Page 47 of By Your Side

It feels natural, which is a little scary, but makes my heart sing more than anything.

twenty-eight

Adeline

Spring brings a lot of rain, so much that the old pond near the front of my property is full. According to Raelynn, it’s been dry for around eight years.

Thankfully, the sun finally decided to peek out.

Running to Owen’s truck, I hop in and lean over, kissing him.

“I missed you.” Buckling myself in, I devour him with my eyes. He’s been working out of town for a couple of weeks and video calls just aren’t the same as spending time in person.

“Missed you too.” He smiles, his hand reaching for mine as we head to town.

We’ve been together for five months, and it’s been some of the best months of my life. He’s weaseled his way into my heart, but I haven’t had the courage to tell him that yet.

Wiggling in my seat, I ask, “What’s the plan for today?”

“I thought I would drop you off to grab snacks at the market while I run to Perk Up for coffee, and then we can rent a canoe at the lake, take advantage of the nice day.”

“Sounds like a great idea.”

He parks outside the market with a promise to be waiting for me when I come out.

Glowing, I head inside and grab a basket.

As I’m meandering the snack aisle, I hear feminine voices say my and Owen’s names.

Pausing, I listen still not used to the small-town rumor mill.

“Owen and Adeline are the cutest couple! And don’t you think they would have the most adorable kids?” one voice says.

My heart sinks.

“Owen would make an amazing father. I’m so glad he’s finally settling down and will have that chance,” the second voice pipes in.

They move further away, but I’m frozen. It never crossed my mind that Owen may want to start a family, which is foolish because why wouldn’t he? The man is only thirty-three, he’s got so much time to start that journey if he wants to, but that means the end of us.

Heart sinking, I blindly fill the basket with snacks and hurry to the checkout. Clenching my hand, I take a few deep breaths and smile at the cashier when she rings me through. I need to hold it together, at least for our date.

As promised, Owen is waiting outside the market for me. Setting the bags in the back, I take a deep breath before joining him in the cab.

The drive to the lake is quiet, Owen parking and turning to me. “You okay?” His voice is concerned.

Nodding, I reply, “Yeah, of course.”

He presses his lips together but doesn’t push the issue.

Soon we’re on the lake, paddling until we reach the middle. The sun is warm, beating down on us as Owen hands me my chai latte.

Relaxing as we float, Owen tells me about the job he just wrapped up, renovating a house for an elderly couple to make it more accessible for them. He did it at cost, not wanting to pocket any of their money.

His heart is so kind and generous, the amount of work he does pro bono for people astounds me.

We dig into the snacks, which I somehow managed to pick good ones despite the haze I was in.

“So, do you want to tell me what’s got you so upset? And don’t tell me it’s nothing, I know you better than that. You smile more than anyone else I know.” He reaches across, taking my hand. His thumb rubs circles over the delicate skin.

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