Everything I Dreamed (Everhope Road #2)

23. Hailey

23

HAILEY

I stretch, my naked body lengthening against the soft cotton sheets and mattress while I yawn blissfully. Feeling Oliver’s warmth next to me, I roll over and cuddle against his bare skin, intent on falling back to sleep since sunlight peeks through the blinds.

But even in a drowsy state, I can feel a set of eyes cutting through me.

He’s awake.

I stir groggily and shift to see him lying on his back staring at the ceiling. “What time is it?” My voice is gravelly.

His arm brings me in closer to him to mold against his body.

“Go back to sleep.”

“No. It’s okay. I can’t stay in my slumber all day. How long have you been up?” The sheet is a tangled mess around my body, but I don’t care.

“Who knows.”

I sigh and bring my hand to rest against his chest. “It was wishful thinking, was it? To fuck all night to forget?”

That’s what we did. On my belly, back, side. Fast and slow. Dirty talk and silent words. Everything but talking.

“We knew it was coming. I have to dial in for a work call in a bit. Maybe that’s luck, as I don’t particularly want to face anyone over scrambled eggs.”

“Of course not. It has to be sunny side up.” I attempt to make him smile, but he doesn’t seem in the mood.

“What’s on your agenda for the day?”

I grumble. “I’ll be brave for us and run into Foxy Rox for coffee to-go. I can bring you one back if you are eager to hide away.”

He bites the corner of his mouth. “We have to face the music. It isn’t about practicality and ensuring you get the building. That’s not what we can yell from the rooftops.”

The pit in my stomach returns with dread. “I know.”

“We probably need to talk about what it also means for u—” He stalls and doesn’t finish the sentence, but I could do it for him, as I know the ending.

My finger jets out to hush his lips. His chin is gruff with short stubble, and it nearly distracts me but not enough. “I think we need caffeine first and to maybe destress once before I go.”

At last, his mouth breaks out into a smirk because I’ve cracked him. I’ve also prolonged the start of a conversation that has been looming for days. It’s scary, maybe messy, and tide-changing. All the more reason I want to hold on to any extra minutes that I can get before we open our mouths on the issue.

“Destress? I could kind of use that right now.”

Before I know it, Oliver has flipped me to my back and I have to giggle when he gets frustrated with the sheet, attempting to rip it away. “Remind me to burn these. I don’t appreciate obstacles in the bedroom.”

I only laugh more until it turns into a whimper because he is touching my pussy with his tip and already pumping inch by inch inside of me.

When our eyes link, we grow quiet but don’t look away.

Every minute with him lately binds us closer.

We both know it. We just don’t say it.

Esme stares at me blankly as she sits across from me at the table by the window in Foxy Rox. Then takes her straw to sip purposely the last drop of her iced coffee. The noise scratches my ears. It was silly of me to think that I could slip in for coffee unnoticed. It’s Everhope.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, even if it was obvious.”

She huffs a laugh. “I admit that I was blindsided about the marriage part, everything else not.” Her shoulders sag and she pushes her drink to the side. “It does sting. I don’t know why you didn’t share it, but I also respect your decision. Everyone should conduct their relationships in their own way. I’m not going to judge… only wonder.”

I gulp because I can predict what’s coming. She’s going to pick not only for the details but also my mind.

“It seems I got married before you.” My effort to bring the focus back to her fails.

“Who cares. Now tell me how it happened? Clearly spur of the moment, right? I mean, you two only hooked up a few weeks ago. Then boom.” She snaps her fingers in the air. “He’s calling you wifey.”

“And he is also doing it to help me get the building for my preschool, so please keep that fact to yourself. I can’t have the old lady figure it out until after I’ve signed everything.”

“Ooh, devious.” She folds her hands over one another on the table and gets comfortable for the gossip she intends to receive. “Are you staying married? Or, like, I don’t know. It’s not like you don’t have feelings for one another. You’ve consummated the marriage I’m sure more than once.”

“Esme,” I warn her, but she just grins cheekily.

