Page 46 of No Bed Of Roses

Isla waved at the rows. “This is amazing. They’re healthy and happy. And you’re behind it all. An entirely new crop for this land, and it’s incredible.”

Levi laughed. He hadn’t thought to meet a woman who knew it was important that the plants be happy. “I’ve only ever worked with wheat and corn. Thought that would be what I would do for the rest of my life.” Because it had been traditional and comfortable. He’d once thought he would stay in Kansas on that one plot of land and be happy.

She turned to him, concern in her eyes. “How do you feel about the change? If you hate it, go back to those traditions.”

He shook his head and smiled as he looked over the fields. “I’m a little shocked how much I want these hops to thrive. Originally, I thought I was disappointing my family by changing states and forgoing the crops that have sustained my family for generations.”

“And now?”

He took Isla’s hand and started walking down the row. “Now, I feel more connected to them than ever. I’m starting something new, but it’s also the same. Tending the land and the crops. Helping something thrive. It’s not too different, but new and exciting, too.”

Isla smiled. “That’s amazing. I’m so glad you’re happy. Tell me more about your parents and your grandparents.”

He’d already told her how his farm and family had been wiped out by a tornado. How he’d turned to his military brothers and duty as a means to survive and heal. Now he told her about the rooster who thought morning started at three a.m. The simple joy of sunrises as they harvested. Family suppers of pot roast and fresh biscuits. His mom playing the piano on rainy days after the chores were done. His dad teaching him to play chess and cheering when Levi beat him for the first time. His grandfather fiddling, his grandmother with her knack for fixing tractors. Christmases filled with love, laughter, and generations.

When he fell silent, they kept walking, holding hands, enjoying the land. They reached the end of the final row, and Isla tugged him to turn and look at their lands, barns, the cottage, and the farmhouse, all visible from where they stood.

She leaned into his side, and he slung his arm around her to tuck her in. Her voice was soft. “They would be so proud of what you’re doing. How you’re combining tradition with new ideas. How you’re helping your friends and setting down roots in a place that makes you happy. I know they would approve of your choices to be part of this group. They’d probably get a good laugh at the name of the town, too.”

He grinned. “You’re right. They both liked a good pun and would have had a blast making up sayings like Piper has about Phail.”

Isla grinned. “Come to Phail to succeed.”

Levi turned and took both of her hands. “They would also approve of you, Isla. They would love your spirit and strength. How you’re working to improve the world, how you’re willing to put other things on hold to help explore the world of hops with me.”

This was it. The right time. He would tell her he loved her and hope like hell she felt the same. He lifted one hand to brush it across her jawline. “Isla, I?—”

A gunshot ripped through the air, and Levi yanked Isla to the ground and covered her with his body. “Don’t move. Are you hurt? Did it get you?”

“Was that a gunshot?”

“It was.” He moved his head slowly to face the forest behind him where the shot had originated. “Are you hurt?”

“No. I’m good. Are you? Did it hit you?”

Her voice was shaky but firm. She hadn’t been hurt. “I’m fine.”

Hopper started barking from the woods, and Levi tensed further until he realized the dog didn’t sound like he was in pain.

A quick survey showed no one was visible around them. And nowhere to have Isla hide. Only the woods where the shot had originated. Another shot sounded and he ducked again but didn’t feel a bullet land near them. If that bastard had shot Hopper, he was going to regret it.

Isla whimpered. “Let me up. We can run.”

He whistled first, hoping the dog knew to come running. “If we stand up, we’re easy targets.” Like an arcade game, they’d be taken down in seconds.

Levi already had his gun out, but wasn’t risking a shot until he had a target, especially with their dog barking out there. He whistled again. Hopper stopped barking and whined.

“Is he hurt? Did they shoot Hopper?”

Levi whistled again and rolled to his side, facing the woods and covering Isla. “Stay down, Isla. Don’t be a target. If you can reach your phone, call Marcus.”

Levi studied the woods for movement but didn’t see any. Finally, a low shrub on the left moved. He angled his gun that way and waited.

Being a farmer had taught him patience, and the military had honed that trait. Right now, he wanted to jump up and hunt down the bastard. Wanted to make him regret picking up a gun. But that would leave Isla unprotected, and he would never do that.

Instead, he aimed his gun and waited.

CHAPTER 16

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