Page 30 of Harvest Season in Kentbury
“You two have fun last night?”she asks, her eyes darting between us like she already knows the answer.
Raffa gives her a look that’s both warning and amused.“None of your business.”
“Right,” she teases, giving me a wink.“Just as I thought.”
Hand in hand, Raffa and I stroll through the festival, moving from game to game, trying to win each other ridiculous prizes.His competitive streak comes out, and I can’t help but laugh when he takes losing to me in the pumpkin art contest way too seriously.
“You only won because you’re an artist,” he grumbles, but there’s a teasing glint in his eyes.
I hold up my prize-winning pumpkin.“Admit it, though.It’s pretty impressive.”
He chuckles, shrugging.“Alright, alright.For a lawyer, mine’s not half bad either.”
We continue through the festival, our hands clasped like we’re afraid to let go, and part of me wonders if he feels the same—like this is all happening fast, but also ...like it’s exactly where we’re supposed to be.
I glance over at him on the hayride, the soft glow of the lanterns making his features look impossibly warm.He squeezes my hand a little tighter, as if silently saying he’s not letting go anytime soon.It makes my heart do this funny little flip, and before I know it, I’m laughing along with his siblings, feeling lighter than I have in a long time.
The evening passes in a blur of laughter, good company, and the kind of small-town charm I never knew I needed.When the hayride ends, and the crowd starts to disperse, Raffa and I stay behind, helping clean up.It’s a simple act, but there’s something about it—about being here with him—that makes me feel grounded.
As we head back to his car, I’m expecting him to drive me home, but instead, he pulls over near the gallery and turns the car off.I glance at him, confused.
“Raffa, what are we doing here?”I ask, turning to face him.
“I was hoping you’d take a walk with me,” he says, already stepping out of the car.He comes around to my side, opening my door like the gentleman he is, and takes my hand in his, leading me down the quiet street.
The evening air is crisp, the stars bright above us, and though I’m not sure what he’s up to, I follow, enjoying every second of being by his side.
“My time here has been ...more than I expected,” he starts, his voice soft but full of something deeper.“I never thought this place would get to me like it has, and I definitely didn’t expect to meet someone like you.”
My heart flutters, and I feel my breath catch as he brings my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
“I’m glad I came to visit my siblings,” he continues, “but meeting you ...Meadow, that’s what made this trip unforgettable.You’ve changed everything for me.”
I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.“I wasn’t expecting you either,” I admit.“I came here to start over, to get away from my ex.Falling for someone was the last thing on my mind, but I’m so glad it happened.”
We stop in front of the gallery, the soft light from inside casting a warm glow through the windows.Raffa wraps his arms around me from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder, and I lean into him, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back.
“You amaze me,” he murmurs.“In the short time I’ve known you, you’ve built something incredible.You’re strong, passionate, and you make me want to be a better person.You make me want to focus on what really matters.”
I tilt my head to look at him, my heart full.“You matter to me too, Raffa.I can’t imagine my life without you now.But ...”My voice falters.“What happens when you leave?I hate the thought of you going back to the city.”
He pulls back slightly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.“Funny you should mention that ...Haven’t you heard about the new business coming to town?”
I raise an eyebrow, giving him a curious look.“No, I haven’t.What kind of business?”
“Why don’t we take a look?”He turns me toward the storefront across the street from the gallery.
My breath hitches as I spot a sign in the window, handwritten on cardboard with a Sharpie.“McFolley Law Offices.”I blink, my heart racing as I turn back to him.
“You’re staying?”I whisper, tears stinging my eyes.“You’re really going to stay?”
He smiles, cupping my face in his hands.“I’m staying.I told you that I needed to do what I had to do and that I’d be back.I can’t imagine my life without you, Meadow.I don’t care about the city, or what my father thinks, or any of that.All I care about is you.You’ve brought meaning back to my life, and I’m not walking away from that.”
The joy that rushes through me is overwhelming.I throw my arms around him, pressing my lips to his in a kiss full of everything I’ve been feeling.
“I can’t believe it,” I say when we finally pull apart, breathless.“I never expected to find solace and love when escaping to Kentbury.I’m so grateful for the harvest season; this festival brought us together and I’ll continue to reap the rewards.”
He smiles, pulling me closer.“As will I.”
