Free Against the Odds: A Love Story by J. Adams Page A

happiness. After having a taste of such happiness, there is no way I could ever leave him, no matter how flattering the offer. So, I guess I'll have to prove to him every day that my life will always be here with him. Because I'm not going anywhere.”
    “I know.” Caroline again smiled, her eyes filling with moisture. “I'm so glad you came.”
    “So am I,” I said, squeezing her hand. Then I stood. “And now, I'm heading out to see my husband-to-be.”
    Caroline grinned. “Only three more days.”
    “Oh, I know,” I groaned with happy anticipation.
    “Well, you go on out to him.”
    Squeezing her hand again, I leaned down and kissed her cheek before heading out the door.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Love is not bliss. It's productive work.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Eleven
    I parked beside Hayden's truck and turned off the ignition. I could see him in the distance, bent over the fence and working intently. I sat for a moment and silently watched him. Though he was still a little distance away, I could still make out the hardened muscles on his shirtless form, his skin bronzed by the sun and glistening with sweat. I decided long ago that he must have an aversion to shirts, but I didn't mind one bit. He was indeed a beautiful man, the most beautiful man I had ever seen, and I could look at him all day and never tire.
    As I continued to watch him work, thoughts of the call from Andrea slowly began to seep back into my mind. I still couldn't believe the offer that had been made. Ebersole & Company had wanted me to be the new face for their fall cosmetic line! Me of all people! I couldn't help wondering why the offer had to come now of all times. I mean, I had done well for myself in the modeling industry and had made good money. I had enough money saved to be secure for a long time. But this! A seven figure contract!
    I closed my eyes and pressed my head against the steering wheel. Truthfully, it wasn't so much the money I thought about. With the very large settlement from the divorce, as well as what I'd accumulated modeling, I had more than enough. No, it wasn't the money. It was the position. With that job, I would have been in with the cream of the crop!
    I sighed and shook my head. Six months ago I would have jumped at the chance. Even four months ago. Anything to make me feel more beautiful, more desired.
    But I don't need that anymore, I thought with a smile. I don't need the praises of the 'beautiful people' of the world to make me feel beautiful, or desired. I have all those things with one beautiful person. The only one that counts .
    My thoughts shifted to my conversation with Caroline about Hayden's fear of me leaving. I couldn't believe he felt that way. There was no way I would ever leave him. I couldn't. It hurt to even think about being away from him. I mean, good grief, I could barely get through a whole day without seeing him as it was. He had become my whole life, my whole world. And he would always be.
    The ringing of my cell phone startled me from my thoughts. I hesitantly took it from my purse and looked at the caller ID.
    “You have got to be kidding me,” I muttered as I stared at Jerome's office number. “This is really all I need.”
    “Hello.”
    “What's up, girl?” came Jerome's irritating voice.
    What's up? What do you mean what's up? I couldn't believe he was calling me. Sure, our marriage hadn't ended on the worst of terms, but we weren't on the best either. “What do you want, Jerome?” I was in no mood to be cordial.
    “Can't I just call to say hello?”
    “No.”
    He laughed. “That's cold.” When I heaved an irritated sigh, he went on. “Well, I heard it through the grapevine you got offered some serious bling money by Ebersole.”
    “And just how did you come by that info?” I asked, angry at him for intruding in my life.
    “You know me, Raine. I pay well to stay informed.”
    The