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Sarah smiled and turned to face Emmett’s camera. “I can’t argue with that.”
I smiled wider than I ever had for a family photo before, and I couldn’t wait to print it and hang it on my cabin wall. I had a lot of family pictures hung, but none with Sarah and Addy. None where I felt as hopeful as I did in this moment.
I was still sad about my father missing this, but for the first time, I wondered if I could find happiness outside of my family. If someone could fit into our life as easily as Ireland had with Emmett. It was almost too much to hope for, yet I was open to the idea. Just like my mom said.
If I believed it wouldn’t happen for me, that I’d never meet someone who loved the farm as much as I did, then it was a self-fulfilling prophecy. I’d never know where this thing with Sarah could go if I didn’t pursue it.
We took the empty boxes back to the main house and gathered inside while Mom heated the dinner she’d prepared earlier. We helped her carry the dishes into the dining room, where we ate at a large table.
I had a lot of good memories here. When the farm was closed and we could just be a family.
Sarah sat next to me, and Addy sat across from us and next to Ember. “Thank you for inviting us. We had the best time.”
“I did, too,” I said as I smiled and squeezed her hand that rested on her thigh.
For a second, no one else existed but us. Then I forced myself to let go of her so we could eat and not attract any ribbing from my brothers.
We talked about past tree decorating nights, entertaining the girls with our antics. Here and there, we embellished, but for the most part, it was the truth. After we ate, we donned our outerwear while Emmett and Heath built the fire out back.
This fire pit was only used for family, but we’d played with the idea of renting bonfire pits during the season. But it would mean people hanging out on the property for hours. Emmett usually tabled the idea, and as the oldest, he tended to have the final decision about anything on the property.
Mom brought the fixing for s’mores, and we got to work roasting marshmallows. Someone played holiday music from their phone, and chairs were pulled from the porch area so everyone could sit.
The girls ate marshmallows, danced to the music, and played a game of tag. It was fun, but I couldn’t help but think it would have been even better with more kids. In five years, would we all be settled down with our kids racing around the fire? I liked that idea.
Across the fire, Sarah had been drawn into a conversation with Sebastian. They had more in common because they were both single parents, but I still didn’t like it.
Emmett dropped into the chair next to me. “What’s going on with you? We haven’t had much of a chance to talk lately.”
I smirked and nodded in Ireland’s direction. “I think you’ve been busy with Ireland.”
“I’ve neglected our relationship.”
I sipped the warm cider. “Since when do you care about maintaining our relationship?”
“Since I started dating Ireland, I guess. She’s opened my eyes to things.”
“About how much of a cranky bastard you are?” I teased.
He shook his head. “I’ll give you that because it’s true. I made some mistakes, but I’m trying to be better now.”
“I think that’s great, but I’m fine. No need to worry about me.”
“Mom seems to think you’re hanging out with Sarah a lot.”
“Just a few times. I helped her get a tree and then saw her at Ember’s play. We all went out to dinner afterward.” The only time we’d spent alone was when we decorated the tree, and even then, Addy was there.
“You’re interested in a single mother?”
“I’m not even looking for a relationship.”
“But you like her.”
I shrugged. “I’m not going to deny it.”
He nodded in Sebastian’s direction. “You hate that she’s talking to Sebastian right now.”
“They have more in common. But I don’t have to like it.”
