Page 31 of By Your Side

Adeline

In the three and a half weeks since my barn burnt down, they’ve cleared the rubble and built a new barn in its place. I don’t know how Owen did it, but he coordinated everything in less than three days, and work started within five days of the barn being gone.

He’s been taking up more and more space in my mind these days. I’ve seen him almost daily, and he impresses me more and more every day. The way he approaches the workers he’s hired with respectful confidence. I’ve never seen a construction crew that laughed as much or worked as hard.

I also have learned that he goes around town every week to help out any elderly residents who need it around their home, making repairs and doing projects.

Sipping my coffee, I smile when I think of my run-in with Mrs. Choi at the market. She was venting about how he won’t let her or anyone else pay him for the work. I’m pretty sure he never needs to cook though, based off the amount of food she talked about making for him.

The man invading my thoughts looks my way and smiles. A real smile. Ever since the day my barn burnt down and he brought me the plans, his entire demeanor has changed. His apology meant a lot, but the actions since then mean more. He’s never short with me and the smiles he sends my way shoot sparks throughout my body.

It’s hard being attracted to Owen. Spinning the ring on my finger, I fight the guilt. It’s a physical reaction, yet it doesn’t diminish my love for Scott. Closing my eyes, I sigh. I wish life was simpler.

Opening my eyes, I tuck my hands in my pockets when I see Owen’s eyes on my hands. Giving him a small smile, I walk around my porch to the deck, the sound of construction muffled, and sit in the newly furnished pergola. My newly purchased deck heater on and pointed in my direction, the entire set up is a dream.

Settling further onto the chaise, I sip my coffee and open my book. Before I can start reading my phone rings, Mom’s name appearing on the screen.

“Hi, Mom. How are you?” My voice is sober.

“Hi, sweetheart. I just wanted to confirm that your dad and I will arrive on November third instead of the second. I’m sorry for the delay, but Dad has an appointment that got moved to the second.” Her voice is soft, apologetic.

“It’s okay, you will still be here on the fourth. The barn apartment should be mostly done for you to stay in by then.”

The anniversary of Scott’s death has been looming on my mind. During the day I’ve been able to stay busy and not dwell, but nights have been hard and to say I haven’t been sleeping well is an understatement.

We talk for a while longer about how I want to spend the time they’re here.

Hanging up the phone, I close my eyes and drop my head back onto the cushion. Some days it feels like longer than a year since I said goodbye to Scott before he left for work only to never get to see him again. Other times I can’t believe it’s almost been this long.

Sighing, I twist the ring on my finger.

“That was heavy.”

Starting, I turn to meet Owen’s concerned gaze.

Sitting up, I say, “Just a lot on my mind . . .”

His gaze shifts as he processes my expression. “Would you like a distraction? I just found out that the stones for your fireplace are in and I was going to go pick them up. Want to come?”

Nodding, I run inside to grab my purse and put my book away before joining him in his truck.

“I need to stop by my place to grab the trailer.”

He drives up the road to the driveway where we met my first day in town, and I see him smirk out of the corner of my eye. Heat flares in my face as I realize he’s remembering that meeting too. I mumble, “I was lost and overwhelmed.”

His smirk deepens as he chuckles without saying anything.

We pull up along a simple one-story home, Owen expertly backing his truck up to a trailer as I peer around me.

Owen’s home is tidy and well-maintained. Through the trees, I glimpse another house.

“That’s Wally’s house. I rent this one from him. He owns about a hundred and fifty acres of land.”

Hopping out of the truck, Owen hitches the trailer as I continue to look around me. It’s interesting that Owen has lived in this town his entire life but hasn’t bought his own home.

He’s back inside the truck and we’re on the road.

Chewing on my lower lip, I glance at Owen out of the corner of my eye.

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