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I nodded, having heard this a billion times from my father growing up. “I know, and I told her that. But I don’t think she’s ever cut one before and wasn’t sure how to handle getting it home.”
“You offered to help her? That’s so sweet of you.” She shook her head. “Sometimes I wonder if I did right by you boys, but other times, you surprise me.”
“Thanks, Mom. I try to be a good person.”
She patted my cheek. “You’ll make a nice husband one day.”
My stomach twisted. I dated one woman seriously after college, and when my father died, she stopped calling and didn’t come to visit. I was planning to ask her to marry me, and she couldn’t even be there for me when I needed her most. It was a good reminder that we don’t really know people at all. Then my brother Emmett’s fiancée left him at the altar. Other than my parents’ relationship, I didn’t have a great example of a good relationship.
“I know you were burned in the past, but you can’t let that one woman ruin your future.”
My jaw tightened. I couldn’t imagine letting anyone else in. They’d have to know that my family and the farm came first. Always. I made the mistake of focusing on myself once, and it cost me everything.
“I love having you boys close, but sometimes I worry about you. You had that job, and you quit when your father died.”
The first few months, Mom had wandered the property aimlessly, almost as if she were looking for something. Emmett came up with the idea of lighting the paths. It gave the property a nice, warm glow. “You needed help, and I love the farm. I always planned on coming back.”
Mom’s face pinched. “But not that soon, and you’re not doing anything with your degree.”
I smiled to reassure her. “You know my first love is landscaping.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
I didn’t want Mom to think that she was a burden or that I didn’t want to be here. “I love my cabin, the property, and being so close to my family. I couldn’t imagine not seeing Ember as often as I do.”
“I’m glad, honey. But I just want you to be open to the idea of more. That maybe there’s something else out there for you.”
My jaw tightened. “I won’t entertain anything that would take me away from the farm.”
Mom’s phone buzzed. “Your friend just drove in. You should close the gate until opening so you’re not disturbed.”
I’d opened the gate for Sarah this morning, We had to keep it closed during the off-hours, or visitors would come in and wander the property, thinking we were open for business.
“I’m on it.” I popped another muffin into my mouth.
She pointed a finger at me. “And Knox, make sure she gets that tree into her house.”
“I told her I’d bring it by tonight after closing.”
“Why don’t you leave a little early? Heath’s on the schedule tonight. We don’t need you.”
“That would be good.” I didn’t mention that Addy asked me to decorate the tree, too.
“Remember what I said,” Mom called as I walked through the house and out the front door.
Sarah’s SUV was parked at the barn, so I headed there first. She was just getting out with Addy.
Addy ran to me. “Knox.”
I crouched down to return the hug she clearly wanted. I never knew I loved hugs so much until Ember wrapped her arms around my neck for the first time. I closed my eyes, breathing in Addy’s scent. “You smell like cinnamon,” I said when she pulled away.
“Mommy made me oatmeal with cinnamon.” She tripped over the word, and it came out more like cimmanon. “I got some on my shirt.”
Sarah followed at a slower pace. “I called the shop this morning to make sure we had the time right. I wasn’t sure if you’d changed your mind.”
I straightened, taking her in. She wore tight jeans, tall boots, and a heavy jacket. “I should have gotten your number before I left so we could touch base before today.”
Sarah raised a brow. “Your mom was surprised.”
