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Fallon smiles sweetly. “Thank you for having me. I’m really happy to be here.”
I take a bite, and the gooey apple filling burns the roof of my mouth. They both snicker as Willa offers Fallon a special tour of the inn.
“I’ll survive,” I offer. As they walk away, I take the opportunity to text Finn, letting him know we’re on the property.
Finn: You still coming over this afternoon? I just got home and am jumping in the shower.
Levi: Yep. Fallon’s on her special tour. Be there right after.
Finn: Sounds good. See ya soon.
I check the time, and it’s just past three. In the winter, he doesn’t work long hours because it’s off-season. He also tries to spend as much time with Oakley as he can between her busy schedule.
After an hour, Fallon returns wearing a smile, and this one meets her eyes.
“Thank you again. I appreciate you taking the time to show me around and share the orchard’s history. It’s fascinating.”
“You’re welcome. I was serious about you visiting next year to experience our fall festival. You can stay here, my treat, but just let me know well in advance.”
Fallon grins, but I notice how she doesn’t immediately say yes.
“I’m sure it won't disappoint,” she says.
“Would you like some pastries?”
“I wish I could, but I have to watch how much gluten I eat,” she explains. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, I understand, sweetie. No worries.”
“I guess we better get going. Finn and Oakley are expecting us.”
Willa’s eyes light up. “Please tell my grandson and my favorite new granddaughter I said hello.”
“I will,” I say, snagging an apple turnover for the road, then we make our way outside. The cool wind brushes against my cheeks, and I see Fallon shiver.
“That was fun,” she admits as I open the passenger door of the truck so she can climb in. After I go to the driver's side and crank the engine, I turn to her. “Are you still up for going to Finn and Oakley’s house?”
“Yeah. Can’t wait to meet them.”
I try to keep the conversation going as we make our way across the property, but we don’t talk about anything of substance.
“We won’t stay too long,” I tell her when we park.
She nods, and before we can knock, Oakley swings open the door and greets us.
“It’s so nice to finally meet you, Fallon!”
Without thinking twice, Oakley pulls Fallon into a tight hug as if they’re long-lost friends. At first, Fallon hesitates but then reciprocates. When they break apart, Oakley steps aside, allowing us in but turns to waggle her brows at me.
I smile and shake my head, not wanting her to play matchmaker.
Finn’s sitting on the couch watching TV and immediately stands and introduces himself to her.
“I met your grandma earlier,” Fallon explains.
“Oh, I bet that was anexperience.”
“Very educational. She was sweet, though, and I learned a lot. Congrats on the centennial. I heard it was quite the event.”
