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“There,” Wes said. “You’re doing fine.”

“I think you’re doing most of the work.”

“I don’t mind. And you’re not supposed to be concentrating this hard. You’re allowed to enjoy it.”

Kate smiled. “I’m getting there.”

“Good.”

By the end of the song, she was smiling for reasons that had very little to do with dancing. Wes’s hand lingered at her waist before he let her go.

“Want some air?”

Outside, the night had cooled and the music softened behind them as they walked toward the fence. Kate checked her phone and found a photograph from Janice of Penny asleep beneath the quilt, one arm flung over Fox and a book lying open beside her pillow.

Fast asleep. Hot chocolate finished, teeth brushed and both stories read. We’re fine. Stay out and enjoy yourself. Love you.

Kate read the message twice before showing Wes the photograph.

“She looks cozy,” he said.

“She does.” Kate tucked the phone away. “Mom knew exactly what I needed her to say.”

“Your mom seems to know you pretty well.”

“She always has.” Kate leaned back against the fence beside him. “She was right too. I’m not worried that they can’t look after Penny. I’m just not used to someone else doing bedtime.”

“You’ve been doing it for a long time.”

“Since she was born.” Kate looked toward the barn. “I always thought I’d meet someone first. Get married, have children. You know, the usual order.”

“Life didn’t cooperate?”

“Not exactly,” Kate said. “Penny wasn’t planned. When I found out I was pregnant, I was shocked. Terrified, probably, if I’m being honest.”

Wes said nothing, giving her space to continue.

“But underneath all of that, I knew I wanted her.” Kate looked down at her hands. “I’d spent years assuming motherhood would happen when everything else fell into place, and then suddenly there she was. It was almost as if fate had stepped in and said, ‘Here. This part is yours.’”

Wes was quiet for a moment. “I can see that.”

Kate looked at him.

“Penny being yours,” he said. “I can see that very easily.”

“It wasn’t the life I’d pictured, but it became a good one,” she said. “I wouldn’t change it.”

“You and Penny are a family. That seems pretty obvious to me.”

Kate had told parts of that story before, and people often seemed to hear what was missing from it. They asked how she managed on her own, or told her she was brave. Wes had listened to the whole thing and seen a family. She had to look toward the barn for a second before she trusted her voice.

“What about you?” Kate asked. “Did you ever worry that choosing the orchard meant giving up something else?”

“Not once I came back. I like the work. I have friends I’ve known most of my life and a place that feels like mine.” He glanced toward the dark fields beyond the parking lot. “I always hoped I’d have a family one day, but I wasn’t waiting for that before I got on with my life. I was happy.”

Kate understood that. Loving the life she had with Penny had never meant she couldn’t want someone to share it with.

Wes looked back at her. “But I’ve liked the last couple of days more because you’ve been in them.”