Couple of days later.....
LOCATION: Faye's Apartment
Time: 8:15 am
Nathan awoke to a room bathed in the soft light of early morning, the city's quiet hum beginning to stir beyond the walls of Faye's apartment. The warm weight of Faye was draped over him, her breaths even and slow, a small droplet of drool marking her cheek. The sheets, haphazardly draped over them, left their intertwined forms partially uncovered, a silent testament to the intimacy shared the night before.
Nathan lay still, not wanting to disturb Faye, admiring the serene expression on her face a stark contrast to her usually lively demeanor. As the morning light intensified, Faye shifted slightly, her eyes fluttering open to meet Nathan's gaze. Realizing her position, she chuckled softly, a blush coloring her cheeks. "Good morning," she whispered, her voice filled with sleepy amusement.
"Morning," Nathan responded gently, a smile playing on his lips. As he attempted to sit up, Faye's slight shiver at the movement reminded him that they are still connected. He paused, allowing her a moment to adjust as she too began to sit up, the sheets slipping further down.
Faye glanced at the clock, her practical side swiftly surfacing. "Looks like we slept in a bit. Should we check if Luis sent any updates about that house?"
Nathan's mind briefly wandered to a call he had received from Luis right after the card show, which sparked a brief flashback.
---
Flashback.....
Last Day at The Card Show....
After navigating the crowd at the card show, Nathan's phone vibrated with an incoming call from Luis. Stepping to a quieter spot, he answered. "Hey, Nathan, hope you're well. Just checking in, are you still looking for work? That job offer I mentioned is still on the table," Luis said, his tone warm yet inquisitive.
"Thanks, Luis, but I'm good for now. I made enough selling cards to tide me over. Right now, I'm more focused on finding a new place to live," Nathan explained.
"That's ironic," Luis replied with a chuckle. "The guy I was going to introduce you to for the job is actually looking to sell his house. He's retiring, wants to travel with his wife. It's outside the city, spacious, and no HOA."
Nathan's interest piqued immediately. "Could you put me in touch with him? That sounds exactly like what I'm looking for."
"Absolutely, I'll send you the details. Good luck, man," Luis said, ending the call.
---
Flashback ends.....
Shaking off the memory, Nathan turned back to Faye, who was now reaching for his phone on the nightstand. "Let's see what Luis has for us," Nathan said, settling back against the pillows to give Faye room to maneuver.
With a nod, Faye unlocked Nathan's phone, eager to discover any new developments. As she scrolled through his messages, Nathan watched her face for any sign of good news, their shared anticipation hanging quietly in the air.
After checking his phone and finding no new messages from Luis, Faye with a sigh and nods no, set Nathan's phone back on the nightstand and glanced back at Nathan with a playful, sly smile. The morning light cast a warm glow around her, accentuating the inviting expression on her face.
"Looks like no updates yet. How about a bath to start the day?" she suggested, her voice low and inviting. She didn't wait for his answer, instead turning towards the bathroom with a suggestive look over her shoulder.
"Are you coming?" Faye teased, her tone a mix of mischief and warmth as she held the bathroom door ajar.
Nathan couldn't help but smile at her allure, He nodded, slipping out of the bed to follow her. As he approached, Faye's smile widened, and she disappeared into the bathroom, leaving the door open just enough to beckon him seductively.
With Nathan stepping through the bathroom door, the gentle sound of running water blending with their quiet laughter.
30 minutes later...
Emerging from the bathroom after their extended "activities" had cooled with the water, Nathan and Faye wrapped themselves in fluffy robes, a contented air about them. Nathan took a seat in the living room while Faye went to retrieve his phone from the bedroom. As Nathan settled down, the device on the table in Faye's apartment activated, projecting Cortana's holographic form.
"Hello, Cortana," Nathan greeted her, then asked, "Any updates on other housing options from those trusted sites? And what's the total of what I have left, financially speaking?"
Cortana's holographic figure flickered slightly as she processed the data. "Good morning, Nathan. Regarding housing, there are some affordable options available for purchase, but many are located in less desirable neighborhoods with questionable privacy levels. I've been scanning all day yesterday," she explained. "As for your finances, after recent expenditures, you have approximately $2,100 less than what we accounted for after the card show."
