37. 5foot9
Chapter 37
5foot9
Asher
W e spent another week or so in California packing up her shit and putting the house on the market. She got everything her dad left put into a savings account or whatever, and then we shipped everything back to Oklahoma. We’ve been here the last couple of weeks, and it’s like nothing has changed. We have been working on our chores, riding the horses, having picnics at the river, and of course spending as much time as possible together.
Since she slipped through my hands the first time, I can’t help but want to hold her even closer. I feel a little panic every time I’m not sure where she’s at. I typically find her hanging out with one of the animals or curled up with a book on the porch. Sometimes I can’t help but pause and smile at how content she looks. So fucking peaceful, so fucking beautiful.
Phillis requested we come and eat together tonight, something no one will deny. Especially when it includes red pepper pasta. Something I wasn’t sure I would love, but now it’s like an addiction. I’ve had it three times, and now I can’t get enough.
We sit down at the table and start dishing it all out. I pour homemade sun tea in everyone’s glass, and we dig in. We eat in silence, everyone mumbling about how great the food is, as per usual. Our mouths are never empty long enough to have an actual conversation right now, the food is just that good.
Once everyone is nearing the end, Esme perks up.
“So I made dessert,” she says.
Everyone lights up, excited to see, and from the fridge, she pulls out homemade angel food cake and strawberry topping. I lick my lips. I love strawberry shortcake, and anything homemade is the best.
“These are the strawberries we grew,” she beams, “and I’ve been messing with the sourdough starter, so technically it’s sourdough angel food cake.”
Holy fuck, she’s hot. So domestic in the streets and a fucking freak in the sheets. I love that she’s so open to trying all the new things around her.
We all serve ourselves, and I moan as I bite into the delicious treat. Her head snaps to me as she bites her lip and crosses her legs. So reactive, and she loves hearing me. I snicker at the reaction and take another bite. It really is good.
Peter clears his throat, and it draws my attention away from it.
“So we have some news,” he says.
Esme and I look at each other and look back at Peter and Phillis as they do the same.
“We’ve decided to fully retire and travel full time,” Phillis squeals with excitement. They clasp their hands together as they both beam. Wide smiles are plastered across their faces, but I feel mine fall. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Esme’s fall too.
“Well,” I cough out. “I’m excited for y’all. Uh, when are you doing this?”
Phillis is the first to speak. “Well we think we’re going to go ahead and leave next week for our first destination. Montana!”
“And what about the farm?” Esme says exactly what I’ve been thinking. I can’t find somewhere new to live and board in a week.
“Well…” Peter turns to me and stares at me with a straight face. “We’d like to leave it to you guys.”
“You what?” I cough.
“You’re like a grandson to us, and I’m assuming this is serious between y’all if you managed to bring her back.”
Esme and I exchange a glance, they don’t know everything that happened in California, and we’d prefer to keep it that way. I nod in agreement, and he keeps going.
“We want the place to keep its same feel and to stay in the family. You’re it for us.” They squeeze each other’s hands, and I feel my heart squeeze in my chest.
Like Esme knew what I was thinking, we both get up, walk to their side of the table, and hug them. I can’t imagine living anywhere else or doing anything else, so I’m glad this is how it is working out.
“Thank you,” I whisper to Peter. He pats my back, and we pull back from one another. Esme walks over to me and drapes an arm around my waist. She looks up at me and smiles before I bend down and kiss her forehead. This is the best-case scenario, and fuck, I’m so thankful.
We clean up from dinner and head back to my trailer. I’m folding some laundry while Esme is brushing her teeth in the bathroom when she pops her head out.
“So if we get the place,” she mumbles around her toothbrush, “does that mean I can get a mini pig?”
“A what?” I laugh. This woman is off her rocker.
She finishes brushing her teeth before coming out to finish the conversation.
“A mini pig. Ya know, one of those little ones that lie around all day.” She looks up at me and bats her eyelashes. “Puhleaseeee,” she begs. “They’re so cute and wait, look!” She pulls out her phone and shows me a video of one scratching its ass on a table.
I laugh as I bend down and kiss her.
“Yeah, if you want a mini pig, we can get a mini pig.”
“Yes!” she exclaims.
Well, I guess I better start looking for someone to buy a fucking miniature pig from.