She stood to get a better look and pointed at a furry body in the distance. “What is that?”
I squinted to see a groundhog standing on its back legs, ignoring us completely and eyeing the apple tree closest to it.
“It’s a groundhog,” I offered.
Becca took a few steps closer into the darkness, her long blond hair shining like a beacon. She pulled out her phone and started snapping pictures. “I’ve never seen a groundhog before.” After another few shuffling paces in the animal’s direction, she added, “It’s so cute. I just want to tackle it.”
At least six people all shouted, “No!” The groundhog took off into the field at a run.
Becca turned back to us and pouted. “Gosh, you guys. I wasn’t really going to do it. Even I know better than that.”
“No offense, babe,” Laramie called. “But you’re a city girl. We just had to make sure you weren’t going to get yourself mauled and maimed.”
I moved among Bonnie’s friends and family for the next half hour, listening and laughing and just generally enjoying myself. This didn’t feel like work. It was nice being surrounded by a group of women who were all kind and funny and included you in their conversations.
Seated beneath the warmth of the outdoor heaters, on the farm my family had built, I was happier than I could ever remember being. I liked these women, and I wanted them to be a part of my life—a life here in Kirby Falls.
As the voices and laughter swirled around me, I swallowed an awkward lump in my throat and wished for the hundredth time that I could stay.I wanted to stay.
But you couldn’t always get what you wanted.
Movement up on the front steps of the Apple House caught my eye. In the bright glow from the floodlight on the corner of the building, I could see it was Mark. His hoodie was zipped up to ward off the chill and a small, secret smile was visible on his face.
I could feel an answering grin on my own.
He paused when his boots hit the grass and raised his hand in a wave.
My smile widened, and I waved back.
He gave me a long look with those pretty blue-gray eyes, and I felt it behind my sternum. There was something happening in the center of my chest. My heart was beating hard, but not so much in panic. More like a dance party with techno music and glow sticks and everything.
Finally, Mark gave me a nod and shoved his hands in the pockets of his hoodie before turning toward the parking lot and his waiting truck.
I could feel myself going soft and warm all over. I wanted to tuck him inside my heart and button him up behind my cardigan, keep him there forever. Mine to have and mine to hold.
An elbow nudged me in the side, and I jolted in surprise.
“Would you look at that,” Bonnie said slyly next to me.
Oh, Lord. Had she seen me making googly eyes at Mark?
But when I glanced her way, her attention was focused on the next picnic table over.
I followed her gaze and felt my lips part in mutual surprise. “Holy crap.”
Mac and Brady were sitting across from one another, and they were the only ones at the table. The other folks probably vacated due to their constant squabbling.
But they weren’t fighting now.
Mac was still working on her pumpkin. However, she and Brady were clearly in conversation. He watched her while she made careful strokes along the surface of her pumpkin, and she glanced up at him frequently. They looked like they were having a completely normal discussion.
Suddenly, MacKenzie erupted into laughter, and Bonnie grabbed my arm. “What is happening?” she hissed. “Is the world ending?”
I noticed the other ladies at our table had quieted as well, drawn by the spectacle of Mac and Brady actually getting along.
“I’m afraid,” Laramie said in a hushed tone.
“Is someone recording this?” I heard someone else whisper.
