Page 113 of Nashville Cowboy
“No.” He turned to face her. “Eve, I’m leavin’ tonight.”
“Tonight?”
“They’re sendin’ a car and a private plane for me. Don’t see why I should stay another day. This is too hard.”
Hard? I’m dying.
“It’s hard for me, too.”
“You made a choice, baby.”
“So did you,” she bit back.
“Yeah.” He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “Let’s not do this. We tried, didn’t we?”
“I didn’t want to hurt you, just like you didn’t mean to hurt me.”
“Remember I told you the only thing that would hurt me is you givin’ up on us. But I was wrong.” He turned to the sunset view again. “It isn’t hurtin’ me. It’s killin’ me.”
With a smooth stone lodged firmly over her throat, Eve wasn’t sure she could speak. “In a partnership, both people have to compromise. Give somethin’ up. You aren’t willin’ to give anythin’ up. You just want me to.”
“I told you we’d take turns. All I wanted was two years.” He crossed his arms and faced her again. “But I’m not askin’ you to come with me anymore.”
“Y-you’re not?”
Her heart skipped a beat in anticipation, hoping there was good news coming. Yes, yes. Maybe he wouldstay.He’d come to his senses. Because she loved him, and he loved her. They’d have to find a way to make it work here.
“I know that’s not fair to you. That’s why I’ve got to leave tonight. I don’t see the point anymore. I’m sorry, baby.” With that, he turned and walked back into the house.
Eve stayed outside until the sun had disappeared and the darkness of the night encompassed her. She stayed until Sadie found her and simply walked up next to her and took her hand. They remained like that for what felt like hours but was probably only minutes.
“Are you okay?” Sadie asked quietly.
“No,” Eve hiccupped.
“You will be. You’re stronger than I am.” Sadie sighed and put her arm around Eve. “I would have given everything up for Lincoln. That doesn’t make me someone to admire, I know. Not like you.”
“Don’t be silly. I’m no one to admire.”
“You’re strong, Eve. You put yourself first when you stood Jackson up. He wasn’t ready to be the kind of husband youdeserved. You fought your way back after that monster hurt you and could have taken your fighting spirit away forever. Now you’re a doctor, and an important member of our community. Remember what you told me the night of my wedding? You were going to be okay, either way.”
“I lied. I’m notgoingto be okay.” Her voice broke.
“Eve? Jackson is leavin’,” Mima called out. “Y’all come say goodbye.”
“Oh God.”
“You don’t have to,” Sadie said, squeezing Eve’s shoulders tightly. “Stay right here with me.”
“No. I want to say goodbye.”
Jackson said his goodbyes to Hank, Lincoln, Mima, Daisy, and the rest, giving them all a quick hug. Eve was last. As everyone watched, Jackson pulled Eve into his arms and rested his chin on the top of her head. Closing her eyes against the pain, Eve whispered goodbye.
She and Sadie stood watching the limo as it drove away, kicking up gravel.
Brenda gave Eve a quick hug, then turned away, but Eve caught the tears in her eyes before she did.
“Ice cream?” Sadie said.
