After a round of cleaning up manure to make sure their space is clean, I go back to the trailer where all the dogs greet me from inside the dog run with wagging butts and tails.
After a shower, I get cooking.
It’s time to make the cat and dog foods in bulk to freeze, which takes me several hours. Thankfully, while the foods simmer on the stove, I can move on to Ezra and my dinner: roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and roasted Brussels sprouts.
The two of us bonded over our love of roasted sprouts, tossed in olive oil with a little Himalayan salt and mixed pepper.
By the time Ezra comes back home, he’s covered in drywall dust, which he does his best to contain, taking off all of his clothes in the entryway, leaving them inside-out to toss into the designated spot we choose in the laundry area.
I watch his hulking muscles flex as he moves around the trailer in just his trunks, deep blue with a red elastic band, reminiscent of Superman.
I’d always found the character attractive, even if he’s a bit too good sometimes. I think I prefer the alternate version of him who’d let the world burn to save the love of his life, not sacrifice her to save the world.
Call me a romantic.
I hustle over to Ezra before he makes it into the bathroom, place my hands on his pecs and steady myself there, rising on my toes to kiss his lips softly.
He chuckles, his light green eyes growing hooded. “I’m all dirty, sweetheart. And not in the good way.” He winks. “Let me clean up and change. The food smells so good, I’m about to pass out.”
“Go, go.” I shoo him off with a grin and go back to the kitchen.
Not much later, we’re seated at the table, just the two of us tonight, all the dogs and cats chowing down on food and slurping their water loudly around us.
“Adley, your cooking is amazing. And much appreciated.”
My smile is wide as I look up at Ezra beside me, the corner of the table between us. “I want to be sure you’re well fed. You’re working really hard over there, and… I worry.”
His brow grows tight. “Why are you worried? I can handle the work.”
“I know,” I say quickly. “I’m not concerned about your quality of work or your ability, I’m worried you’re working too hard. Working too much.”
He seems to consider my words before responding. “I was honest from the start. I’m working real hard because I don’t have the money to help pay, or the ability to get a loan. I don’t like feeling I’m indebted to anyone. So, if I can say I helped build the house, it will make me feel better. I’m doing it as much for me as I am for my pack.”
My heart feels tight as I place my hand on his on top of the table. “I know why you’re doing it. I respect why you’re doing it. But if you’re going to continue, I’d like you to lean a bit more on your pack brothers and me. We can pick up the slack everywhere else so you don’t have as much to do.”
A serious struggle plays out on his face after I finish. Then, he lets out a long breath, his head nodding. “I can do that. And, I’ll do one better.” He pulls his cell phone from his back pocket, taps away on it. Not a minute goes by before there’s a responding ding, and he puts his phone back.
“What was that?”
Ezra grins at me, his eyes sparkling. “I took tomorrow off. Three-day weekend.”
My laughter is pure elation as I jump out of my seat, straddle his lap and wrap my arms around him. “That’s fantastic,” I breathe against his shoulder.
His arms wrap around my middle, hugging me close. “Anything for you. But I’d like you to come with me somewhere tomorrow.”
I lean back to look at him. “Sure. Where are we going?”
He smiles, but there’s something hidden there I can’t decipher. “It’s a surprise.”
When I come outside the next morning, Ezra is right past the front door with Pie and Gator. Pie is all geared up with a blanket across his back, saddle and bridle secured, Gator wearing a matching blanket and bridle—in miniature, of course.
“That’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
Ezra chuckles and adjusts his hat. “Come on. We’re going for a ride.”
I look from Pie to Gator, then at Ezra. “I don’t think Gator would like it if I got on his back.”
Now, Ezra is straight-up laughing at me. “No, he definitely wouldn’t. Come here.”
