Page 38 of Fern's Date with Destiny
Fern: That’s okay.Just promise you’ll tell me what happens when you’re ready.
Cody: I promise.
When he finally turned to walk back across the yard to his truck, the fear was still there, gnawing at the edges of his thoughts.But fear wasn’t the only thing.
Because for the first time in a long time, heknewhe wasn’t walking alone.
11
Fern leaned back on the smooth wooden bench and tilted her head toward the steel beams and sparkling windows arching high above them.Greenery dripped from every ledge, ferns and orchids lush against glass walls that let the February sun flood the Devonian Gardens in Calgary.
“I am officially shopped out,” she declared to the rafters.
Rose, perched cross-legged beside her with a reusable shopping bag full of pottery finds, pressed a hand to her heart.“Blasphemy.”
Tansy huffed, hauling another bag onto the floor to make room to stretch out on the wide bench.“It’s been an amazing trip, though.You have to admit I hit gold with this whisk.Look at the handle.It’s ergonomic porn.”
Fern groaned.“You and your kitchen gadgets.”
“She’s a diva,” Rose agreed gravely.“And not even sorry about it.”
“Zero regret,” Tansy confirmed, her smile smug.“Once I replace the last of the thrift store utensils in the High Water kitchen, I will ascend to my final form, Goddess of All Things Delicious.”
Fern laughed so hard she nearly toppled off the bench.
Rose’s phone pinged with an alert.“Okay, we’ve got about thirty minutes before my next appointment with a distributor.Ten minutes, if we really want to keep going.”
“I do not,” Fern said firmly.She stretched her legs in front of her and closed her eyes, letting the warmth from the skylights soak into her bones.“I’m staying right here with my sore feet and my excellent mood.”
Tansy leaned her shoulder against hers.“You sure you’re not just waiting for asecret admirerto text you?”
Fern cracked one eye open.“A secret admirer?”
“Yes,” Tansy said solemnly.“The one who probably follows you around Buns and Roses, pining after you.”
Rose snorted.“You read too many romance novels.”
Tansy shrugged.“Or maybe you’re waiting to hear from Cody.Honestly, I can’t figure out why you two haven’t just moved in together.You’re practically joined at the hip.”
Fern’s pulse jumped, but she schooled her face into amusement.“Really?”
“I know, I know.You’refriends.”Tansy waved a dismissive hand.“But I swear it’s like you two went back to elementary school and are now doing all the super cutefriends foreverthings, quote unquote.Like make up a secret language and a secret handshake.If he ever needs a reference for his next girlfriend, he can tell her he’s got theFern Fields stamp of approval.”
Rose smothered a smile and bent to examine her coffee lid, not commenting.Fern sent her a look, and Rose’s mouth twitched.She was definitely not going to confirm anything.
“Are you quite done analyzing myfriend?”Fern asked.
“For now.”Tansy sighed dramatically.“You need to start hanging around more other unattached cowboys so I have fodder for speculation.”
Fern opened her mouth—and then her phone buzzed in her pocket.
Speak of the devil.
She pulled it out, already smiling.
Cody: How’s the get away?
Fern: Sister-filled and glorious.But I miss you.
