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CHAPTER EIGHT
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THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER NINE
My heart is racing, and I feel queasy when I knock on the farmhouse door. I am about to lose it as Rory walks through the door wearing nothing but pants. I take a few deep breaths, one in each nostril, and slowly follow him into his kitchen. I'm amazed at his cooking skills right now. He is a present that keeps on giving.I'm assuming you're a spaghetti fan.I give a polite nod, covering up how amazed I really am. To cover his broad shoulders, he walks over to the chair his t-shirt is draped over and does so. Don't worry about me; I nearly always end up talking out loud. He responds, and I can tell by the look on my face that I am not pleased.He excuses his absence of a t-shirt by saying sheepishly, "I didn't want to get spaghetti sauce on it."I can't help but remark, "It smells great." As I cross the sizzling pan, the aroma fills my lungs. Can we skip the small talk and get right to business? I am interested as to how much of a time commitment it will take to organize all of his pa
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER TEN
He tosses the noodle back into the pot, splashing it all over his white tee.“Shit!” They hear him howling.So, I go over to his side of the counter again. Is everything well with you? I ask. His lovely white shirt is now stained with crimson sauce.His head shakes in disapproval. He finally snaps, "See, this is what I was trying to prevent." To which the respondent enquired, "You have a son?"To what end were you avoiding me? Which came first, the flaming tomato sauce or the reality that I'm a happily married mother of two?Both," he says with a chuckle. He removes his tee shirt again, and the sight of his half-naked figure makes me weak in the knees. I should be escaping from his deceptive grins and teasing remarks as quickly as possible. There's no doubt in my mind that he has feelings for me; after all, we wouldn't have come here if we weren't both hoping for a certain outcome. As he hands me the bowl of spaghetti, I bite down hard on my lower lip. I can't bring myself to sit down
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER ELEVEN
Rory approaches me and stands next to me. He greets you with a kind "hello" and a slightly seductive tone.Uncomfortably, I offer a grin. “Hello.”As he mutters softly in Scottish, his powerful palm flicks a strand of my hair away from my face.My body tensely stiffens. Why ask that question if you don't have to get up early. As fear grows within me, I wonder.In an intimate gesture, he slides his finger to my lower lip and strokes it. His "shhhhhhh" draws me closer to him, and his warm breath on my face sends shivers down my spine. The pace of my breath quickens to match his, and we're both moving to the same beat in an instant. We each stare at one another silently, taking in the details of their faces. His brown eyes were dark and deep as they stared into my blue ones, who craved every part of him. His accent and low voice make me even hotter. He says in a low voice, "You do something to me, and I simply can't stop myself."As I try to think of a response, he presses his lips to mi
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER TWELVE
He leans over and kisses me briefly on the side of the face before dragging himself out of bed. I watch him get dressed in his boxer shorts and T-shirt from under the covers. I'm going to presume he'll get his jeans from downstairs on his way out.This time he leans in and kisses my face. Thanks for last night, he adds as his smile grows cheekier as he continues to stare at me.Don't bring it up. Oh, and keep your mouth shut around Kerry. Don't forget that I'm a married woman."In agreement, he gives a little nod. Do you think I'd forget?When I hear his footsteps leaving the barn, I know it's safe to unwind. I get comfort in the fact that his scent is still there in my bedroom by snuggling up to the pillow he left behind.Suddenly, Kerry appears beside my sleeping body, brandishing a belt. She screams, "You disgusting Hoe," as she brings me out of my stupor. Insanity, what is this?I awaken with a rubbing of the eyes and a sitting up. "What's the deal?" Sluggishly, I inquire.To para
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER THIRTEEN
It had been so long since I had touched Lucas's smooth skin or run my fingers through his curly hair, and I missed him more than words could express. A week without him seemed like too much to bear. Again, I dialed Kiran's number, and this time he answered. I didn't bother with a video call because it was beyond Lucas' bedtime, and I hadn't missed Kiran's face. Only 10 minutes were spent on the phone while Kiran updated me on Ben's progress in retrieving the sofa. Even though we were never the madly in love sort of couple, it was distressing to see how far apart we had gotten.The phone conversation solidified my resolve to end my marriage for good. For reasons unrelated to Rory, I never expected we would develop romantic feelings for one another. I had come to terms with Kiran and I being fundamentally incompatible and that we should never have been married for social reasons.When I needed a pick-me-up, I put on a tearjerker. I had just finished sobbing into my bowl of cereal while
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER FORTEEN
I told Rory in the field, "I have postponed your evaluation until next Wednesday." After giving his assent, he dismounted from the horse. As in, "Bareback riding?" I remarked how unusual that was in these times.When he looked at me, he gave me a knowing wink. The optimal approach, in other words.In case he had forgotten, I said, "So I'm heading home tomorrow.""Yeah, I'm aware. Now, go back to the other males in your life.I inhaled deeply. Yes, I was planning to tell Kiran, but I don't want him to believe it's due to anything happening in the mountains, so I'll wait until I get back home.Rory fiddled with the wooden fence he was resting on, picking at the loose planks with his fingers. Does something be taking place in the sky that may be causing this?" He inquired about him in a tone of uncertainty.Now look, we're both legal adults here. After I depart, everything between us will inevitably come to an end. Manchester and Edinburgh are like two different planets; I mean, come on.
