“What was that?”
“A candy apple kiss.” He held up the candy apple. “Did you like it?”
“Very much. And I wantmore.”
He chuckled and bit into the apple before holding it out to her. “Have some.”
She took a bite before he kissed her again.
“Your candy apple kisses are the best,” she told him before kissing him once more.
“I’m glad you like them.” He lifted his eyebrows. “And you’d better not get any from anyone else.”
She grinned. “Trust me when I tell you that I only wantyourcandy apple kisses.”
“Good answer, Carmichael.” He tossed the remaining apple in the trash.
When he cupped his hand to his mouth to cover a yawn, she touched his face. “You need to get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a big day.”
“Yeah, it sure is.” He brushed his lips over hers once again. “I’ll see you tomorrow morning for the grand opening.”
“Bright and early.”
He wrenched the door open and then kissed her again. “Good night, babe.”
“Good night.”I love you.
She lingered in the doorway while he disappeared down the path toward his house, and she sighed. She longed to tell him that she loved him, but she feared scaring him away. When the time was right, she’d tell him. And she couldn’t wait for that moment to arrive.
Jake was certain he was stuck in a nightmare. He’d seen only a handful of customers travel through the orchard since the grand opening three hours ago. Perhaps he’d missed the crowd. Maybe. Hopefully.
He walked over to the first cashier. She was eighteen years old and hard to miss, with her purple hair and her eyebrow and nose rings. “Hey, Sidney. How’s it going?”
“Slow.” She smacked her gum. “I’ve sold one basket of apples.”
“Only one?” he asked.
“Yup.” She turned toward the teenager at the next cash register. “Hey, Maddy. How many baskets have you sold?”
The brunette gave them a sad smile. “Only one.” Then she brightened. “But it’s early. I’m sure we’ll have more people later today.”
“Right. Thanks,” Jake grumbled before heading toward the barn. Hopefully the barn was busier than the front end.
But it was empty.
Oh no. This can’t be happening.
He walked into the barn and was greeted by Emily’s colorful banner and the twinkling fairy lights. It felt like a lifetime ago when they were dancing under those lights. Now a black cloud seemed to hover over Jake as he glanced around the empty barn. Only two of the three vendors had shown up today—Mona Horton, selling her homemade fall decor, and Warren Lewis with his booth full of metal signs and collectibles. The third booth featured Jake’s employee Brian Holmes handling Mom’s candy apples and Jake’s cider.
“How’s business?” Jake asked.
Mona and Warren shared glum expressions.
“Slow,” Warren said, and Mona nodded.
Jake massaged the back of his neck. “Hang in there. It’ll get better,” he promised before walking away.
“I hope so!” Warren called after him, and Jake gritted his teeth.