Nathan nodded, absorbing the information. "I ran into similar issues yesterday. A lot of properties are tied up with HOAs, and some agencies are unfairly criticizing my credit. Direct owners are asking for high rents too."
At that moment, Faye returned, handing Nathan his phone. She chimed in, "Yesterday was just as hectic for me. A lot of the houses I found were in bad neighborhoods, and, well, I also had an unpleasant encounter." She paused, her expression darkening. "One guy offered a house at a 'discount' if I provided... certain 'services.' I walked out before I lost my temper and kicked him."
Nathan's face hardened at her words. "That's awful, Faye. I'm sorry you had to deal with that."
As they discussed their experiences and options, Nathan's phone suddenly rang, cutting through their planning with its insistent tone. He glanced at the caller ID, it was Luis.
"Looks like we might finally get that update," Nathan said, his voice tinged with both hope and a bit of relief as he answered the call.
"Hey, Nathan, I've got some news for you," Luis's voice came through clearly, sounding upbeat. "The guy I told you about who's selling his house? He's ready to meet if you're still interested. Says he can show you the place this weekend."
Nathan's eyes lit up, and he quickly put the phone on speaker so Faye could listen in. "That sounds great, Luis. We're definitely interested. Can you send us the address and a time?"
"Sure thing," Luis replied. "I'll text it over right now. The owner is pretty chill, and he's looking for a quick sale, so it might be a perfect match for what you need."
"Thanks, Luis, you're a lifesaver," Nathan said, his voice filled with gratitude. Faye nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across her face at the promising turn of events.
As soon as Nathan ended the call, he and Faye looked at each other, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation in their eyes. Deciding not to waste the day waiting, they agreed to head out, filling the time before their scheduled meeting with a visit to a local store. Their conversation fluttered between what they might need for a new home and their shared dreams of what it could be.
An hour later, as they were meandering through the aisles of a quaint little shop that specialized in home goods, Nathan's phone buzzed with a new message. He pulled it out and saw a text from Luis with the address and a note saying, "See you there soon!" Quickly, they paid for their items and headed to the location provided.
Driving up to the address, they were greeted by the sight of a small farm. It was quiet, with no signs of animal life, just sprawling fields and a couple of well-used buildings giving it a serene, if somewhat deserted, feel. They parked the car and got out, taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Nathan's eyes then caught sight of an old blue pickup truck that he remembered belonged to Luis, parked next to a large RV that looked ready for an adventure. Near the vehicles, Luis was conversing with an old man, presumably the owner of the property.
As they approached, Luis noticed them and waved, breaking off his conversation to greet them. "Nathan, Faye, glad you could make it!" he called out, his voice carrying warmly across the yard.
The old man turned to look at them, a friendly smile creasing his weathered face. He extended a hand as they drew closer. "Y'all must be Nathan and Faye. I'm George, the owner of this here place. Thank y'all for comin' out," George said, his voice deep and resonant with a Southern accent that seemed to echo the pastoral calm of the landscape.
Nathan shook his hand, impressed by the firm grip. "Thanks for having us, George. This place you've got here is beautiful."
George chuckled, his voice a soothing drawl. "It's been good to us, over the years. Let me show y'all around. I think you'll appreciate the quiet out here."
As they followed George, Nathan glanced at Faye, who seemed equally captivated by the rustic charm of the farm. Though it was different from what they had initially envisioned, the place held a certain appeal that resonated with their desire for a fresh start.
As they walked toward the barn nestled at the back of the property, Faye, always curious and direct, tilted her head and asked George, "Hey old-timer, just want to know what happened to your animals. I notice they aren't around?"
George gave a gentle, understanding smile as he led the way. "Ah, well, I sold my chickens to a chicken farm, the cows went to a dairy, and my horses found new homes at different farms. It was time for them to be where they could be better taken care of," he explained, his voice carrying a hint of reminiscence mixed with relief.
Faye nodded, absorbing the information as they reached the barn, which looked a bit weathered and stood as a testament to many years gone by. Nathan, observing the barn's aged structure, commented, "It's been awhile since you fixed this barn up, sir?"
George's smile turned nostalgic, a small expression flickering across his features as he stopped in his tracks for a moment. "Yeah, it's been a while since I could give this old girl the attention she deserves. My old hip gives out at times, makes it hard to keep up with all the maintenance," he shared, a slight grimace crossing his face as he mentioned his physical ailment.
