Page 114 of Against All Odds

Yes, I really do. He sent me a bunch of text messages today that were so sweet. He was thinking of me, couldn’t wait for our date, and the one he sent ten minutes ago was him reciting some of my favorite lines from different romance books.

I really thought I might cry as I read them.

The dress is back on the hanger, and I sit next to her, grabbing a cookie. “I wish I could explain it, though. He and I are different, have been through so much, and yet it’s like time didn’t pass. I trust him, but I worry that it’s going so fast,” I confess.

That’s where my mind went all day today. Are we relying solely on old feelings? I don’t think so, because even back then, I didn’t feel this way. I was infatuated, yes, but it wasn’t like this. The deep trust, the comfort, the honesty that we have.

Also, the sex was not that good before. The last time we were together, it was absolutely mind blowing.

“You guys always went full speed. I’ll never forget the first time he introduced you to me. He was like fourteen or whatever, and he came to the house and was like, ‘I’m going to marryher,’” Hazel says with a laugh as she tries to impersonate him. “I thought he was so stupid, but as the years went on, I saw that you guys had this really intense love. Everett loves with his whole heart. He’s an amazing friend and son, so I can only imagine that transfers to how he cares for you.”

He takes care of everyone he loves. “We’re supposed to talk tonight.”

Hazel rubs her forehead and then sighs. “I hate to ask this and it’s really not my business, but are you still planning to leave Ember Falls?”

I shake my head. “No, I have no plans to leave here.”

“This place is adorable,” I tell Everett as we take our seats in the back area.

“It isandyou’ll recognize the owner.”

I glance around, taking in the rustic cabin feel. Everything here reminds me of an old Italian restaurant we used to go to in LA. It had wood paneling and the lights on the table. I have no idea who could own this and why I would know her.

“Everett Finnegan, as I live and breathe!” an older woman with a full head of gray hair and glasses says as she approaches. Then she stops and looks at me, and I leap out of my seat. “Violet!”

“Marge!” I say her name and she wraps her arms around me. “Oh, Auntie Marge. He didn’t tell me it was you.”

She rocks me in her arms and then pulls back and takes my face in her hands. “My little Violet. Look at you, all grown up. You look beautiful. Doesn’t she look beautiful, Everett?” she asks and ignores his answer. “He should tell you that every day.”

I smile. “He has.”

She eyes him suspiciously. “Hmm, that one was a lost cause. Almost as bad as Miles, but he at least found that lovely girl. Thank heavens, because I was worried about him, but I set him straight.”

Everett rolls his eyes. “Yes, you’re so good at that.”

Marge points her finger at him. “You watch it. I’m serving your food.”

“I apologize, Aunt Marge.”

She takes my hands, leads me to the table, and pulls out the chair next to me. “Tell me everything. You’re back? For how long? Are you happy? Did you let this idiot back in your life?” She jerks her thumb toward Everett. “If so, he’s not that stupid. I just like to give the boys hell. They deserve it.”

Everett clears his throat. “Thisismy date, you know?”

Marge ignores him. “I’ve missed you, love. Your grandma talked about you all the time. She was so proud of you.”

Hearing that causes another pang to my chest. Each time someone talks about her, I feel so much guilt. I should’ve come back to visit. I knew how old she was and that she wouldn’t be around forever, and I was just too afraid.

It’s something I’ll never forgive myself for.

“You have no idea how much I wish she were here.”

“If she were, she’d remind you that Everett is a bit of a loose cannon.”

I laugh. “He is, but I think he’s a good one.”

Her smile is warm. “If he’s what keeps you here, then I would agree.”

Everett sighs loudly. “Aunt Marge, if you don’t mind, I’d really like to ... you know ... be on my date.”

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