“He’s the meanest, ugliest, rooster I’ve ever met.”
She looked over. “How many roosters have your met?”
He cleared his throat, embarrassed. She had to ask the single question guaranteed to make him feel a fool. “One.”
Raised eyebrow. Smug look. “His name is Roofus. He likes to get on the roof and crow until he wakes us.”
“Isn’t that what roosters do?”
Another look, the same as before.
“Guess I’d better head out. Work and stuff.” He headed back to his truck, hand scrubbing his hair. One minute she seemed to like him; the next those moments.
“Wait!” she called, running to catch up.
He turned, braced for more rooster smugness.
“I’m…. sorry, I…” Her eyes traveled over the ramshackled farm. The house needed painting. The barns repairs. Mud driveway. Weeds. Sagging fences.
“I….didn’t want you to… think less of me.”
“Why would I do that?”
“The farm….” She waved an arm. “You’re so…. smart and…well-off… have a nice condo. I’m just… this country girl…. living here.”
He opened his arms. “Come here you. I love you. Where you live doesn’t matter.”
Held her as she silently cried.
God, he loved this girl, rooster and all!