As they entered the barn, George gestured toward the corners where various tools and old equipment were stored. "I keep all my old tools and equipment in here. Not much use for them now, but they've served me well over the years," he said, his tone a mix of pride and a touch of sadness at the passage of time.
As they explored the interior of the barn, Faye and Nathan observed the old, worn-out gloves and tools neatly placed near a workbench, each item echoing the farm's long history of labor and care. The scene painted a picture of a life dedicated to hard work and the soil.
Curiosity sparked in Faye's eyes as she glanced around. "Do you still have a tractor? I've always wanted to ride one," she asked, a hopeful note in her voice.
George's expression softened into a sad smile as he responded, "That old thing? It hasn't run in a while. It's parked at the back of the barn. I haven't been able to move it since my hip started acting up."
Faye's face fell slightly. "Darn," she murmured, her dreams of tractor rides temporarily dashed, yet her mind quickly moved on to think of other possibilities.
Meanwhile, Nathan's attention was caught by a tarp-covered shape in a corner of the barn. Curiosity piqued, he pointed towards it. "What's that under the tarp?" he asked.
George followed Nathan's gaze and his smile turned bittersweet. "Ah, that's an old car that used to belong to my son," he began, his voice tinged with nostalgia and sorrow. "He was K.I.A. in Iraq. We've kept it just as he left it, haven't had the heart to move it or let it go."
Nathan felt a tug of empathy at George's somber revelation. Wanting to show respect and perhaps understand a bit more about the man behind the belongings, he gently asked, "What was his name, if you don't mind me asking?"
George paused for a moment, the memory clearly still tender. He then replied softly, "His name was John."
The air in the barn seemed to hold still for a moment as the weight of the name settled around them. Nathan nodded solemnly, acknowledging the significance of the name and the story it carried. As the conversation drew to a pause, a distinct sound rang out across the farm a metal triangle clanged vigorously, the traditional call for a mealtime in many rural areas.
George, recognizing the signal immediately, looked up with a knowing smile. "Well, that's the lunch bell. My wife must have dinner ready. Y'all are welcome to join us if you'd like," he offered warmly.
Luis, who had been quietly observing, checked his watch and then shook his head apologetically. "I appreciate the invite, George, but I've got to head out. Thanks, though," he said, nodding respectfully to Nathan and Faye before heading towards his truck.
Faye was about to politely decline as well, citing some vague excuse, but her stomach betrayed her with a timely growl that echoed in the quiet of the barn. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as both Nathan and George chuckled at the sound.
"No need to be shy now, that's just your body's way of saying 'yes,'" George joked, leading the way out of the barn.
The scene shifted as they walked toward the house, the aroma of home-cooked food growing stronger with each step. As they approached, a woman appeared in the doorway, her presence as warm as the southern sun. She had the unmistakable charm of a Southern belle, complete with a melodious accent that immediately made you feel at home.
(A/n: and for some reason I want lemonade)
"Darlin', you must be Nathan and Faye," she greeted with a gracious smile, extending her hand. "I'm Martha, George's wife. It's so lovely to meet y'all. Come on in, lunch is served."
Martha's motherly demeanor and inviting tone made it impossible to refuse, and Faye and Nathan followed her inside, still chuckling about Faye's unintentional admission of hunger.
As Faye eagerly reached for her utensils, Nathan gently touched her arm, nodding towards Martha who was poised with grace at the head of the table. Noticing this, Faye paused, watching as Martha clasped George's hand, and George reached out to complete the circle by taking Nathan's hand.
Martha smiled warmly, her Southern drawl enriching her words with a charming lilt, "Now, y'all, let us bow our heads." Faye and Nathan followed suit, bowing their heads in respect.
With her eyes gently closed, Martha began, her voice filled with heartfelt sincerity, "Heavenly Father, we thank ya kindly for this day and for all the blessings You've showered upon us. We are ever so grateful for this nourishment before us, for the loving hands that prepared it, and for the delightful company we share it with. Bless this meal to our bodies, Lord, and let our hearts always be filled with gratitude for all the goodness we receive. In Your holy name, we pray, Amen."
