Page 120 of Strike Zone

“I did. It was a lot of work, but it was fun.”

“I’m glad you thought so because we get to do it all over again tomorrow and the next day. And the day after that,” I tease.

“And the day after that?” she asks, and her tone is more serious.

“Everyday until we’re done.” I reach across the couch and pick Wren up and drop her on my lap.

“What if I’m never done with you?” She drags her fingers up my face and into my hair.

“That’s why we’re so good together because I’m never going to be done with you either.”

1 YEAR LATER

WREN

“If someone does not get this man away from me, y’all might as well call the police and put me in cuffs now,” Willow exclaims, pointing a finger at Jasper—one of the new farm hands we hired a few months back.

“Now, Willow, that is no way to treat your future husband,” Jasper jokes with her. He’s been chasing after her since the first day he started working here. She hasn’t quite warmed up to him yet.

“Over my dead body,” she seethes.

“I think what you meant to say is ‘til death do us part.” Jasper risks his life and takes a step closer to my sister. Technically we aren’t sisters yet, but after working and living together for a year, I can’t imagine calling her anything else.

“Turn around Jasper. What do you see?” Willow asks.

“Grass,” he says.

“Close. That,” she points toward the vacant fields, “is acres and acres of land. I can hide your body where no one will find you.” Willow glares at Jasper. Most men would buckle, but he smiles gleefully.

“So, that’s a yes to getting married then?” he asks her. Willow throws her hands up and screams. Then storms off toward the main house. “I think I’m wearing her down,” Jasper says, before chasing after her like a little puppy.

Wyatt’s deep chuckle has me spinning around. “You’re done early,” I say, wrapping my arms around him. He spent the day laying the foundation for Willow’s bakery, while I spent most of my time working in the general store.

We were able to open the store last spring. After a good summer and fall season, it left us with enough funds to build a decent size store near the main road.

It’s become quite the attraction. People from all over stop by to buy homemade pies, cakes, jams, and jellies—all made fresh here on the farm. Charlie’s even visited a few times with her boyfriend.

“I couldn’t stay away any longer. You ready to go home?” His hands slip into the back pockets of my shorts.

“I am. Let me tell Mama I’m leaving. I only came outside because I saw Willow and Jasper cutting across the field. I thought the porch needed a good sweeping.”

Wyatt chuckles. “You’re catching on. What did you figure out?”

“If I had to guess, Willow’s pissed she’s attracted to Jasper. Instead of giving in she keeps making death threats. He of course calls it progress.”

“Willow could do worse. Jasper’s a good guy. I like him.”

“You like that he gives Willow hell. It’s payback for all the teasing she’s given you over the years.”

“She gives it back. That’s what you Rivers women do. I’m pretty sure ‘Give ‘em Hell’ is your motto,” he jokes, as he opens the door to the general store.

“We should get T-shirts made,” I suggest.

“T-shirts for what?” Mama asks from behind the counter.

“Wyatt just came up with a new slogan for the farm,” I tell her. It isn’t a bad idea. I’m always looking for new ways to advertise. A fun slogan on a shirt is a great way to do that.

“We can talk about it at the next meeting. I’m taking her home. We’ll see you tomorrow. Is Dad coming to get you?” Wyatt asks.

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