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Linc squeezes my hand and then releases it "Yeah I know you do LookI'et a few hours of sleep"

"Sure I'll wake you up e're getting ready to land"

He doesn't respond but just leans his head back into the seat With his eyes closed, he looks so peaceful But I know peace is not what he's feeling right now

I really didn't have any intention of sleeping on the plane, but I just didn't want to engage in any further conversation about the potential trade So I played possumclosed my eyes, and pretended to sleep

Lettingto Phoenix would be painful My dad was getting on in years and I didn't want to be separated by almost an entire continent I also didn't want to be separated frohanistan

And weirdlyI didn't like the thought of being away fros while ere dancing last night But shitshe's consu me and I can't help the way I feel Apparently, I just need to be a little more circumspect about the situation I backpedaled, and she accepted said backpedaling

Here's the thingwe could be perfect together I know it She just has to quit living in the past and stopdecisions based on her experiences And I know that's easier said than done The most I can do is continue to fuck her silly and show her that I'uy That I would not hurt her the way she has been hurt in the past

We've arrived at Ever's childhood ho I know this only because Eazines stacked all over Nix's house And that's the only reason I know thatenough said!

The house is a huge, two-story Victorian hite trih it's alhts I can feel the excite off of Ever as she leaps out of the car and runs up to the front door It opens and I watch as a woman, who looks exactly like Ever, opens her arms My chest aches and expands as I see Ever step into her mother's embrace

I walk up the porch steps and I can hear Ever's o on for an eternity but knowing the way Ever feels about her h for her

Finally, Ever steps back to introduce us "Momthis is Linc Caldwell Lincthis is omery"

I stick o "It's so nice to meet you, Linc And pleasecall me Sam"

I grin over her shoulder at Ever, who is watching us with careful eyes She returns my smile, but it's hesitant

"It's a pleasureyou, Sam," I tell her "You and Ever could be twin sisters"

Sah that is suffused with southern chareous as my Everette Mae"

Sam turns to walk in the house and before we follow her, I mouth the words Everette Mae to Ever, my eyebrows raised in question

"Oh, shut up," she hisses "And don't ever call ood for you"

I chuckle but bend to sneak a quick kiss on Ever's lips before alk into the house She places her fingertips on her lips, as if savoring the feel of me there I have no clue what Ever has told herto see how this plays out

We follow Sam into the kitchen and she iry so I accept While she sets out a veritable feast of cold cuts, macaroni salad and brownies, she and Ever chat about everything and nothing

It's nice to sit back and watch Ever in her ele kind of woman, but herewith her mothershe's like a different person yet There is an absolute peace about her and if it's possible, she looks even more lovely

"So, Linchave you forgiven my little minx for that article she wrote about you?"

I about choke on my brownie over Sam's direct question I wasn't even sure if Ever had told her about that I glance at Ever and she's staring down at her hands That's a sure sign to me that she is still huent need to make her feel better

"Samif Ever had not written that article about et to know your daughter I'd say that was the best thing that has happened totime"

I can see from the corner of my eye that Ever's head snaps up and I can feel the bore of her gaze on oes soft and liquid at the kind words I just paid about her daughter And while inal need was to take some pressure off of Ever, I realize that my words are utterly true I am insanely happy that I've come to know Ever the way I have

Eventually, I try to takeno part of it She insists I stay in one of the guest rooive a coordinated yawn befitting the late hour that we all walk upstairs to get some sleep I sneak a peek into Ever's childhood rooant prints, and cherry furniture Ever whispers a quick goodnight to ht across the hall from Ever

I've beco to suck not having her near ht

I' to clearabout Ever when I hear the door to ht fro in my doorway It's Ever Or at least, I hope it is and not her mother

She walks in and closes the door, throwing the room back into darkness I cannot see her, but my ears open up andsoft landing on the floor

Her clothing