T/W:

****
      Two year later:
                   

“Everly! I’m home!” Rafferty stepped into their old farmhouse. Everly lifted up their one year old daughter, Ella and hurried to greet her husband. Rafferty grinned as he watched his wife and daughter approach. Everly moved to give Rafferty a kiss.

"Dada,” Ella said, stretching her arms towards him. Rafferty grinned as he took his daughter in his arms.

"How was your day?” Everly asked.

"Productive. The crops are nearly all planted. Let’s just hope we get a good return for it,” Rafferty replied.

"We will,” Everly said. “I just know we will.” After Rafferty and Everly left their old lives behind, they travelled for two months before finally settling where they did. Rafferty met an old farmer who was wanting to move on. S

So Rafferty worked for a full year for the farmer. He used the money he earned to buy the farm and house. Since the farmer was eager to move out of the house, Rafferty and Everly immediately took up residence, just before Ella was born.

Everly loved having this sort of life. It was what she’d wanted all along. No more militia ever came for Rafferty and Everly figured they decided he wasn’t worth it after all.

"What’s for dinner?” Rafferty asked, grinning. “I’m starved!” Everly laughed, feeling so light inside. She couldn’t remember ever being this happy before. Not even with...Jackson.

"Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and for dessert, apple crisp.” Rafferty moved to Everly, sliding his arm around her and giving her a gentle kiss.

"Perfect.”