a hand on the counter. We were facing each other, and I wasn’t inclined to move away from her. “He’ll fit right in.” I had a sense about the guy. The way his interest took over when he realized I was serious was a good sign. “Until he gets married and claims his own slice of heaven.”

“And there’s the kicker. You might only have him for six years.”

“That’s a good stretch for this kind of work. He also might get married earlier.”

Mirth danced in her eyes. “I’m going to have so much fun watching them scramble.”

An easy silence fell between us. I dug in my pocket, and my nerves fired up in my stomach. I retrieved the two little silicone bands I’d been carrying around all day.

“I thought we might need these.” I handed her the smaller band, and my heart scooted right into my throat. Both my boots were planted on the floor, but I felt like I was proposing. I wasn’t, but suddenly the bands were too cheap, too flimsy, too plain. Lily might not wear a lot of jewelry, but she deserved nice things. Did she like diamonds? Emeralds? Plain gold bands? Platinum?

My heart rate increased, and I had a hard time drawing in a breath.

She frowned at it like she didn’t know what she was looking at. “Is that a ring?”

“Yeah. So creeps leave you alone. Like that fucking Dr. Jake.” I’d heard too much about the veterinarian over the years. He’d been the lone vet in town until Sutton opened her clinic.

She laughed, then grimaced. “His reputation precedes him. Don’t worry, if I need a house call, I’ll phone Sutton’s Animal Care.”

“You’d better,” I growled. Jealousy clawed its way into my chest. I did not want that man around Lily. He was too much like her ex.

She put her ring on. “It fits. How’d you know the size?”

“I just did.” I slid my ring in place. The weight was light but noticeable. I’d never worn anything other than a watch. I flexed my hand. It felt good.

She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. My fingers itched to do the same. “I think the kids were worn out.” She smirked. “I’m going to need your family to have a dance recital and party every weekend.”

“We love recital weekends. Too bad you’re missing the street dance. We usually go to that afterward.”

“Oh.” Her expression went blank. “You can still go. I highly doubt my aunt does street dances. You shouldn’t have to worry about her seeing you.”

I drew back. I’d given her the impression I was missing out. “I’m not going to a dance and leaving you here.”

“Your brothers and sisters are there?”

I nodded.

“Then…” She swallowed. “Married guys still go to street dances without their wives.”

Not this married guy. I dug my phone out. “I’ve socialized all day. Believe me. I’m peopled out.” I clicked on my music and a slow country song filled the silence. I held my arms out. “Care to dance?”

“Eliot. You don’t have to.”

I tugged her into my arms and started a slow two-step. She fit perfectly in my hold. Her hand was dainty in mine and her other hand was warm on my shoulder. “If you don’t know how to dance, just say so.”

---