“I’m sorry but it is an obvious question. What was the wedding like?”

“Quick. Nothing crazy. The judge and courthouse kind of thing.” But it was still somehow oddly special. I don’t regret it. Sure, I was missing a lot of elements that I had imagined for my wedding one day, but it was also… perfect.

And that’s why I’m on the crazy train.

“Kind of is a bummer we missed that. You’re going to have to plan a redo for your anniversary.”

I have no clue what life will look like a year from now. Hopefully, I have my new school, and I do picture Oliver in the dream, not entirely sure in what way. We skipped the middle part from dating to official to engaged to married.

“Perhaps,” I reply nimbly. “Anyhow, it’s Liam or Carter that we probably have the issue with.”

Esme begins to howl with laugh and a few others in the coffee shop throw us unusual looks.

“What’s so funny?”

She even snorts a little as she tries to control herself. When she finally does gain composure, I swear I see a tear. “You. You’re hilarious. Liam will be fine. Carter, on the other hand? He’s hurting from unresolved issues. I mean, what is he going to do? Hire his divorce lawyer for you? I mean, using him as an excuse is just obvious. If you think he is the obstacle, then you are hiding under a rock.”

“How so?”

“Because your challenge is deciding whether you stay in a marriage that would’ve come to be one day anyhow, or you scratch that legality into history and begin from square one.”

“And? Point being?”

“For a teacher, you have a brain cell missing. You are completely in love with him and have every intention of wearing that ring around your finger for eternity.”

My mouth opens and words get blocked in my throat. Instead, I reach protectively for my necklace that I’ve kept on from habit and acknowledge she is right, but I won’t say it out loud.

I am in love with Oliver.

Completely.

We just seem to dance around one another. I’m still not entirely convinced that we balance out, as in he loves me too.

“That is the reality we found ourselves in… yes.” I avoid her gaze because I don’t want to see her glee.

“You both have the answer. I mean, we all saw something coming. You two have been adorable together for the longest time. It’s on Liam for being a jackass and not speaking up that he doesn’t care… well, that was until the quickie-marriage part. I just mean that you both would have been together long ago and probably on your first kid by now. Then again, you both could have grown a backbone a long time ago and just gone for it without anyone’s permission.”

“Oh.” It’s the only syllable I manage to muster.

She pulls out a tube of lip gloss from her purse to spread a layer on her lips. “It’s probably why you guys never told anyone. You think you want to figure it out and it’s all on paper, but in reality, it’s a front for what you both don’t want to admit.”

“And this is why we entered our own little world. Our friends would just give their input as if they are world-renowned psychologists.”

She flashes me a stoic smile.

I hear the bell on the door, and over her shoulder, I see my brother enter. He gives me a nod and slowly approaches our table.

Esme notices. “I’ll give you two some time.” She stands and touches my back in passing for assurance.

“I guessed you would be here.”

I attempt a smile. “Fresh muffins tend to lift the day.”

Liam sits down across from me, almost deflated, and I watch him, waiting for him to begin.

Liam flicks his eyes up to meet mine. A few times until his shoulders relax. “The thing is, I’m aware that Oliver is husband material.”

“He is. Already, he’s taken care of me,” I say, quick to defend.

Liam holds his finger up. “But it’s just… You’re my sister.”

“Your sister who wants Oliver as her husband. We always thought we shouldn’t try to be more than friends for fear it could ruin the harmony of friendship between all of us. “

“I wish this wasn’t as fast it is, but I get it. As long as you’re happy.”

I believe in what I feel. “I am.”

“Then… I’ll talk with Oliver. Man to man.”

I chortle a laugh. “Sorry… are you serious?” One look and I know I shouldn’t have laughed.

“I’m not going to brush this all under the rug. I still need to wrap my head around all this and make sure that he will treat you right.”

I give him an oh, really look. “You already have that answer.”

He bobbles his head side to side and rolls his eyes because he knows I’m right.

