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CHAPTER SEVENTY

last update Last Updated: 2022-11-10 06:26:33

My hands shake when I get into the car. She is standing on the pavement, and I try not to glance in her direction. I don’t want to look at her smug, smiling face.

By the time I get back to the farm, I have had twenty minutes of precious overthinking time, and I am a mess. I call Rory as soon as I pull into safety, and by the time I get to the farmhouse, he is standing on the doorstep, waiting.

“Hey,” he says as he opens my car door. “What’s wrong?”

Tears are running down my cheeks, I look at Lucas, who is safely asleep in the car seat, and I climb into Rory’s arms. “Tell me, Darcy, what’s happened?”

I close the door and lean against the car to keep my jelly legs steady.

The bitch really got to me!

“I saw Jen,” I mumble. “She basically threatened Lucas.”

He strokes his hands down my arms as his jaw tightens. “She did what?”

“She said, as long as you don’t do anything stupid, Lucas will be fine.”

He clenches his fist beside him and shakes his head. “Who the fuck does she think she is?”

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY ONE

    How are things going on the farm, farmer? As I climb into bed next to Rory, I ask the question. Since he began cleaning up the farm, preparing meals, and then amusing his family, he hasn't taken a break all day. However, it appears that he likes it better that way.As he rests on his back, gazing at the ceiling, I can't help but wonder what thoughts are going through his head.Before answering, he draws in a long, exhaustion-filled breath. "I just can't wrap my head around the fact that she's no longer here," she said.I slowly move my hand down his naked chest as I bend to the side of my chair to get closer to him. "At the moment, I don't think it will, but how do you feel about tomorrow?"He adopts the same stance as me and leans on his side with his back to me. "It means a lot to me that you have come here, Darcy, and I'm dreading it, but I'm delighted you're going to be there," Elizabeth said to Darcy."It's a shame it couldn't have been under different circumstances because I've

    Last Updated : 2022-11-10
  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY TWO

    As I walk through the shower room, I yell to Rory, "Come on, we're going to be late!" You must consume something before you go.Silence.I check on Lucas, who has finished getting dressed and is currently engrossed in watching Paw Patrol on the couch. "Rory," I murmur in a hushed voice as I open the door to the shower room.To my amazement, he has not cleaned up his act and still stinks. As I go closer to him, I reply, "I was under the impression you were taking a shower." He is completely clothed and seated on the toilet seat while lowering his head in prayer. When he lifts his head, I can see by the redness in his eyes that it has finally dawned on him. He has finally understood that today marks the end of his mother's life.“Hey.” I approach him and wrap my arms around his head while he does the same for me, wrapping his around my waist. I can feel his entire body shaking as he finally gives in. I lower my voice and murmur to Rory, "You don't need to be strong today." "Today is you

    Last Updated : 2022-11-12
  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY THREE

    We mainly just laze about; I don't want to drive home, but I have certain things I need to take care of tomorrow at work that I need to accomplish in person. I find it difficult to leave Rory once more, and I detest the idea of doing so. Even though he has informed me he would be back in less than a week, the thought that he may never return to Manchester terrifies me.I chat to Rory while Lucas is dozing off because I am on the final portion of the journey, and I am so afraid of missing his face that it is terrifying. Just don't blow hot and cold once more, please. My wounded heart can't take much more sorrow, and I don't think I can handle any more turmoil in this relationship.My time with Rory feels so far away now that I've been back at work for almost a week. Even though we have had nightly video conversations, I still feel the urge to touch him. Kiss his soft lips and run my fingers through his short hair. He still doesn't have that sparkle in his eyes, and he admitted that he

