Page 122 of Take My Name
“When it comes to you, baby? Absolutely.”
I don’t give her time to argue before my lips are back on hers. She melts into me and I inwardly smile at how easy it’s been to fall into old habits.
“And I didn’t wait seven years to let you doubt my feelings. I don’t expect you to share the same ones I have after movin’ on with your life, but I’m a patient man. I’m not goin’ anywhere.”
I take Maisie outside once she’s in the right attire and fill up the feed buckets so she can help. Although she’s weary, she acclimates easily as she follows my directions.
“Oh God, that one has it out for me. I can tell…” She stands frozen with a bucket clutched to her chest. “She looks murderous.”
Chuckling at her dramatics, I lead her toward the coop.
“Chick Jagger is harmless. She loves to eat, but she won’t hurt you.”
“I dunno…I think she’s plottin’ something against me.”
“C’mon, let’s go.”
Once I check their water, we spread their feed and watch as they eat.
“Wanna collect their eggs?”
Maisie eyes the group of them cautiously before following me inside the coop.
“You need to relax, babe.”
“I’ve seen videos online of chicken attacks!”
It’s hard not to laugh at how serious she is.
“If there’s any of ’em to worry about, it’s Chucky.”
“The rooster?”
“He’s the aggressor.”
“And you’re justnowtellin’ me?” she whisper-hisses, shifting in circles to look for him.
“I plan to get more eventually, so you’re gonna have to become friends.”
“More? How many eggs do you get a day?”
“One from each, so six total.”
“That sounds like plenty.”
I chuckle at her panicked tone, but she’ll come around eventually. “I plan to cook for you regularly, my love. We’re gonna need more eggs.”
“Well, it’s hard to argue when you say sweet shit like that.”
Laughing, I point to their nests. “Go look, city girl. Time to country you back up.”
chapter twenty-two
Maisie
I can’t rememberthe last time I’ve felt this way.
Truly content and happy.
