Page 14 of Peaches & Pistols

Izzy comes to sit beside me at the now empty dining table.

“I don’t know your circumstances, and I’m not asking you to tell me. But as a woman who’s lived most of her life in fear, I just want you to know you’re not alone. You don’t know any of us yet, but if you believe nothing else, please believe Greyson’s a good man. He would never hurt you. He’s the kind of man predators run from.”

I nod, unable to look up or form any intelligible response. With a smile Izzy heads out back with the rest of the group.

Am I doing this? Moving to a middle-of-nowhere town? Taking a job on a whim? Living with a man I met not even two hours ago?

Charlie, what should I do?

I must’ve zoned out because the next thing I know, Greyson’s returned and is whisking Harper out the front door and Everly’s clinging to my leg crying that her best friend is leaving.

“It’s okay, baby. It sounds like Harper will be back tomorrow.” My consoling does little in the torrent of her tantrum.

“Will…she…be…here…for…breakfast?” she gasps through heaving sobs.

“You know, little one, she just might be! Sometimes she eats at home before she comes over, but more often than not she wants to eat here with us.” Cecelia’s soothing voice does the trick, as does her claim.

Checking the time and counting the hours until breakfast has everything to do with Everly’s excitement—and nothing to do with my new boss.

“Mia.” A distantly familiar voice rouses me from a restless night of sleep. I practically jump out of my skin when I open my eyes to Cecelia in a foreign room.

“Oh, dear. I’m sorry. I tried calling for you and knocking but you must’ve needed your sleep.”

The burn of exhaustion in my eyes remains no matter how many times I blink.

“It’s okay.” I look to the spot next to me to rouse Everly but find the bed empty. “Everly!” I choke.

“She’s fine. Little thing was downstairs sitting on a stool at the island. Had every kind of cereal we’ve got lined up for her perusal.” Cecelia chuckles and my anxiety lessens a fraction knowing Everly’s in the house, safe, and no one is upset with her.

“Her tummy’s full, and her spirit’s bright. Hope it’s alright Izzy walked her out to the stables this morning. They only looked at the horses from a safe distance, don’t worry.”

Will I perpetually live in fight or flight? Even the idea of Everly leaving these walls to go visit a horse has me wanting to take her and run, never looking back. But an equally primal part of me, rooted deep in my gut, tells me the Andersens are safe. It’s me who’s on the brink.

“As a matter of fact, Harper’s got her down in the meadow picking wildflowers. I bet you’ll have a lovely bouquet coming your way here soon.”

My mouth dries, a gulp inching down my throat. If Harper’s here, Greyson might be here. It’s silly, but I’m more confident having freshly showered before bed and wearing clean clothes for our second meeting.

Izzy and Delilah were quick to offer me whatever clothes I needed, but it was awkward accepting undergarments, so I borrowed a sleep shirt, and a sleeveless top for today.

Everly must’ve put on her last clean outfit. I was able to pack more for her than I was for myself, but I’ll need to wash everything we brought and rotate the pieces until I can afford to buy school clothes for her.

The bedside clock says I need to get my butt moving.

“If you give me just a minute to get dressed, I’ll be right out.” It’s not hotter here than Missouri, but the dry heat is something completely new. I’m extremely grateful for the flowy tank top today.

“Of course, dear. I’ll be in the family room.” Cecelia closes the door softly behind her.

Dressing takes no time at all, considering I’m keeping on my undergarments from last night. I throw on the borrowed top, and the pair of denim shorts I luckily managed to pack in my panic.

I don’t have all my curl products, so I make do with a messy top knot and call it good enough.

The house is massive by any standard, and I would’ve gotten lost had our room not been right around the corner from the family room.

“Mama!” Everly cheers and launches herself into my arms. My little girl never fails to fill my heart and lift my spirit.

“Holy cow, did you grow overnight? You’re heavier than you were yesterday!” I joke, tickling her sides until she’s wiggling to escape my grasp.

A throat clears, drawing all our attention. Greyson looks pointedly at Harper who shines big brown doe eyes at me.