Page 56 of Falling for Finn

“Shush,” I say, looking around, making sure no one is within earshot because she’s being loud as fuck. “It’s whatever you want it to be since you’re apparently the expert.”

“I knew it.”

I groan. “Sometimes you’re overly annoying.”

“And sometimes you’re extremely transparent. I need the real story. Did you set this fake dating scheme up on purpose?”

“Give me a break. None of this was planned. I didn’t know Aspen’s spaceship was invading the farm this week.”

She snorts. “And they say you’ll meet the love of your life when you least expect it.”

“It’s not like those books you read. Trust me.” Then I remember Oakley’s audiobook and almost take it back. It’sexactlylike that.

“We’ll see. I’d almost be willing to make a bet you two end up together,” she muses.

“A bet?”

“Yeah. When is Oakley leaving again?”

“Monday.”

“Well, I’m betting shedoesn’t,” Jessa states with confidence rolling off her, and I can’t stand it when she acts like a know-it-all.

“She already has her plane ticket booked, Jessa. Don’t shake on things you’ll lose.”

“If you’re so confident, then let’s shake on it. Two hundred bucks.”

“Two hundred? Pfft. Double it and you have a deal.”

“Doublethatand then we do. Unless you’re too scared.” Jessa holds out her hand and waits for me to take it.

“You’re being way too cocky.” I shake it. “She’s not staying.”

“You better pay up when I win.” Jessa grins confidently.

I see Sebastian waving her over, and she nods.

“I should feel guilty for taking your money, but I’ll be too busy swimming in fifties,” I gloat before she walks away.

“We’ll see,” she calls out over her shoulder.

A few minutes later, Oakley returns. “Sometimes when I get nervous, my bladder rebels.”

I grab her hand and thread my fingers through hers. “Good to know. Hey, what time does your flight leave on Monday? Don’t think you’ve told me.”

She frowns. “Seven. I’m supposed to be there at five. I’m sorry.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Happy to take you.” I smile, knowing Jessa is fucked and will have to pay up.

Oakley looks around as more people take the empty seats. I hand her the painting she made for my grandmother and wrap my arm around her shoulder.

Fifteen minutes later, the band finishes their first set and my aunt and uncle, parents, and grandparents walk up on stage. My mother taps the microphone.

“Hello? Whoa.Wow. Hot mic. We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming to our family’s centennial celebration. It’s our honor to be able to thank you for one hundred years of business.” Mom waves over my aunt, who shakes her head, so Grandma steps up.

“Yes, thank you so very much. My parents had always dreamed of owning an apple orchard, and my father handplanted the first trees himself. Without the decades of support from the community, we wouldn’t have lasted this long.” She continues with more history about the farm, and although she’s repeated it dozens of times, I still enjoy hearing her describe the hardships and successes.

I turn around and take pictures of everyone who’s here. At least eight hundred people are in attendance, maybe even more. While Grandma speaks, kids play in the field, chasing one another.

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