As she finished, George added a robust "Amen," with Nathan and Faye echoing softly. They all lifted their heads, with Martha releasing their hands and beaming as she invited everyone to start eating. "Dig in, y'all," she encouraged with a smile.
The simple act of saying grace, steeped in the warm accents of the South, added a layer of familial warmth to the meal, making Faye and Nathan feel deeply welcomed and part of this heartfelt gathering.
As they delved into the meal, enjoying the rich flavors and comfortable silence, George seemed thoroughly content, savoring every bite. Meanwhile, Martha's keen eyes didn't miss the subtle glow about Faye, a telltale sign she recognized all too well. Leaning slightly across the table with a mischievous sparkle in her eye and her Southern drawl more pronounced, Martha casually asked, "So, darlin', how long y'all been sharin' more than just company?"
Faye, caught completely off guard by the directness of the question, choked on her food. This prompted Nathan to widen his eyes in surprise, while George couldn't contain himself and burst into a hearty belly laugh.
Nathan quickly reached over, patting Faye on the back to help her clear her throat. The suddenness of the question, paired with George's laughter, created a moment of humorous chaos at the table.
As Faye recovered, trying to regain her composure, she shot a slightly embarrassed look at Nathan, who was now chuckling nervously, trying to smooth over the situation. "Uh, Martha, you sure don't beat around the bush, do you?" Nathan said, attempting to deflect with a light-hearted tone.
Martha just waved a hand dismissively, still smiling warmly. "Honey, when you've been around as long as I have, you learn to see the signs. Just makes me happy to see young folks enjoying life's blessings, that's all."
George, still chuckling, added, "Don't mind her, kids. Martha's got a way of speaking her mind that takes some getting used to. But she means well."
With the atmosphere lightened by laughter and understanding, Faye took a moment to gather her thoughts before responding more fully to Martha's inquiry. She shared a smile with Nathan, then turned back to their hosts.
"We've actually known each other for about two years now," Faye began, her voice steady as she recovered from the surprise. "And, well, we only started... seeing each other in that way about a week ago."
Martha nodded, her curiosity piqued, encouraging Faye to continue. Faye explained, "We met because Nathan helped me move into my apartment. He's been nothing but kind since the day we first met." She glanced at Nathan, her eyes softening with affection.
Martha and George listened intently, clearly delighted by the story. However, Martha's eyes twinkled with further mischief as she considered the physical differences between Nathan and Faye. "Well, ain't that something? But honey, I gotta ask how do y'all manage with such a difference in height? Nathan, you're a big fella( 7'0"), and Faye, you're as petite as a spring daisy!" (4'11")
Nathan chuckled, a blush creeping up his neck as he exchanged an amused glance with Faye. Faye herself laughed, shrugging playfully. "Well, Martha, let's just say we figure things out as we go. It's all about... adapting to each other."
George laughed heartily, clapping his hands. "That's the spirit! Life's about making it work, no matter what cards you're dealt."
Martha nodded, her expression softening into a warm smile. "That's true, darlin'. It's the heart that matters, not the height. Y'all seem to have that part figured out just fine." Martha, always keen on learning more about her guests, steered the conversation towards their professional lives. "So, what do you two do for work?" she asked, genuinely interested.
Faye hesitated, not wanting to delve into the specifics of all her endeavors, especially the delicate topic of her side gig. Just as she was about to attempt a vague response, Nathan stepped in smoothly.
"She works with computers," Nathan said, giving Faye a quick, supportive look. "Faye's really good at building and fixing them; it's more than just a job for her, it's a passion."
Martha nodded appreciatively, impressed. "Well, isn't that something?," she remarked with a laugh.
Then, turning to Nathan, her curiosity unabated, she asked, "And what about you, Nathan? What's your line of work?"
Nathan sighed lightly, the topic a sore subject. "Well, I was working in construction up until recently. Got fired over an altercation at work," he admitted, his tone tinged with frustration. "The sad part is, I was let go because of a misunderstanding. The other guy started it, and I'm not one to start fights, but they took his side than mine when I was with the company longer."
George, leaning back in his chair, shook his head in sympathy. "That's tough, son. Good workers often get the short end of the stick in disputes like that. What's your plan moving forward?"
