I glance down at her while rubbing her back. “How so?”
“Her innocence. Like, she doesn’t have any knowledge of the evil in this world yet, you know? She doesn’t know disappointment and fear. She doesn’t know insecurity and anxiety. She just has this small bubble and nothing to worry about except getting her diaper changed and her next meal. I envy her, but I adore that I get to be a part of that bubble at the same time. I’ve never felt purpose like I do when I’m taking care of her, Henley. She’s brought me so much joy, and I’ve loved every minute of it.”
“Too bad your time with us is almost over,” I say, bringing up my biggest fear, the one that made me spiral and take this woman without hesitation.
“For the past few weeks, all I’ve thought about is how I know she’ll never remember me if I leave. But for the time that I am here, you and she have all of me, Henley.” Her arms squeeze around my chest. “I promise you that.”
Yeah, Elodie. I think you have all of me too, and that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.
Chapter 17
Henley
Yoga & Concerts
“If you’re not going to participate, why even bother showing up?” Elliot asks Rhonan as we wait for yoga to start. Fletcher is talking to Laney and her dad, helping with something before the event officially starts, and Carol is at the playground with Remy. But I haven’t seen Elodie in a while now, which instantly makes my pulse spike.
When she first mentioned coming to yoga night at the winery, all I could think about was getting to see how flexible she was. But now that we’re here, I realize I underestimated how uncomfortable I would be withotherpeople getting to see her flexibility, especially while she’s wearing a teal spandex workout set that leaves nothing to the imagination. Still, I’m looking forward to doing something with her that’s become a part of my life in the past few months. I’ve never had someone to share a hobby with before, and I kind of like it.
Yet another reason I barely recognize myself lately.
Rhonan laughs. “And miss y’all twisting yourselves into pretzels? No way.” He hoists his belt up higher on his waist, checking to make sure that his gun is secured. “Even if I am on shift, at least I’m getting paid and subjected to free entertainment just for being here.”
Blossom Peak has very little crime, so most days, I wonder what the hell Rhonan does as sheriff. I imagine there’s only so many parking tickets he can write. But at least the slow pace of life here allows him to have a bit of life and be there for events like this.
I lean over toward Elliot. “Just wait. There’s gonna be some beautiful woman that will make him change his thinking about yoga and before you know it, he’ll be on the grass with the rest of us.”
“Oh shit. Yeah, I think you’re right. Although part of me hopes he stays single forever so I have a buddy to grow old with.”
“Swearing off the entire female population now?” Fletcher asks as he rejoins us.
Elliot scratches his jaw, his nails moving roughly through his scruff. “Yeah, I think I’m in the acceptance stage of grief now. That is, I’ve accepted that a relationship is just not for me and so now I feel more at peace.”
The three of us share a look before Fletcher says, “If that’s how you feel, buddy, then I hope it works out for you. Does this mean you’re not drinking any more either?” He motions to the bottle of water Elliot is holding.
“I’ll have you know that I haven’t had a drink since we got back from Charlotte, all right?”
“That was three days ago,” Rhonan deadpans.
“Still. After breakfast that morning, I just realized I don’t like who I am right now.” He turns to me. “I want to apologize for what I said to you about Elodie, and the comments I’ve made toher too. I—” He pushes a hand through his hair. “I think I’ve been taking out my anger on you because you’re happy and with someone now.”
“Holy shit.” Fletcher holds the back of his hand to Elliot’s forehead. “Do you have a fever? Are you feeling okay? Because I’m not sure who this guy is standing in front of us right now.”
Elliot bats his hand away. “Oh, shut the fuck up, respectfully. I’m fine, all right? But I might have finally gone to therapy on Monday.”
Slapping him on the shoulder, I say, “Well, I appreciate the apology, and I’m proud of you.”
Maybe it’s time you go to therapy too, Henley?
He shoves me off. “Let’s not make a big deal about it, okay?” He scours the courtyard. “Where are the girls, by the way?”
As if a movie montage begins, we all turn to see Laney, Dilynne, and Elodie stride toward us, ponytails swaying and spandex hugging every curve.
My eyes are locked on Elodie, of course, already thinking about what positions I’m going to fold her into later, hoping our yoga session will give me ideas.
“Goddamn,” Fletcher mumbles beside me.
“Right?” I echo his sentiment.
