Page 101 of Only Ever Yours

Ellie

A gentle breeze blows against my skin as I walk barefoot in the grass. Just taking my time and enjoying the day. The warm afternoon sun against my shoulders feels like heaven on earth. I take in a deep breath, smelling the fresh-cut grass. I smile as I run my fingers along the soft leaves while I walk between the rows of trees. Tiny fruits are just starting to form, their fuzzy skin still pale and delicate.

Jaydon did this for me—this entire peach orchard, this entire life we’ve built together. I walk along the rows of trees Jaydon planted in our backyard. Right after we moved in, he planted them—all twenty-five of them.

I close my eyes, still remembering the day. The memory of his deep chuckle rolls around my head like the sweetest memory. He was covered in dirt anddripping in sweat as he walked up to kiss my lips. I still remember his exact words to me that day.“Now you can have one whenever you want, Baby. But always remember… you're still my favorite peach.”

He wanted to give me an entire orchard since I love peaches so much, but I think it's mostly because he loves the taste of them on my lips.

I hear the sound of a motor off in the distance, and I already know who it is. Haleigh and Ryan are coming over tonight for dinner, and I see their side-by-side come into view across the field, along with a thick cloud of dust behind them. This is one of the perks of living in the country and living next door to each other. I love it—this life we've built.

And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Jaydon is already at the grill, cooking up something that smells amazing. Ever since we moved here, he has loved hosting and feeding everyone. I’m not much help, but I do my best to prepare everything, setting the table and preparing drinks. Well, I try my best to help, but normally, Jaydon and Ryan handle most of the hard work. They always tell Haleigh and me the same thing… ‘Just go and play with Ryleigh Grace.’ While they handle all the hard work.

Those men treat us like queens.

I see Ryleigh's bright, beautiful smile while she bounces in her momma's lap. They roll to a stop as I wavedramatically, grinning, watching her chubby little hands as they start clapping. I love watching her get so excited. She's the cutest little thing with her tiny brown curls bouncing up and down.

As soon as Haleigh puts her down, she takes off towards me on wobbly legs. I need my baby snuggles. I step towards her.

“There’s auntie’s sweet girl!” I bend, scoop her up, and cover her in kisses while she giggles in excitement.

“Hey, man,” Jaydon shouts over, flipping a spatula in his hand as Ryan makes his way over to the grill, carrying a tray of food.

Somehow, that’s becometheir thing.

Cooking on the grill together. ‘Manly things,’ as Jaydon calls them.

“Y'all need any help from us?” I ask and giggle because I already know the answer.

“No, we got it,” they both say in unison, seemingly spending too much time together.

Haleigh and I giggle. I bump her shoulder against mine. “They act like we'd burn the place down if we touched it.”

“Peachy, we both know why you aren’t allowed to cook.” Everyone laughs, including me.

I throw my hands up to the sky, faking my anger. “You catch the stove on fire one damn time, and you’re bannedfor life, that doesn’t seem fair,” I say, popping my brow with a sassy hand on my hip.

“Don’t worry, Baby. It’s a good thing you married a grill master. You’re gonna get some good meat tonight.”

“Jay,” Haleigh scolds his crude comment at the same time as I roll my eyes, throwing my hand to wave him off.

Then we turn, looping arms and head out further into the yard.

“Haleigh, you better stop. I have something for you, too.” Ryan calls out after us.

“Oh my gosh! Men,” I say to Haleigh, and I hear the guys laughing about something one of them said behind us in the background.

“Peachy, I heard that!” Jaydon shouts.

I grin, my gaze drifting behind me towards Jaydon. He looks up at that exact moment, holding the spatula, catching me staring. His eyes turn dark, and his lips curve into a sexy, knowing smirk.

He mouths, “Mine,”only for my eyes to see. My cheeks heat, and my stomach flips the way it always does when he looks at me that way. He’sso possessive.

Sometimes I can't believe he’s mine.

All mine.

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