Page 15 of Fall in Kentbury

“Lou does it at least twice a month to recharge,” I explain with an eye roll.

“Remind me who Lou is again?” Bishop asks curiously.

“My sister. She’s the second of five, I’m the youngest.”

Bishop shakes his head in amusement. “Five kids and only one turned out to be a somewhat decent human being.”

“Hey,” I protest lightly. “I’m a good person.”

“I’m only teasing,” he assures me with a grin. “I really don’t know you that well yet. From what you’ve said, the person I met this weekend seems different from the real you.”

I sigh. “I want to think there’s more to me than just being shy and introverted. But who knows, maybe without my shell I’d be just as loud and chatty as the rest of them.”

“So the rest of your siblings make a habit of stealing candy from children?” Bishop jokes.

I smack his arm playfully. “Stop it. They’re not monsters. Just … misguided scrooges. They’re a little too obsessed with money and status.” I bite my lip. “I guess I’m the black sheep who wants more out of life than possessions and pedigree.”

Bishop smiles warmly. “Nothing wrong with that. I’d take a kind heart over a fat bank account any day. Don’t let them make you feel otherwise.”

“Yep,” I answer lightly, deciding not to burden him with my siblings’ failed marriages and questionable life choices.

Bishop tilts his head toward the inside of his cozy cabin. “Would you like to come in for a bit?”

I hesitate. “Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose …”

“You wouldn’t be,” he assures me. “I could use the company.”

His warm brown eyes are so inviting, I find myself unable to resist. And despite knowing I should head back to my grandmother’s, I nod. He opens the door wider, and gestures for me to enter.

I step over the threshold into the warmth of the rustic yet homey space that makes me feel at ease almost immediately. This feels nothing like the cold mansion I grew up in. Bishop’s home is full of life.

“This is a really nice place,” I remark as I follow him inside. “You live here alone?”

“Yep, mi casa es su casa,” Bishop says warmly. “Make yourself comfortable.” He waves a hand toward the cozy living room. “Can I get you something to drink? Water, beer …”

“Ooh, what kind of beer?” I ask curiously.

He grins. “Actually, never mind. I remember you can’t handle your liquor,” he teases.

I make a face at him. “Ha, ha, very funny.”

With a playful wink, Bishop heads to the fridge and returns with two chilled bottles. As he twists off the caps, a proud smile tugs at his lips. “I brew these myself,” he explains.

I take a sip of the beer, the crisp amber liquid pleasantly surprising me with subtle citrus notes. “Oh wow, this is really good,” I say. “So what exactly is it that you do in the orchard?”

“Iown the orchard,” he replies, settling into an armchair across from me. “I make craft beers and hard ciders, among other things.” He smiles sheepishly as he rubs the back of his neck.

“Is that why you bought my grandmother’s farm?” I guess.

Bishop nods. “Yeah. We already had one orchard, but I wanted to expand it. I sold part of another business to my brother so I could buy your grandmother’s farm, though she only agreed to sell it to me under one condition.” He pauses. “That I would keep the annual Fall Festival going. It’s a tradition that means a lot to this town and her.”

“So what does your involvement with the festival entail?”

“Well …” As Bishop speaks, I close my eyes and let his words paint a picture in my mind of this tradition coming alive on the orchard grounds.

Children’s laughter rings out as they race through hay bales stacked into mazes, while rides lumber through the orchards full of families nestled together.

I can imagine the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot as Bishop, and I stroll along hand in hand, admiring the trees erupting in brilliant shades of amber, ruby, and gold. The crisp autumn air carries the sweet, tangy scent of fresh-pressed cider and the warmth of crackling bonfires at night when the adults can taste the different types of hard cider he produces along with some guest companies who’ll join this weekend.

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