Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Fallon stirs next to me as I hold her against my chest. My palm rubs over her back, wandering down her spine to her ass. Everything about her is perfect, and I hate that I have to let her leave today.
I'd get on my knees and beg her to stay if I thought she actually would. She has to return to her life and job in Seattle, and although we could try something long-distance, neither of us has mentioned it. We both know it probably wouldn’t work given that she travels, and I can’t leave Dasher or be away from the farm for weeks at a time. It’s my life, and leaving my family would be impossible.
This is what we agreed to, and I have to respect it, even if I'm dying inside.
"I never wanna get out of this bed," she murmurs as she inches closer.
I smile at her words, nodding in agreement.
"Me neither, but we have to."
"Just five more minutes," she pleads, squeezing her arm tighter around me.
I can't deny her that, so I stay put.
"Do you think Dasher will wonder where I am?" she asks moments later, sadness coating her voice.
"Probably. He got used to your shit-talking."
She chuckles. "My clothes are gonna be full of his hair forever."
"Welcome to being a dog parent where you vacuum three times a week."
"I wish I was home enough to have a pet."
"What about a fish?"
She snorts. "They still have to be fed. But I'd probably find a way to kill it, trust me."
"You could get a cat. They have automatic litter boxes, along with food and water wells. That way you wouldn't have to worry about it for like ten days."
"I'd feel guilty leaving it alone that long."
"That's how I feel about Dasher when I have to work long days and can't bring him with me. I just imagine him having the best naps and not giving a shit I'm gone."
She laughs, then leans up to look at me. "Can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm gonna miss that fur ball. And his hot owner, too."
I wrap a piece of hair around her ear and rub the pad of my thumb over her cheek. "His owner is gonna miss you as well."
Tears swell in the corner of her eyes, and I catch one before it falls. "Let me make you some coffee and breakfast before you leave."
"I'd like that. I have to finish packing and take a shower."
I kiss her forehead. "Perfect, I'll have it ready by the time you're out."
I'm tempted to roll her over and devour her one last time, but we spent yesterday evening saying goodbye for hours. There were so many times I wanted to tell her how my heart was aching, and that my house would forever feel empty with her gone.
But that wouldn't help either of us.
We're both already sad as hell that this is ending, so I don't need to drive the knife deeper.
Just as we crawl out of bed, Dasher comes in and jumps on the mattress. "C'mon, let's go outside," I tell him, and he sprints downstairs. I quickly put on some joggers and grab a T-shirt, but then notice which one it is.
“Fallon.” I turn around and show her the same T-shirt she wore the day I caught her in my bathtub. “You should keep this.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. It looks better on you anyway.” I shoot her a wink. “Plus, I have an endless supply.”
She grabs it and presses it to her nose. “It smells like you.”
“My entire house smells like you.” I smirk.
Dasher barks from downstairs, and I groan. "Meet you in the kitchen," I tell her, then press my lips to hers.
As soon as my foot hits the bottom step, Dasher runs in circles. "Go take your zoomies outside." I open the door, and he flies off the deck. I leave it cracked so he can come back in when he's ready. I want to make sure I have enough time to cook Fallon something to eat before she has to make her long journey home.
We went grocery shopping a few days ago, but I still have some of the weird foods she hasn't eaten, so I'll have to see if my sister wants it. It'll only be a reminder that she's really gone.
I start her coffee and get her favorite mug ready. Once she's done with it today, I plan to clean it and give it to her because I know how much she likes the farm logo on it.
"Something smells good." She comes down, looking pretty as always in black leggings, boots, and a sweater. Her long locks are pulled up in a messy bun, and her face is freshly cleaned from her shower. Fallon's gorgeous whether she's dressed up or down, but I especially love this look on her. Casual and cute.