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER FIFTEEN
My mind is racing, so I perch on the edge of the couch and practice deep breathing.In what ways may I avoid more punishment?Asked, "What's the deal with you?"Kerry says as she walks in, "Hello.I'm speechless from shock. I feel as though someone knocked the breath right out of me.As in, "Hello, hey, what's up?While sitting next to me in an attempt to soothe me, she asks again. The question, "Is Lucas okay?" ”After a few minutes of nodding along, I finally began to understand. The weekend guests, "Kiran and Lucas," are on their way.Her expression of shock at the news tells me she believes I'm doomed.To which the question, "What do I do?" I inquire.She shrugs, saying, "Nothing." You and Rory are a secret even from me, and Rory is aware that you are married, so I doubt he will say anything. Everything is going to be OK; in fact, they will have a fantastic time here.What, you don't believe Kiran will pick up on that?”If you don't want him to, he won't." The key is to stay out
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Fuck, this weekend might develop into so many horrors; I just half-joke, but I'm thinking The Strangers, Wrong turn, The ideal escape, Psycho, Severance, and so on.Because it's Friday, and our last evaluation isn't until 2:00 p.m., we have plenty of time to relax at the barn before seeing the implosion of my life.Kerry now sets out to locate the pleasant farm shop we were spoken of so that she may stock up on dinner supplies. When I see Rory entering his house, I calculate I have an hour before anyone else shows up, so I make haste to visit him.Perhaps it is I who am the stalker and not him!Hello, I call as I enter through his open door.I know he will be all right when he looks at me and grins. Over the following several minutes of staring at each other, I bite my lip nervously. Reflecting on the bond and attraction that led me into this situation, I am immediately brought back to that time.Well, he says at last. "I'd best go if you're simply looking around. I really should go s
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THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT EPILOGUE
In the third year..............It's the middle of July, and Rory and I have just gotten married on our land. The morning was beautiful, with the summer sun shining brightly, and the breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers from the fields all about us. The evening's marquee and food preparations are lovely. The tables have been decorated with green and white flowers to bring the outdoors inside. The tent's thin planted trees provide the impression that you're still outdoors. It's better than my wildest expectations.Kerry exclaims, "Oh my my, what a lovely wedding," although she is currently in her own "wedding mood" after recently becoming engaged to her fiancé of two years, Liam. We all agree that the two belong together because they are so cute. Kerry could not have found a better match for herself. He is hilarious, kind, and forthright. Since he and Rory are such good friends, they can share a pint at the end of a fantastic double date.Saika, whose daughter Lilly is running aro
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY SIX
I dare not watch as Rory attempts to pin down the man. I shuffle up the stairs toward the knife, which is shining there. Upon hearing the approaching police sirens, I look up to see Rory on top of the man, pounding him. Blood is splattered everywhere, and it's unclear whether it's Rory's or the other man's.I haven't even had time to take in my surroundings before a police officer starts shouting at me. Can I check on you? Do you have any wounds?It's just fine, I keep repeating to myself. Upon being helped to my feet, I discovered my leg was bleeding; I must have caught it on something during my fall. The man is handcuffed, and a cop has his knee in Rory's back as they lie on the ground. "Rory! Is he alright? When the police arrive, I yell at them. I next turn my attention to the vehicle in which Lucas is riding. I hoped he hadn't seen anything when it took me to place him in the car till the police arrived (which felt like an eternity). He's sleeping when I arrive at the car, so I
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY FIVE
Kiran appears to have calmed down after hearing the divorce news; I've initiated the process, and he seems content with it; nevertheless, we must wait two years after the divorce is finalized before we can formally apply for anything; at least he is aware of this delay. Three weeks from now is Christmas, and if he wants to participate in all the festivities Lucas will be hosting, he will need to be near Rory. I want him to hang out with Rory to show Kiran what a decent person Rory is; Rory is a good person; he doesn't want any harm to come to Kiran, and that's why I like him so much.The old house is still not far enough along for Rory to be staying there, so he's been spending most nights at mine instead while it's chilly outside. Even while he insists everything is great, the last time I was over there a few weeks back, the temperature was so low that his tap had frozen.What would you like for breakfast, big man?His eyes fall on Lucas.Lucas yells, "Eggs." Including sausage.The d
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY FOUR