Nathan shrugged, trying to keep the mood light despite the topic. "For now, This farm visit was supposed to be a break from all that stress," he explained, managing a smile.
After a hearty dinner, Faye and Nathan helped with the dishes, sharing light conversation with George and Martha. Once the kitchen was tidied up, they all retreated to the living room. For the first time, Nathan found relief in the high ceilings of the old farmhouse, allowing him to move around without the constant threat of bumping his head. They settled into comfortable seats, the warmth of the house enveloping them as they delved into more serious discussions.
George, looking around the well-loved room, started, "Y'know, this farm's been in our family since before this town was even a dot on the map. Martha and I, we're the last of our line, and we reckon it's better to pass it on to a young family that can breathe new life into it."
Nathan, cautious not to offend but genuinely curious, asked, "If you don't mind me asking, why didn't y'all think of having more children?"
Martha smiled sadly, a hint of old pain in her eyes. "Well, darlin', when our boy John was born, it was a tough time. I had a real difficult pregnancy, lost a lot of blood. John turned out fine, thank the Lord, but the doctors said having more children could... well, it could end my life. We once dreamed of a big family, but some dreams, they change with the circumstances."
Faye, touched by the story and careful with her words, added, "And George, you stayed through all that? Even with the change in plans?"
George's face softened as he took Martha's hand, his voice deep with unwavering conviction. "When you love someone as much as I love Martha, you don't walk away 'cause the road turns rough. No, ma'am. I made a promise to be by her side, and that's where I intend to stay, come what may."
Faye's smile brightened, her eyes glistening with tears, deeply moved by George's loyalty and love. Nathan, too, smiled softly, his respect and admiration for the couple growing. Unconsciously, Faye's hand drifted to her abdomen, gently rubbing the spot where a future might someday be nurtured—though she seemed unaware of the gesture herself.
Breaking the tender moment, George shifted his gaze from Martha to Nathan and Faye. "We'd be willing to part with the farm under one condition," he began, his voice carrying a serious yet warm tone.
Nathan and Faye exchanged a quick, determined look before responding in unison, "Anything."
Martha's expression softened into a motherly smile. "We'd like to come and visit the farm sometimes, especially during the holidays," she said gently. "And, if y'all decide to start a family, we'd love it if you'd let us spoil the young'uns a bit."
Faye, her curiosity piqued by the trust being placed in them, hesitated before asking, "Why do you trust us with your farm?"
George looked at Faye and Nathan with a fondness that spoke of deep intuition. "I see a bit of us in both of you," he explained. "The way you handle yourselves, the respect you show to each other and those around you it reminds us of our own younger days. This place needs a couple full of love and dreams, just like we were when we started."
His words resonated deeply with Nathan and Faye, instilling a sense of potential and responsibility towards the farm and its legacy. It wasn't just a transaction of property it was the passing of a torch, a continuation of love and care that George and Martha had cultivated over decades.
Martha, her face alight with a joyful smile, clapped her hands decisively. "Well, then! We'll sign the deed over to you two tomorrow. Let's all rest up for the big day." She stood, still beaming, and gave George a look filled with enduring love. "Let's head to bed, dear," she suggested, her voice as tender as the evening breeze.
George nodded, offering Nathan and Faye a warm, final smile for the night. "Sleep well, you two. Tomorrow's a new beginning and your two will take the guestroom." With that, he and Martha retreated to their bedroom, leaving Nathan and Faye alone in the living room.
The air seemed charged with the weight and warmth of the day's events as Faye turned to Nathan, her eyes reflecting the flickering light of the remaining candles. Nathan without saying anything picks up Faye and puts her over his shoulder with Faye letting out a epp and he begins walks toward the guestroom.
Faye, her expression a mix of joy and anticipation, finds herself gently pinned beneath Nathan. Her eyes, wide and shining like stars, hinted at heart-shaped pupils as she whispered breathlessly about future possibilities. "Think about the babies..."
Nathan, caught in the moment, growled playfully, his voice low. "Are we forgetting something?"
The scene abruptly shifts to the outside of Faye's car, parked under the dim light of the farmhouse's porch. Inside, the device flickers, and Cortana's holographic form appears, sitting atop the dashboard. She looks around, a digital sigh escaping her circuits.
"They forgot about me again," Cortana remarked, a hint of amusement