Page 57 of Falling For You

“I can see why you love it,” Owen said, his voice quieter now.

He looked out at the landscape, and for a moment, I thought I saw a different side of him. A side that wasn’t so guarded and maybe appreciated the small things more than he let on.

I was about to make a joke to lighten the mood when the wagon hit a huge bump, causing me to lurch forward. I grabbed Owen’s arm for support so I didn’t wind up on the floor.

I chuckled. “Whoa! Guess I should take my own advice and hold on tighter.”

Owen laughed and turned to wrap both arms around me. “I got you. I always will.”

My heart skipped a beat.

I rested my head on his arm for a brief second and nodded. “I’m getting that feeling from you.” I didn’t pull away and let the warmth of him chase away the chill in the air.

“I hope so.”

“You’re kind of impressing me, actually.”

He glanced at me, his lips quirking into a teasing smile. “Told you, I’m used to farm life.”

I rolled my eyesbutcouldn’t stop the grin from spreading across my lips. “I’m still not convinced. You haven’t chopped any firewood yet.”

“You’ll see,” he said with a wink.

The tractor took us through winding paths around the farm, past forgotten pumpkin patches and smaller barns.

Whenever I pointed something out, Owen seemed interested. I couldn’t help but notice how I could just be myself with him. No awkwardness. No fumbles. Just him and me.

The tractor slowed to a stop in front of a large red barn.

“We have arrived,” the farmer announced.

All the other families and couples got off the wagon, and I slowly stood and turned around to see Owen stretching.

“There’s cider and donuts,” the farmer explained, pointing inside the barn.

“Yum,” I hummed, and the farmer nodded in agreement. “Thank you.”

The truth was that this girl knew donuts were part of the package. I could sniff them out a mile away.

Owen jumped down from the wagon, reached for my hand, and kissed it before grabbing for my waist to lift me down.

“Such a gentleman,” I teased.

Owen made me feel as light as a feather, which only made me smile.

“What can I say?” He lifted his brows.

“Come on, city boy. Time to see if you can handle the rest of farm life.” I winked at him, and he shook his head, linking his fingers with mine.

“Lead the way.”

I spotted a table with piping hot cider and a platter of cider donuts. “This is what I’ve been waiting for.” I glanced at Owen. “Have you had these before?”

He scoffed and shook his head. “Have I had them? My mom makes the best apple cider donuts to raffle off for the VA every fall.”

His revelation took me aback. “Really?”

“Of course. She’s an amazing cook. She taught us boys most of her recipes, too.”

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