Contracted To You-Chapter 66: Evie’s Mother

The visiting day had finally arrived, and Ezra was driving the car to the countryside for a weekend visit to Evie’s mother.

It was a sleek sports car, the top down, allowing the fresh air to flow through their hair unapologetically.

Ezra wore a casual outfit of a shirt and jeans, while Evie wore a yellow sundress, her hair styled in a low bun as she took in the scenery outside the window.

Sitting beside him with a radiant smile, she enjoyed the ride, playfully extending her hands outside.

Ezra, through his sunglasses, couldn’t help but watch her, a smile creeping onto his face as he admired her.

The ride was swift, the wind whipping around them, making everything feel perfectly alive. Evie turned her head toward him, sensing his gaze, and smiled warmly back. Ezra returned her smile, he reached out to take her soft hands, intertwining their fingers before focusing back on the road and accelerating further.

When the car finally slowed down at their destination, Evie took a moment to glance at the familiar house she hadn’t visited for a while now.

Ezra brought the car to a gentle stop in front of the modest countryside home. The gravel crunched under the tires as he parked at the edge of the grassy front yard.

The house stood stable and welcoming—a charming bungalow with faded cream walls and a weathered red roof.

A narrow stone path led from the gate to the wooden porch, where two flower pots brimmed with vibrant marigolds. The scent of damp earth lingered in the fresh air, drifted in by the gentle countryside breeze. A tall tree swayed slightly, its branches casting playful shadows on the ground, while a rope swing creaked softly from one of its limbs.

Nearby, chickens clucked lazily, blending with the distant bleating of a goat and the soft rustling of leaves. The air was alive—filled with the essence of sunlight, soil, and the faint sweetness of blooming hibiscus by the window.

As they exited the car, Ezra maintained a steady gaze on his environment, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Peaceful," he remarked.

Evie nodded in agreement. "It always feels like this when I come home."

After a brief pause to take in their surroundings, Ezra declared, "We should head in now." Evie agreed, and he retrieved the hamper he had brought as well as the flowers, determined to impress her mother.

As he approached her side, Evie let out a laugh at the sight of him juggling the items.

Ezra would not let her carry anything, and once he had settled himself, he held out his arms for her, and she put her hand in his arm as they began walking down the pathway to the house.

The breeze tousled their hair and rustled Evie’s sundress as she raised one hand to shield her face from the sun. When they reached the porch, she pressed the doorbell, standing side by side with Ezra and awaiting the door to open.

As they waited, Evie couldn’t help but glance at Ezra’s serious demeanor, she felt a chuckle bubbling up.

He caught her eye, raising an eyebrow in curiosity about her amusement.

"You look like you’re going for an interview. That serious expression, well, except for the casual outfit," she teased, her gaze sweeping across him.

"I’m here to impress," Ezra replied with an assertive shrug.

"I’m sure you’ll do just fine," she smirked, and the corners of his lips curled up.

At that moment, the door swung open, revealing an older woman standing on the other side. Dressed simply with her hair neatly arranged in a bun and an apron tied around her waist, she radiated a warm yet commanding presence.

"Good afternoon," Ezra greeted confidently, and the older woman returned his smile, recognizing him as the man Evie had mentioned.

"Hi Mom!" Evie exclaimed enthusiastically, joy lighting up her face as she stepped in to hug her mother. After embracing, her mother turned her attention to the tall, handsome man beside her daughter.

"Good afternoon, you must be Ezra?" she asked, and he nodded, his demeanor assured.

"Oh my, Evie didn’t mention how good-looking you were," she exclaimed, clapping her hands together with delight. Ezra shot Evie a pointed look, before the woman came closer to hug him.

Feeling the warmth of the older woman’s embrace despite the gifts he held. When the woman finally pulled away, Ezra shifted his focus to the things he brought with him, "I brought this for you" He said, handing over the flowers.

"So thoughtful," the woman chuckled appreciatively.

"And this," Ezra said, motioning to the heavy package in his hands.

"Oh!" she exhaled, placing a hand on her chest. "You didn’t have to do this." But Ezra shook his head, expressing that it was just a small gesture compared to what he planned to offer in the future for the woman who raised his woman. He would do anything for Evie.

The woman continued to smile at him, she was grateful that her daughter had found someone so thoughtful like Ezra.

Then she remembered that she had been preparing lunch for them and they must be hungry now, "You two must be hungry. Come inside; I’ve prepared something for you," she said, smiling at Ezra and Evie.

They nodded and stepped into the house.

The interior matched the inviting exterior. Wooden floors creaked beneath their feet—polished yet clearly lived-in.

The walls were painted a soft cream, adorned with framed photos and vintage artwork that lined the hallway. A small fireplace radiated warmth at the heart of the living room, casting a cozy glow.

Pastel-toned cushions decorated the couch, with a neatly folded knitted throw draped over the armrest.

The dining area, while modest, exuded charm—a white lace tablecloth topped with small wildflower arrangements in glass jars, illuminated by soft golden lighting that enhanced the welcoming atmosphere.

Evie’s mother had gone all out. The aroma of rosemary and garlic filled the air. On the table lay baked lemon herb chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, fresh green beans sautéed in olive oil, a basket of warm dinner rolls, and a fresh garden salad.

For dessert, individual apple tarts cooled on the counter, and the gentle clink of teacups signaled that chamomile tea awaited after the meal.

"Feel at home, Ezra; this place is yours too," the woman said sweetly as she noticed him taking in his surroundings.

Ezra nodded respectfully. "Come on, Evie," her mother urged, as they moved to take care of a few things in the kitchen.

Ezra seized the moment to explore the house further; it was beautiful and simple.

His gaze landed on a portrait of the family displayed on the table. Just Evie and her mother? He wondered, what about her father?

Was Evie an only child too?

He hadn’t delved deeply into her personal life to know the answer to all of these questions as he was still taking things slow with her.

He held the portrait in admiration until he heard his name called. "Come on, Ezra; we’re about to have lunch," Evie said.

"I’m coming," he replied, setting the portrait back down before joining the women at the table.

Evie’s mom, Janet, smiled as Ezra approached the table. "You can call me Janet," she introduced herself, exuding warmth. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"Alright, Mrs. Janet," Ezra replied promptly, glancing at the array of dishes before them. "The food looks incredible." His appreciation was clear, prompting an even broader smile from Janet.

Once they began to eat, Janet leaned in and inquired, "So, Ezra... how is my daughter treating you?" Evie couldn’t help but direct her attention toward her mother.

Ezra met Evie’s gaze with a small smile, responding, "She keeps me on my toes." He turned to Evie with a playful wink. "But I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Evie felt herself blush, her eyes narrowing playfully as she whispered, "Oh please, you love the drama."

Janet chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the banter between them. "You two seem... close. It’s good to see her smile again. She’s always been a little guarded."

Ezra nodded in agreement. "She still is. But I’m determined to earn her trust, piece by piece."

Evie nudged him lightly under the table, a flustered smile on her face. Ezra was pleased to see her reaction; it meant he was making an impact.

Janet then turned her attention to Evie, her tone gentle. "You’ve changed, Evie. There’s more light in your eyes."

With a small but genuine smile, Evie replied, "I feel... safe. For the first time in a long while."

There was a brief pause as Janet observed them, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she said, "Then I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted for you."

"Thanks, Mom," Evie replied, a sense of gratitude radiating from her.

Ezra looked between the two of them, his own smile growing. He was really happy for this moment with Evie, and he was intrigued by her family. Janet was a really nice woman, and a nice mother to Evie. It made him want to learn more about the rest of her family.