Chapter 23
S he says nothing in response, just stares back at me, and I instantly regret being so damn honest when she stands up and heads toward the bedroom. Slouching back in my chair I scrub my hand over my face in frustration. What was going through my head when I admitted that? Things are good between us. So fuckin’ good, and now I’ve ruined it. I’ve never tried to hide who I am from Everleigh, but there are some things that you just have to hold back.
I hear the door click a few minutes later and when I see that Everleigh has changed into a cute, floaty dress that almost touches the floor, I study her up and down as she stands herself in front of me.
“Come on.” She holds out her hand, and despite my utter confusion, I take it.
“Come where?”
“To church, I’m coming with you.” She has a strong, determined look on her face, and it makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
“Evy, most of the town shows up for church, it’s full of people, and?—”
“I want to be there for you, just like you're always there for me. And I don’t care about the people, not when I’ve got you to hold my hand.”
“You’re serious, ain’t ya?” I shake my head, wondering where the hell this woman gets her strength from.
“Of course, I’m serious. I told you, I want to prove that I can do this.”
“You don’t have to prove anythin’ to me,” I tell her, standing up and taking both her elbows in my hands.
“Well, maybe I need to prove it to myself. I want to do this for both of us.” I feel the smile pick up on my face before I kiss her, then allowing her to take a deep, brave breath I keep my hand in hers and lead her out the door.