Page 88 of More Than Anything

Avery’s eyes went round and a big smile stretched across his face. “No shit? That’s awesome! Congratulations!”

Danette looked a little apprehensive. “You’re okay with it?”

“Well, hell yeah! I think that’s great! So you’re going to live together?”

Jason nodded. “Looks like it. Until we decide where we want to take it and how fast. But I’m pretty smitten with this little lady right here,” he said, leaning over and dropping a peck on Danette’s cheek.

“Good for you!” Avery glanced at Lydia to find her smiling at the couple too. She’d already known and she obviously approved.

Jason helped Avery get settled on the sofa while Danette and Lydia cleaned up the kitchen. When they were done, Jason started packing up the things in his room and Lydia volunteered to help him.

Danette sat down on the sofa and drew Avery’s legs up and over her lap. “You gonna be all right?”

Avery nodded. “Yep. I’ve got a great nurse.”

“Jason’s going to come and help you with the farm until you’re back to one hundred percent, okay?”

Avery nodded. “I’d really appreciate that.”

“Good. By the way, I think he’d like to be a permanent hand and actually work for you if you’ll have him.” Danette stopped, and Avery could tell she was trying to say something but didn’t know how. After a minute or so, she said, “I just want to thank you for being the best friend I’ve ever had. You’ve changed my life, Avery.” A tear rolled down her cheek as she said, “There’s no way I could ever repay you for what you’ve given me. You gave me dignity. There’s no price tag on that. I love you and I’ll love you forever.”

Avery held out an arm and Danette leaned over to fall onto his chest as he hugged her to him. “From the minute I met you at the church that day, I knew you were a good person. I didn’t want to be involved with you that way, but I knew you weren’t just some skirt. I knew if someone just took the time to remind you of who you were, you could shine. And I love you too. I owe you my life, you and that little twenty-two of yours,” Avery chuckled.

“I love Jason,” she whispered to him as she curled against his chest.

“He’s a good guy. If he loves you, you’ll be a lucky lady,” Avery whispered back to her.

“All set,” Jason announced as he thumped down the steps with an armload of his belongings, Lydia right behind him with a box of things. “Ready, baby?”

Danette sat up and wiped her cheeks. “Yep. Ready. Night, guys,” she said, stepping to take the box from Lydia and hug the blond.

“Night, girl,” Lydia told her, then leaned over to kiss her cheek.

“Night, guys,” Avery added. “Be careful driving home.”

Lydia watched at the door until they drove away. When she’d closed the door and sat down on the sofa, drawing Avery’s legs over her lap just as Danette had, she dragged her finger back and forth in the air the length of the sofa and asked, “So what was that all about?”

“Nothing.” A small, soft smile curled the corners of Avery’s mouth up. “I was just telling my sister goodbye and good luck.”

“I love you, babe,” Lydia said and fell down beside him on the sofa just as Danette had done. He gathered her up in his arms and buried his nose in her crown, taking in the sweet scent of her shampoo and lotion.

“I love you too, baby. Always and forever. More than anything.”

They unloaded the last round from the livestock trailer, and Avery watched them fan out over the pasture. Another fifty head. Two hundred and sixty-eight head of cattle. They were beautiful, as beautiful as cattle could be. “Wow. Look at that,” Jason said, his foot propped on a rail on the gate.

“Yeah. I’m a cattle rancher.”

“Yes. You are. I’m proud of you, brother.”

Avery grinned from under the brim of his hat. “Thanks.”

“What are the girls up to?” Jason asked, glancing over his shoulder toward the house.

“Wedding stuff.”

“Oh, lord. I hope you plan to do this as soon as possible or they’ll drive us both crazy!” Jason laughed.

“I’ve got to get a divorce first,” Avery said with a wink.

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