“Everything is going to be fine.”
His forehead puckered. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because I believe in you, and I believe in the orchard. And you should too.”
His expression warmed slightly.
“And mark my words...” She gave him her best mischievous smile. “We’re going to have a blast kicking Apple Haven’s butt.”
He snorted, and when a smile turned up his lips, her heart tripped over itself.
“There’s that smile I love.” The words slipped out of her mouth before she could stop them, and when heat infused her cheeks, she tried to look casual.
“Thanks,” he said before steering the truck onto the road. “We’d better get back to the barn.”
Chapter 9
Emily stepped out of her bedroom and headed toward the stairs Wednesday afternoon. A sweet, decadent smell filled her senses, sending a whirlwind of happy childhood memories scrolling through her mind as she made a beeline for the kitchen.
“Are you making—?” Emily gasped when she found a row of candy apples lining the counter. “Youaremaking candy apples!”
Diane chuckled while setting another one on the paper to cool.
“Those are part of some of my favorite childhood memories,” Emily continued. “Jake and I ate them until we got sick every fall. Do you need help?”
“Nope. This is the last one.” She dipped it in the syrup, turned it a few times, and then set it down to cool. “Take one.”
“Are you sure?”
Diane waved her off. “Don’t be silly.”
Emily chose one of the cool ones and took a bite. She closed her eyes as the flavors of syrup and apple overtook her mouth.“You make the best candy apples in the state of North Carolina, if not the world.” She bent toward Diane and lowered her voice. “Are you ready to tell me your secret recipe?”
Diane wagged her finger at her. “Now, you know better than that. I can’t share the Hughes secret family recipe with anyone.”
“Rats.” Emily snapped her fingers and then took another bite.Delicious!
Diane rested against the counter beside her. “How are things going with the barn project?”
“It’s coming along. We’re still working on the walls. I just came in for a minute, but I’m heading back out there. Hopefully we’ll be painting soon.” She paused, lowering her voice. “Jake wouldn’t let me help with the roof, but I’m grateful I’m allowed to help with the walls.” She rolled her eyes, and Diane laughed.
“He always was overprotective of you. I remember when you dated that guy your senior year.” She tapped her chin. “What was his name?”
Emily sighed. “Evan. Jake couldn’t stand him.”
“That’s right,” Diane exclaimed. “I think he told me nearly every day that you could do better. He said that Evan was a liar and a cheat.”
“And Jake was right. I found out the hard way.”
Diane smiled. “You two have been through a lot together.”
That’s true.Emily nodded and ate more of the apple.
“I was so relieved when he told me he was going to beg you to come home to help out here. He’s been so stressed out since his dad’s heart attack.” Diane’s expression filled with concern. “How’s my son doing? Really?”
Emily wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “He’s worried about the orchard. But I keep telling him that we’ve got this andit’s going to be okay.” She decided to keep the rumors about the competitor’s orchard to herself. No need to upset Jake’s mom.
“Having a market in the barn is a brilliant idea, and I think it just might work.”