I reach across the table to hold his hands. “I get it. You’re my brother and his best friend, well, now brother-in law.” Liam doesn’t look impressed by my wit. “Too soon? Fine, but you’ve said it yourself that you get your best friend and sister together. We’re one package.”

“Does that come with a fucking bow?” Liam retorts sarcastically.

That’s a hint that the conversation is turning and the answer that my brother will be alright.

“It comes with your two favorite people being happy.” I smile.

“Love how you leave my own wife off of that favorite list.” Liam widens his eyes at me.

I smile awkwardly. “Of course. Her too.”

“Mom and Dad need an explanation when they are back from their trip. Heard they booked the next flight back,” Liam informs me.

I shrug, not exactly proud. “I’m not getting awards for letting them find out via the Everhope gossip train.”

“Ya think?” He’s flippant, and I roll my eyes.

“I get the being together part. It’s just… fast.”

“Liam, he is helping me. Without a husband the lady who owns the building I told you about won’t sell.”

Lines form on his head. “So like, this all happened for convenience.”

I nod. “Something like that.”

“But you actually both already had a thing.”

I nod again.

“Okay, so you stay married.” He is listing questions to try and understand.

I perk my head up gently. “That’s still… a conversation.” I sound uneven.

He raises his brows. “Might want to figure that one out.”

My phone begins to vibrate, and I glance down to see it’s Molly. Quickly I hold my finger up to indicate to my brother to wait a second. I hit the green button on my screen.

I don’t let her speak. “Hi. Do you have any news?”

She must find my eagerness amusing as she releases a short laugh. “Good day to you too. By chance, Ingrid is actually at my office. We can talk on the phone, but it might be better if you can swing by if possible?”

I’m already standing up, nearly fumbling out of my chair. “Of course. I’m already on Main and can be there in two minutes.”

“Great.” She hangs up.

I begin to stand with urgency. “Are we okay? I don’t want to run, but it’s the agent.”

“We’re okay,” he mumbles.

I slide the strap of my purse up my arm and rush to him for a quick hug. “I promise he’s only been the best to me,” I assure him in a whisper.

As I leave, I hear him call out. “Better be! And congratulations.” That wasn’t super enthusiastic, but it’s good enough for me.

I sprint out of Foxy Rox and gallop down the sidewalk then pause at the corner near the real estate office. Smoothing my hair, I take a deep breath, reminding myself that fate is fate.

You’ve got this.

I give myself a little pep talk then stand tall when I walk into the office to see that Ingrid is sitting by Molly’s desk drinking tea.

“Good morning, Hailey.” Molly smiles, but she seems nervous, and that doesn’t bode well for me, does it?

“Hi.”

Ingrid smiles but it’s unreadable. “Have a seat, dear.”

Warily, I take a few steps and sit down on the vacant seat next to her while Molly crosses her arms and leans back against the chair.

“I’ll get right to it,” Ingrid starts.

“Of course.” My heart is pounding and my ears feel warm.

“You and your husband remind me of someone.”

I gulp some air, unsure of where this is going. “Oh?” My voice is unsteady.

“Yes. Me and my husband. We married after two weeks of knowing one another. We stayed married until his passing recently. I understand from the grapevine that there was a bit of… well, an eventful evening.”

My eyes zip to Molly with horror on my face. “Everyone in town already knows about last night?”

She rolls a shoulder back. “I mean, Keats told the Kellys across the street and then they told the new couple with the dog and then someone put a message in the neighborhood chat group which apparently you don’t check.”

Somehow, I still manage to shake my head ruefully because it is kind of funny… just .

Ingrid clears her throat. “I’m not too concerned about all of that, although slightly deceiving, and believe you me that I would no longer consider you if I thought it was all for show. But I met you and your husband and you two are very clearly in love. The kind that reminds me of Fred and me. A long-lasting one. You and Oliver even have more points over us since you’ve known one another for so long.”

We have.

A gift and a curse.

We’ve both watched the other’s life go by, yet we didn’t involve ourselves in each other’s life. Not in the way that I’d always wanted.

