Page 49 of Wanting a Family Man

“It’s probably the best shopping you’ll come across without going to Vancouver Island. There are some nice art galleries, but it’s no Rodeo Drive.”

“Ha. Thanks, but I can’t afford anything other than toothpaste until I’ve saved up a few paychecks. I’ll stay on board and read a book or something.”

“You can come with me if you want.”

“To your mom’s?” Her insides grew wobbly.

“Sure.” He shrugged as if it was no biggie. Why would it be?

“Okay. Thanks.” She went back to the galley to finish cleaning up, trying not to overthink his invitation.

The air of anticipation was infectious, though. The guests were excited for their adventures and were already on deck as they tied up. Their day-trip shuttle drivers were waiting for them. Cloe handed out lunch bags and waved them off like a sitcom mom sending her children to their first day of school. Then she did her housekeeping chores while Trystan refueled and Johnny scrubbed all the decks.

When everything was shipshape, they walked to the parking lot. Trystan opened the door on a pickup truck that was so old and weathered, it would have been a classic if it had been restored to its showroom glory. He waved for Cloe to climb through. Johnny was already coming in the other side.

“Is this yours?” Cloe asked him.

“My stepfather’s. He leaves it here for me.”

“Unlocked?” She wiggled to the middle of the bench, noting the key was in the ignition. “What if someone steals it?”

“She’s so cute.” Johnny shared a look with Trystan.

“Adorable,” Trystan agreed.

“There are only two thousand people in this valley,” Johnny explained. “If someone steals this truck, it’s because they got a deer and their own truck broke down.”

“Then they return it with a full tank and give you some backstrap for your trouble,” Trystan added drily.

“Why can’t people be like that everywhere?” Cloe asked with despair. “And why are you driving so fast? Are we in a hurry?”

“I’m going thirty. Kilometers,” Trystan clarified. “It only feels fast in comparison to cruising speed on the boat.”

“I’m going to be honest and admit I was worried,” Johnny said. “When you moved Sarah to theStorm Frontand saddled us with this one, I thought you must have lost a bet, but she is solid gold entertainment.”

“Thanks,” Cloe said with the appropriate level of sarcasm to make Johnny laugh and nudge his elbow into her. He was turning into a big brother figure and she kind of adored him despite their still-new acquaintanceship.

Trystan dropped him a few minutes later at the end of a long driveway, then continued into the farmland before he turned into another long driveway. They approached a modest house built at the foot of a looming mountain. The yard was neat as a pin, freshly mowed around the fruit trees, and the weeds were pulled within the fenced vegetable garden.

Trystan parked near the back steps and cut the engine.

Cloe popped out the passenger side and met him at the stoop. He opened the screen door, revealing the inside door was already open. He waved for her to step in ahead of him.

A wall of steam laden with the heavy aroma of syrup and fruit greeted her. A pot on the stove was bubbling and seemingly every surface was covered with flats of peaches, jars both empty and full, and the various implements needed for whatever was being done.

A woman with the matronly plumpness of middle age and salty strands in her short black hair turned. She gave Cloe a startled look before she looked past her and smiled in welcome.

“You’re here already.” She pulled the tea towel off her shoulder and patted her hands with it, making a face of dissatisfaction as she did. “I thought I’d get these peaches into jars before you arrived.”

“Hi, Mom.” Trystan wrapped a loose arm around her shoulders, hugging her and kissing her cheek before saying, “This is Storm’s aunt, Cloe. She’s helping us on theStorm Ridge. My mom, Pauline.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Cloe offered her hand.

“It’s good to meet you and I’m so sorry for your loss—” Pauline made a little jazz hand gesture. “I’m sticky. Let me finish this batch before we sit down. Find something to drink.” She waved that command at Trystan.

Trystan poured glasses of water, then he asked, “Is this syrup ready?”

“Yes, top up those jars,” Pauline directed. “The lids should be soft enough to go on.”

---