Page 50 of You. Me. Us.

“I hope you’re all ready for an adventure,” Julius announced, his voice cutting through the joyful conversations. “Because I’ve got a surprise lined up for today.”

“Another one?” Hillary turned to him, her eyebrows raised in a mix of curiosity and amusement. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you? Wasn’t their arrival the last?”

Julius grinned, enjoying the playful banter. “You haven’t seen anything yet. Besides, this surprise is part of that surprise, I couldn’t fly them here with no agenda. Today, we’re going sheep shearing.”

The limo erupted in a chorus of laughter and surprised gasps. Dennis chuckled heartily. “Sheep shearing? Well, that’s not something we do every day, is it?”

“That’s the point,” Julius explained, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s a chance to try something new, to create unforgettable memories together, and it’d be a shame to not try something so important to the local culture.”

As the limo wove through the countryside, the group fell into easy conversation, sharing stories and jokes. Julius sat back, content to observe the familial dynamics. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so at ease, so genuinely happy in the company of others.

Before long, the limo turned onto a winding gravel road, rolling hills and lush pastures stretching out on either side. In the distance, a quaint farmhouse came into view, surrounded by weathered wooden fences and grazing sheep.

“We’re here,” Julius announced as the limo came to a stop. He watched as Hillary and her loved ones filed out, their faces alight with anticipation and curiosity.

As he stepped out into the fresh country air, Julius felt a sense of peace wash over him. Here, away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, he could simply be himself. And seeing the joy on Hillary’s face, he knew that this was exactly where he wanted to be. Leaning back into the limo, he extended his hand for Cara, Aisha, Dana and then finally Hillary.

“Such a gentleman,” Cara retorted, brow lifted. “Hillary has really poor taste in men. Usually finds ones too obsessed with their video games to really pay attention to her.”

“Cara,” Hillary hissed. “Bringing them all was not a great idea,” she laughed to Julius and Cara rolled her eyes.

Julius watched as a weathered farmer in overalls and tall boots approached the group, his face creased with smile lines and his hands rough from years of working the land.

“Welcome, welcome!” the farmer called out, his voice warm and inviting. “I’m so glad you all could make it out to our little slice of heaven.” He grinned. “If you can follow me, there’s sheep waiting to make your acquaintance. Excuse me if I slip into my native slang, trying out your American English.”

That earned him a chuckle from them all as they moved to walk behind him.

The farmer led them toward a large barn, its once vibrant red paint now weathered and faded, but still retaining its charm. As they stepped inside, the familiar smell of hay and animals greeted them. The space had been transformed into a cozy gathering area, with bales of golden hay serving as seating and rustic lanterns strategically placed to cast a warm glow. The wooden beams overhead creaked softly, adding to the rustic charm of the space. It was a perfect setting for an intimate gathering on a cool evening.

“Now, before we get started,” the farmer began, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm, “let me tell you a bit about the importance of sheep shearing.” He launched into a captivating tale, weaving together the history and necessity of the practice.

Julius found himself hanging on every word, marveling at the farmer’s passion for his craft. He glanced over at Hillary, who was listening intently, her green eyes wide with fascination.

“Alright, who’s ready to give it a go?” the farmer asked, rubbing his hands together. Excited murmurs rippled through the group as everyone stood up, eager to try their hand at shearing.

As they made their way to the sheep pens, Julius fell into step beside Hillary. “This is incredible,” she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. “I never knew sheep shearing could be so interesting.”

Julius grinned, his heart swelling with affection. “That’s the beauty of new experiences,” he replied softly. “They open your eyes to things you never even considered before.”

The group gathered around the pens, watching intently as the farmer demonstrated the proper technique. Then, one by one, they took turns carefully shearing the sheep, laughter and chatter filling the air.

Julius marveled at the sight of Hillary’s family and friends working together, their faces flushed with exertion and joy. He joined in, relishing the feel of the wool beneath his fingers and the satisfaction of a job well done.

As the afternoon wore on, the group took breaks to sip lemonade and share stories. Julius found himself drawn into the easy camaraderie, his heart lighter than it had been in years.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle touch on his arm. Turning, he found Hillary standing beside him, her eyes shining with emotion. “Julius,” she murmured, her voice soft and sincere, “I can’t thank you enough for this. For everything.”

Before he could even think of a response, she boldly leaned in, her soft rose-colored lips meeting his in an unexpected kiss. His whole body melted into her embrace, his strong hands coming up to cradle her delicate face with tenderness and longing. If they’d been alone with the sheep in this barn, there was no doubt he would have given her another adventure the way blood rushed south. Their breaths mingled together in a sweet and heady dance, their hearts beating as one in the heat of the moment. It was a kiss that stole away all recognition of the smelly sheep pens and her family.

When they finally parted, Julius rested his forehead against hers, his heart racing. “Hillary,” he whispered, his voice rough with emotion, “I...”

But she silenced him with a finger to his lips, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Come on, there’s not much time left, I want to feed one of the baby sheep!”

And as the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting a golden glow over the farmland, Julius followed Hillary, knowing he’d follow her just about anywhere if it meant seeing her smile.

twenty-two

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