Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 116046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116046 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 580(@200wpm)___ 464(@250wpm)___ 387(@300wpm)
The wind seemed softer as it blew through the filter of mature, healthy vegetation surrounding the house. In addition to the grass, I’d also had some genetically modified honeysuckle and ivy planted against the house—drought, disease, and pest resistant enough to survive the harsh climate. I had to admit, I never thought I’d enjoy this small oasis as much as I do. Something about all the greenery and nature calmed me.
A bright blue pool shaped like a long oval took up the center part of the big yard, with retractable iron gates that went underground and became flush with the travertine stones surrounding the pool. When we had kids we’d use the railings to keep our little ones safe, but for right now I wanted Joy to have the full effect of the view and gardens. I knew she liked it when she froze behind me, then let out a soft sigh.
“Oh, Ramón, this is amazing. A little bit of heaven in the desert. I always dreamed of growing up in a home like this, one of those places you’d see on TV with the big family and lots of land. You don’t find a lot of trees this big in Phoenix.”
“This used to be a giant orchard that stretched for miles back when water wasn’t a big deal. This whole area was green with peach, plum, and apple trees. These are all that are left, the rest destroyed long ago by water restrictions. We use a special cistern system here that traps run off water into huge tanks below us that we use to water the gardens. That water then gets filtered back into the cisterns through yet more drains. It’s a new desert friendly watering systems, one that doesn’t use a single drop of city water.”
She gazed up at me with a small, amused smile. “Wow, you’re really into this stuff.”
“Of course I am. Using land effectively is a big deal. If we can harvest the rain and use it to water public gardens in an effective manner, we could feed hundreds of thousands of people. Food, especially fresh and healthy food, will become increasingly scarce as we pollute the fuck out of our planet and poison our oceans.”
“That’s a cheerful thought. So there’s no hope?”
“There’s always hope, as long as you’re alive.” I brushed my hand slowly down her soft cheek, loving the way her blush seemed to follow my touch. “You’re someone worth fighting for.”
Clearly uncomfortable and fighting a smile, she moved away from me on the pretense of admiring a rose bush leftover from when this place was the site of a farm house.
We stood on the brick stairs that went down the side of the house, following the curve of the land until it leveled out in the backyard again. Brass lanterns had been set up at various points around the property, and at night they gave everything a golden glow. She was a few steps ahead of me, and the almost innocent pleasure shining from her eyes made me feel ten feet tall. I’d managed to make her happy, to please her, and my heart filled with an unfamiliar, addictive pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
“Ramón,” her soft, sweet voice killed me. “It’s so…everything. It’s just—it’s perfect. You have the perfect home.”
Fighting the urge to strut like a proud rooster, I gave her a small nod. “I’m glad you like it. Come on, there’s more to see.”
I pulled her past the pool pausing only a few seconds as she ohhed and ahhed over different aspects of the yard and home. Having her see all the things I’d bought for her, had built in her honor, and watching her love every one had me just about ready to burst with pride. I struggled to process an odd inner euphoria as I pointed out a small sculpture of a garden fairy, which made her clap her hands and smile over how cute it was. Every time she grinned, it was a pleasant shock to my heart. I absently rubbed my chest while she giggled. Her sassy mouth and smart mind were some of the things I enjoyed most about her, but I also liked it when she let her guard down. Let herself relax around me. Let me see the real Joy, who was far more complex than the image she projected to the world.
By the time we made it to the blue and white gingham blanket spread on the grass beneath a mature ash tree, she was beaming. I’d never seen a woman so happy that she glowed, but fuck if looking at Joy wasn’t like bathing in the warmth of the sun. My reaction to this girl was insane, and I knew the kind of chemistry we had was a once in a lifetime thing. The shade dappled in Joy’s brilliant curls, making a halo of bronze and gold around her angelic face. All the green around us somehow softened the desert air, and I drank in the priceless sensation of peace as it settled over me, deepening my devotion to the woman who gave me purpose.