I take a slow deep breath before exhaling, bracing myself for whatever comes next. “Would you like to keep in touch? Maybe get to know each other better?”
The silence that stretches out down the phone line feels like it lasts for hours instead of the ten seconds or so.
“I think I’d like that,” she replies sweetly.
I pump my fist and mouth out “yesss.”
Well IthoughtI did. “Did you just do a fist pump?” she giggles.
“I don’t know whether I should admit to that?”
That earns a laugh. “Definitely admit it. That’s cute.”
I put on a deep manly voice. “Mountain men aren’t supposed to be cute.”
“They are when they make me smile. Thanks, hubby.”
“Anytime, wifey.”
Chapter 7
Em
Jude and I have continued to text each other almost daily for the past week.
Sometimes he’ll update me with the goings on back in Timber Falls and other times, I’ll send him photos of things I see during my day or just general happenings in my life I want to show him. .
Now, after another solo dinner and night in front of the television, I’ve noticed my body and mind are feeling heavy. It’s something that’s been happening a lot over the past two weeks, but especially the last few days.
Everything I do seems to take more out of me. I’ve even wondered if I was coming down with a cold or something.
What does have me smiling for what might be the first time today is the photo Jude sends through of Grumps the donkey standing proud on a tree stump with Jude’s hat hanging from his snout. I’ve looked at it from all angles and I swear the animal is grinning.
Jude: He’s lucky he’s cute.
He’s not the only one, I think to myself with a grin.
Em: Not sure that hats are a recommended part of a donkey’s diet.
Jude: Tell him that. He’s always trying to steal something from someone around here.
Em: Has Dare ever told you he looks identical to the ones we have at our ranch?
Jude: Nope. Though I’m not sure he’s actually seen this jackass.
Em: That’s derogatory donkey language, hubby!
That’s another thing that’s happened, the nicknames have stuck around and I’m not mad about it.
Jude: Considering Grumps doesn’t care what I say about him or to him, I don’t think he’s going to be offended. My brothers have called him worse things.
Em: Maybe I need to become an advocate for better donkey treatment in Timber Falls
Jude: THAT would be interesting.
And yep, I’m still smiling. For a moment, the heaviness lifts.
Em: How was your day other than encountering the hat thief?