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY FOUR

    From the restaurant, we proceed to the neighborhood bar. By the time we enter, it is crowded, and there are no open tables, so we locate a spot to hang out. Kiran is with Di, and I can't help but notice his glares. They are making me feel incredibly uncomfortable and judging by the furious expression on Di's face, I think she has noticed too. Hey, how are you doing? Rory, who is still a little quiet, is asked.Sure, how about you?" Was that a major surprise, or what?I answer, pursing my lips, "I know. How can she not recognize what a dick he is?She will ultimately notice that guys like that falter. As he encircles me and Kiran's eyes pierce me even more, making me feel even more uneasy, I brush Rory off. I lean in to explain as he notices and gives me a skeptical look. I mutter, "It just feels strange with him watching." Rory turns to face Kiran and approaches him.Hey Kiran, are we all right? He queries. Rory's haughtiness has Kiran shaking his head in agreement, but Rory isn't per

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY FIVE

    Rory has come around and will be going with Lucas and me to the party. Rory enters like the shining knight he is while I'm stressed out. He collects the cake and celebration bags and packs them into the car. Then he managed to persuade Lucas to put on his new shoes, which I had just argued about for twenty minutes because he said they were too tight.Are you sincere?"I inquire as he encircles me from behind.He giggles, "As real as they come, baby." He's now beginning to get comfortable and find his spot. Despite being concerned and under pressure because the farm hasn't sold yet, he is doing okay. After work, he must continue to oversee the books and everything, which means he must do it in his leisure time. I dislike that he is constantly busy, but I suppose that is how he is; he always seems to find things to do. When the farm is sold, he plans to acquire a house that needs a lot of work done, relieving him of the burden of running a farm. I don't know if he has ADHD or something,

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY SIX

    When it comes to opening presents, Rory is just as eager as Lucas, and the two laugh a lot as they sit next to one another on the floor.When Rory hands him his present and says, "Happy birthday from me, big man," I'm both amazed and impressed by how expertly it's been packaged. I observe Rory's reaction as he sees Lucas open the present.Lucas exclaims, "A tractor," and leaps up to wrap his tiny arms around Rory's huge shoulders, which appear to be lost in his muscle mass.Do you enjoy it?As he walks away from Rory, I inquire. I grin at Rory, who appears dazed by the young boy's remark.When Lucas leaves with the big tractor in his hands and all the other presents lying on the floor, I say, "I think he likes it.Rory and I cuddle up and get ready to watch a movie once he is in bed (with his new tractor). He seems to be bothered by his phone's beeping."Who's that?” I ask. He seemed to be debating whether or not to tell me his response. What are you concealing? Come on? ” I add.He

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY SEVEN

    After nine months, the farm has sold, and Rory is finally relieved of the stress and anxiety associated with it. He received the keys to his new home today. He chose the dilapidated, untidy home that he intends to renovate for the next ten years so that it may be lived in.He yells up the stairs, "Come on, Darcy, hurry up. I can't wait to see it." I have never seen him so impatient as I get ready. His dream seems like a complete waste to me, so it's hard for me to maintain the same enthusiasm for it.Before pulling onto the property, he exits the main road and continues driving for almost five minutes. He clearly sees something I don't because it is just as horrible as I had anticipated. Look at this, he exclaims as he stops in front of the yellow stone structure with some interesting original elements. In particular, I find that it has the most incredible sash windows. It is completely watertight, has power, and is fed with water from a nearby stream, but gas needs to be connected.D

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  • THE GREAT ARRANGEMENT   CHAPTER SEVENTY EIGHT

    I'm abruptly awakened from my dream by the doorbell. I detest being awakened, especially when fully immersed in a dream. I'm astonished to see Kiran when I open the door. He stands with his hands on his hips and a glum expression on his face. He seemed to have just gotten out of bed and come here. You look bad, I say. I say as he comes inside with me. What do you need at this hour anyway?"I'm curious about your thoughts when you leave my son in the care of your boyfriend."I turn to face him, he looks at me, and I zip up my dressing robe. "Excuse me, Rory was here. It wasn't a problem. I went out for a few hours."You better believe it's a problem, Kiran exclaims.I scoff and wonder if he's for real. You're being a jerk about this, I say.I'm being ridiculous, but I believe you are flouting the guidelines you set."Kiran, I've been with Rory for a while; it's not like we're just having a fling. We want to live together next year and possibly get married at some point," Rory said.He

    Last Updated : 2022-11-12

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  • 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

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