Page 108 of Sterling Fight

I want to permanently wipe away the sadness that creeps back into his sky-blues. I want Judd to be confident in our new commitment to each other, in my commitment to him.

“I’ve sent you my financials for Quirky Girl Calendar. Maybe you could take a look after all.” It’s a big ask and a bit frightening. I don’t make the kind of money he does, but it isn’t about comparison. I feel like I’m opening a piece of my soul to him. This is me. My business and my plan.

And I’m open-minded to his thoughts. Trusting his opinion. Trusting in him.

Judd’s eyes widen and his head turns toward his laptop, like he can already see the email I’ve sent. Then he glances back at me. “I’ll look at it right away.”

“No rush.” I chuckle, swiping his hair back again. My meeting with Greetings Ambassador isn’t for two more weeks.

Which reminds me, I should really go back to Knoxville and collect more of my belongings. The thought of home is daunting, though, as I don’t want to be away from Judd.

The emotions growing between us have happened gradually and yet all at once, and I need to accept my stay is not a vacation from life, but the possibility of a new life.

With these thoughts in mind, I step back from Judd, but he catches me by the hips again and slowly stands, filling any space between us. Cupping my jaw, he kisses me soundly. A deep sweep into my mouth and a playful suck at my lower lip before releasing me.

“Couple goals,” he whispers, dropping his forehead to mine. “We kiss goodbye and hello.”

I tip up on my toes, my smile nearly too wide to properly kiss him back but I do.

Because, couple goals.

When I take my corner seat in Curmudgeon Bakery, the last person I expect to see enter the place is Clay.

“Hey, birthday girl,” he teases although days have passed since my birthday. He could pick on me for being a drunk birthday girl, but the outpouring of concern from the Sylver clan has been compassionate. No judgment. Just gentle worries. Turning forty is a big deal.

“Hi there.” I lift my coffee to salute Clay before he places an order with the young man behind the counter. Sebastian is out somewhere on a delivery.

After Clay picks up his coffee and a berry-mix scone, he grabs a seat at my table. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you and wonder if now is a good time?”

“Shoot.” I wave toward him, a little apprehensive about what he’d want to talk to me about.

“You mentioned your meeting with Greetings Ambassador.”

I roll my eyes and chuckle, considering Judd’s concerns. “What is this, a Sylver ambush?”

Clay smiles, his eyes crinkling with delight. “What do you mean?”

“First Judd, now you.”

“Ah, well, I was hoping Judd would talk to you.”

I tilt my head. “Now I want to know what you mean.”

“Just that Judd has a way about him.” Clay places his hand near his ear and twists it back and forth. “A real way with numbers. Finances. And I’ve been hoping he might help you find an alternative to selling.”

I could be offended that this family isn’t in favor of me giving up my business. Instead, I’m flattered they just want what they think is best for me.

“Our mother had a dream,” Clay continues. “She wanted to turn the local feed and farm supply store into something greater, and my parents were on their way to making that dream happen when she passed away.” He offers a sad smile. “Our father ran the place into the ground instead of honoring her dream, and it’s taken primarily me and Judd to turn the business around. To grow our mama’s vision into something bigger.”

He smiles again, warm and proud of their accomplishments. “I hate to see anyone give up their dream, and you seem like someone who still has a vision for yours. Direction for it. You’re young and talented. Very fun. Very fresh, and very relatable to garden and book lovers.”

“Clay Sylver, have you been investigating me?” I twist my lips, giving him a wry grin.

“Just looking into Quirky Girl Calendars, and I like what I see. I’d really like for Sylver Seed & Soil to carry your line.”

My mouth pops open. “Through Greetings Ambassador?” I’ve earned a customer before even starting with their company.

“Through Quirky Girl Calendars directly.”