So Apple Haven had stolen his customers, his employees, andnowhis fall market idea.
Well, wasn’t that just peachy?
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Jake grumbled as he marched over to Tom. “You told me that you couldn’t sell pumpkins at my orchard, but you’re here at my competitor’s. Why?”
Tom shrugged. “I’m sorry, Jake, but business is business.”
“Just tell me why,” Jake nearly begged him.
“Better deal,” Tom explained. “Apple Haven is waiving the booth fee for the first few weeks, plus they’re not taking a percentage of sales for the time being.” He looked over at Cassie Ridgeway, who was setting up her jewelry booth beside him. “Right?”
“Yeah,” the woman said. “Sorry.”
Jake rubbed his eyes and tried to take deep breaths in order to stop himself from having a meltdown in the middle of Apple Haven. Wouldn’t his competitor justloveto see him fold right there on their property?
“Let’s go.” Emily half yanked, half dragged him out to her Jeep, where he sank down onto her bumper. “I can’t stand seeing you like this.”
“Sorry, babe, but I’m not sure what else I can do.”
She grinned, and he stared at her.
“Why are you smiling at a time like this?”
“Because you just called me ‘babe,’ which means we’re officially a couple.”
He snorted. “I thought we became official when I kissed you, but okay.” He studied her pleased expression. “Now what are we going to do?”
“First, you’re going to climb into my Jeep, and then I’m going to take you to the flea market.”
“The flea market?”
“Yup.” She retrieved her keys, and they jingled. “We’re going to round up some vendors and fill that barn before the grand opening tomorrow.”
He shook his head. “It’s a great idea, but I just don’t know...” He covered his face with his hands.
“Talk to me.”
“So much is riding on this.” He opened his eyes and found her sitting beside him on the bumper. “You know I’m responsible for the orchard, for paying Ally’s tuition, for paying all of the bills. Now my dad’s hospital bills are piling up, and I have the seasonal workers to pay. How can I do that when I maxed out my credit card refurbishing the barn?”
Emily threaded her fingers with his. “Honey, we got this.”
“You think so?” He hated the uncertainty he heard in his voice.
“Yes, I’m sure of it. And if you need money, I can help.”
He shook his head. “I can’t take your money.”
“We’ll argue about that later. But right now we need to getto the flea market and round up some vendors before the day is over.” She popped up to her feet. “Get it together, Hughes.”
He stood, drew her to him, and kissed her. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For believing in me. And the orchard.”
“Of course I do. Now let’s stop wasting time and get to the flea market.”
He smiled as he climbed into the Jeep. For some crazy reason, he was sure that everything was going to be okay if he had Emily by his side.