The doorbell's ringing jolts me from my restful slumber. Getting awakened is the worst, especially if you're in the middle of a fantastic dream. I'm shocked to see Kiran standing there as I open the door. When he stands with his fists on his hips and his nostrils flared, it's clear he's not happy. He seemed to have gotten out of bed and come here straight away. You don't look nice!" As we enter the house, I invite him in. As in, "What do you want this early?""You've got my undivided attention because I need to know your rationale for entrusting my youngster to your lover.I turn around to face him, and while he looks me over, I zip up my robe. Please excuse me, I had to go for a while, but Rory was here, so it wasn't a problem.Kiran exclaims, "You bet it is a fucking issue."Really? I have to shake my head to believe it. You are being an idiot about this, I tell you."Oh, I'm being a dick. I think you're violating the rules you made," I lied."Kiran, I have been with Rory for a very
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY THREE
Things are starting to get renovated. Rory is seldom seen outside the house, and Lucas thoroughly enjoys his frequent visits. Though I haven't gone into details, Lucas knows that Rory's house will eventually be his permanent residence, and he seems fine. In the room Rory eventually settled on, he guided Rory through deciding where to put up bookcases and where to set up the bed. Despite my efforts to discourage him, Lucas will not stop brooding over the empty stable until he has a horse.I must leave now, as Saika is visiting for the weekend, and I have planned a girls' night with Kerry. Rory is off doing something with one of the guys he works with, while Lucas is with Kiran.When asked, "Hey, where are you going tonight?" Inquiring as he wraps his arms around me from behind, Rory is like having his own hot blanket.There is no plan other than "meal than a couple bars."He leans his head back on my shoulder as I massage his face. We're curious, "How about you?" I ask.I just don't fe
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY TWO
After nine months of worry and stress, Rory has finally been able to sell the property. He finally takes possession of his new home today. He chose a shabby old house that would take him a decade to restore to living conditions.'Come on, Darcy, hurry up. I can't wait to see it,' he calls up the stairs. I have never seen him so impatient as now, so I'd better be ready. I find it hard to share his enthusiasm for his idea; to me, it seems like a complete and utter failure.About five minutes later, he leaves the main road and drives onto the property. It's just as horrible as I feared, yet he seems to notice something I'm missing. Stopping in front of a yellow stone structure, he exclaims, "Wow, look at this." The building, as it turns out, has some quite remarkable original sash windows. "It's airtight, wired for electricity, and plumbed into a nearby stream for water, but it's missing the gas hookup."Do you feel up to the task at hand?I guess it's too late if I'm not," he says with
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY ONE
Rory shares Lucas's enthusiasm for opening presents, and the two of them have a great time giggling together on the floor.Rory says, "Happy birthday from me, big man," and as he hands him the gift he has so carefully wrapped, I can't help but be impressed. As Lucas opens his present, I see Rory's reaction.Lucas squeals, "A tractor!" as he jumps up and throws his tiny arms around Rory's massive shoulders.The question, "Do you like it?" As he breaks apart from Rory, I inquire. I can't help but grin at Rory, who seems completely taken aback by the kid's reaction.Lucas rips open the enormous tractor and runs off with it, leaving his other presents strewn over the floor. "I think he likes it," I say.After tucking him down (with his new tractor), Rory and I settle for a movie night together. The constant beeping of his phone seems to bother him.Someone asks, "Who's there?" I ask. He seems to be debating whether or not to tell me the truth. "What is it that you're trying to conceal?" I
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER EIGHTY
Rory has swung by to join the birthday boy and me on our way to Lucas' celebration. I'm overwhelmed, and Rory comes to the rescue, all heroes in shining armor and whatnot. He collects the goody bags and cake from the party and puts them in the trunk. After I spent twenty minutes fussing with Lucas about his new shoes being too tight, he finally got them on his feet.Are you kidding me? As he encircles me from behind, I ask him why.He jokes, "As real as they come, baby." Now that he's here, he's starting to feel at home and discover his niche. Although the farm hasn't sold yet, he's doing quite well. He must devote his free time outside of work to maintaining control of the finances. I wish he had more time off, but I feel he's just busy no matter what's happening. Once the farm sells, he plans to buy a fixer-upper and trade one set of worries for another. Maybe he has ADHD or something, but the guy never stops moving!"Kerry texted to say she'll be late," Rory replies, glancing at my
THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE
We leave the restaurant and head to the local watering hole. By the time we sit down, the place is packed, and there are no available tables. Kiran is with Di, and I can't help but notice his glares; they're making me extremely uneasy and, judging by the furious expression on her face, I suppose Di has noticed as well. What's up? How are you doing? I inquire of Rory, who is still hushing up a bit.What about you?" Really, was that a huge surprise to you or what?"I know," I mutter, pouting my lip. "How can she not see that he's a dick?"Eventually, she'll learn that guys like that always fail. The combination of Kiran's intense gaze and embrace makes me very vulnerable, so I brush off Rory's advances. He notices and gives me a suspicious look; I lean in close to explain. I mutter, "It just feels odd with him watching." Rory looks at Kiran and decides to approach him.'Hey Kiran, are we all right?' The question comes from his lips. Rory isn't swayed by Kiran's nod of agreement, even th
