Page 27 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
Raffa: Yes, I’m selling my firm, my properties and making sure that my parents are set before I leave.
Meadow: What do you mean set?
Raffa: They’ve been having financial issues.We bought Dad’s company from him, but we never finished setting up a trust fund so they don’t end up homeless because they have no idea how to budget.
Meadow: That’s nice of you.
Raffa: It’s the least I could do for them and I’m trying to get this done before Sinclair and Lavender go on another trip to God knows where to celebrate ...I don’t even know what they’re up to this time but they’re always out of town.
Meadow: Yeah, Lav is always posting about their trips.I envy her a little.
Raffa: You like to travel.
Meadow: Yeah, mostly to beaches but I enjoy traveling in general.
Raffa: Once I’m back we’ll start planning trips.
Meadow: Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Raffa: I’m not, I really want this—us—to work out.Please trust me.
Meadow: I ...
Raffa: I know it’s hard for you to trust others, but trust me.
Meadow: I’ll try.But promise me you’ll take it easy while you’re there.
Raffa: Of course I will, not only for you but also for myself.I don’t want to die or end up in the hospital with a weak heart again.
Meadow: Okay, when will you be back?
Raffa: I’m not sure but I’ll be there soon, promise.
ChapterTwenty-One
Raffa
Sinclair helpedme more than I expected.We finished what I thought would take weeks in just a couple of days.I forget sometimes that I can count on my family—that my brothers aren’t my competition anymore, they’re my support system.He even helped me convince Henrik to sell me one of the houses he owns here in Kentbury.The one close to the lake, with a lot big enough to build a huge studio on.Not now, but when I convince Meadow that we’re meant to be together.
I fly back to Kentbury with flowers in hand, dressed in a suit that feels more out of place here than it ever did in Boston.But for tonight, it’s worth it.I rush to the gallery, my heart beating faster than it has in weeks.
When I step inside, the gallery is buzzing with final touches, but there’s still an hour before it officially opens.Meadow’s back is to me as she adjusts a piece on the wall, talking to someone I can’t quite see.
“I’m sorry we’re still setting up.There’s another hour before the gallery is actually open,” she says, not looking up.
“Are you sure you want me to leave?”I ask softly, not moving from my spot by the door.“I can help with whatever you need.”
She whirls around, her eyes wide when she sees me standing there.Before I can say anything else, she runs to me and jumps into my arms, wrapping her arms around my neck.The flowers crinkle between us, but I couldn’t care less.
“You’re here,” she breathes against my lips, placing a soft kiss on them.“I thought you said that you weren’t able to make it for the gallery opening.”
“Well, I didn’t think it was possible.But you were right about something,” I say, smiling as I brush a strand of hair from her face.“Leaning on others—friends, family—pays off.”
I kiss her again, deeper this time, holding her close, inhaling the scent of her.Her warmth melts every bit of tension in my body.But after a moment, we pull apart, the gallery still needing some last-minute attention before it opens to the public.
Together, we finish the final details—adjusting lights, setting up displays, all while stealing glances and soft touches.When the doors officially open, the crowd begins trickling in, and I’m right by her side, ready for the night to begin.
Paul arrives not long after, and I can see the smile on his face when he spots me.He doesn’t say much, just gives me a nod, but I know what it means.He’s happy I’m back, happy that I’m taking care of myself, and—most importantly—happy I’m here to stay.
