Page 9 of Picked By the Mountain Man
I shake my head. “No, I’m going to take it over. I have some plans for it.”
“Good for you. I’m running Blooms now too. We’ll have to catch up sometime soon.”
“That’d be great,” I tell her as I grab my order and she turns to place hers. “See you soon.” I wave before heading back out into the crisp fall air.
It’s amazing how quick the weather turns here. I can’t wait to tell Keaton about running into Kayla. I used to love playing with her when I stayed here. It’ll be nice to have a friend in town.
I wander into the hardware store looking for him down each aisle. As I near the back of the store, I hear someone call his name and head in that direction. Rounding the corner, I see Keaton next to another thick-muscled, dark-haired, bearded man.
“You romance that sexy neighbor of yours into selling to you yet?”
I can’t help the involuntary gasp at the man’s words. There’s a splat as my cup slips from grip, falling to the ground along with the sack of treats I just purchased.
Keaton whirls around, wide eyes locking with mine. “Becca!”
I spin, running back through the store. Bursting through the front door, my head whips back and forth, tears dripping as I try to decide where to run. I know no one here and am stuck with the man who was apparently only using me. I should’ve known better. A guy like him who could have any woman he wants? Of course, he wouldn’t want me.
How could I have been so stupid?
Kayla!
I veer left to head to Blooms, but my arm is clamped in a large hand, stopping me in my tracks.
“Becca, wait. Please listen,” Keaton pleads.
“How could you use me like that?” I choke out.
His head shakes. “It wasn’t like that. I mean, yeah, I wanted to buy the land from you, but not like that. Finn was joking, I swear. After what we’ve shared, I don’t want you to leave. I would rather have you than the property. I’ll pick you every time.”
The vehemence in his voice gives me pause. My eyes lock with his as I chew on my thumbnail, attempting to discern his sincerity.
“Please believe me. Why would I be helping you if I wanted you to sell and leave?” he implores.
I heave a deep sigh. I can’t really argue with that logic. “So you don’t really mind that I’m going to put tents in and have people stay at the orchard?”
“Well, I mean I don’t love the idea, but if it’s what you want, I’ll help you build the damn things myself.” He brushes his knuckles against my cheeks, wiping away the tears. “Are we good?”
I nod. “Yeah, sorry I ran out.”
He grimaces. “Well, it was understandable considering what you heard. I’m sorry.”
My heart twists at the hangdog look on his face, and it’s clear he really is sorry. “It’s okay. I’m sure we’ll laugh about it someday.”
He grins at that. “Someday far in the future when we have lots of kids running around the orchard.”
I bark out a laugh. “Lots of kids, huh? How many is a lot?”
“As many as you’ll let me put inside you,” he whispers before capturing my lips with his.
I could be in trouble if that’s the case because it won’t take much to convince me with the way he kisses.
Epilogue
Keaton
I steer the old tractor through the orchard, a load of apples in the wagon hitched to the back. We were able to salvage more of the crop than either Becca or I had anticipated. Once I got the old tractor running, we got the brush beneath the trees cleared much quicker.
After looking at the ripening apples, we realized we could save more than Becca originally thought. It’s not a huge harvest, but it’s something to help with expenses. Since I can provide labor she hadn’t anticipated, she’s able to put some away for the tents we’re going to put in.