“Point is, dear, you two are good together, and I have no qualms. You could even have told me you weren’t married when I met you two and I would have just been convinced otherwise. It’s a silly clause. My grandson, he works for one of those tech companies in Chicago, and he was berating me that I need to keep up with the times. I give in. He’s right. I can’t be a prickly old woman, right?”

My brows rise. “Wait, are you saying in the end we wouldn’t have had to marry?”

Oh, fuck me. All of this for nothing. But it’s anything but. In fact, it’s as though a gust of wind wrapped us together to ensure we confronted our feelings.

“I guess in the end, no. I’m not sure that selling is the right choice anymore, so the clause would be irrelevant. Renting has crossed my mind.”

Instantly, I frown. “I see.”

Nausea hits, and it’s because this dream is wilting away. Renting wouldn’t be an option, as I have all of the renovations and changes I would need to make.

She holds her finger up. “It’s a good thing, no? You won’t have to worry about extra financing.”

My face must look sullen as I really was counting on a place to own. “That is true, but unfortunately, you will need to find someone else. I’d really need to make the space my own, and I don’t think a landlord would appreciate that.”

“I thought so.”

The air grows heavy with the mood tampered.

It’s more than a few seconds that I sit there, debating if I should be polite and wait for a goodbye or excuse myself already.

“As I mentioned, I have been considering options, however …” Hope ticks up inside of me. “Provided all of the paperwork checks out, then it’s yours.”

My entire body morphs into pure ecstasy. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

I glance at Molly to ensure this isn’t a joke, but she has a reassuring look.

My hands find my heart because this is such a milestone. The school is going to happen. It really is.

“Congratulations.” Ingrid smiles.

“Thank you.”

They give me a minute to let the shock wear off. I knew it was a possibility when I walked in here, but it’s different now that it’s confirmed.

It’s a few minutes of admin and another round of smiles before I’m walking down Main, reflecting on the detail that it’s because of Oliver that I was even able to go down this road, at the start at least. It seems to be irrelevant now in buying terms. Now, our marriage takes on a different direction.

It’s because I can’t shake away that he is my husband, nor do I want to. There are so many things we can be still. And stating the obvious is a start.

I love him.

We’ve been moving through the actions but not saying the words.

That’s not us.

We are two strong-minded people who went off track.

Now, we have to take the step to decide how we want our marriage to be.

Because we are together, and I refuse to break that.

Rushing into Oliver’s house, I walk on the balls of my feet toward his office down the hall, not wanting to make noise or interrupt in case he’s in a meeting.

The tap on my back startles me, and I yelp. Turning, I see Oliver who seems pleased that he caught me off guard.

“Sorry. It was too enticing to do that. I finished my call a while ago.”

“We don’t need to be married. Not anymore.” It bursts out of my mouth without warning, forgetting that I said I would return with coffees after my discreet trip to get them.

His face falls and his eyes widen from the bold words that just flew out of my mouth.

“It was all for nothing. In the end, she didn’t seem to mind,” I further explain.

A sound cracks and flows through his throat, and his eyes narrow.

Oh… wait.

“That’s not how I meant that to come out.” The opposite, actually. I’m trying to relay the news that I don’t care about any of that because I still want to stand exactly where I am.

I could use some improvement on delivery.

“I just mean, now we need to confront staying married if it’s not a necessity, and our pace and future and…” I love you .

“Right. Whether we need to stay married or not.” The sentence lacks energy. “And the call I had earlier. It was the league again. They offered me the job in New York again. They upped the offer to make it very enticing. It seems the world is trying to tell us something.”

“Oh… right. Well, I saw Liam and he’s calmed down. But wow, New York.”

Everything in that sentence fills me with dread. I don’t get a chance to respond with those three little words because we are interrupted by the hammering knock on the door.

Are you kidding me? Who do I need to kill right now?

I can only hope he grasped enough of my last sentence to understand what direction I was leading us in.

But right now, it will need to wait.