Page 43 of Mad Love

“Silver Hills,” he says, pointing to the left.

From here, I can make out the pretty church and the water tower with ivy painted around it.

“So many places to see,” I say.

“You haven’t even been to my favorite coffee shop yet, Luminary. Or my favorite place to get a drink—don’t tell anyone…” He leans down to whisper, “At The Fairy Hut.”

I bite back a laugh and look up. He’s closer than I thought and we stare at each other for a beat without saying anything.

“The Fairy Hut?” My voice sounds breathy and I clear my throat.

“It’s exactly how you’d imagine,” he says like he’s annoyed.

“I can’t say that I’ve ever imagined a fairy hut.”

“Well, it’s awesome. It’s kind of dark inside with all these lights everywhere, some that look like lightning bugs flying around. And all the drinks have these weird names, but they’re delicious. My brother-in-law can barely choke them down, but the last time we went, he chose Tink’s mead and was happy.”

“Tink’s mead,” I repeat, unable to hold back the smile.

He points at me and Caleb reaches out to grab his finger. He laughs and continues to point with Caleb’s fingers latched on. “You look like a Beyond the Goat Hollow kind of girl.”

“I’m…uh, I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“Maybe a Who Let the Frogs Out…but those are strong. I’m not sure how well you handle your liquor.”

I giggle. “I’m not sure if I should be offended that you’re linking me with these particular drinks. They sound terrible. I very rarely drink, but when I do, I’m a lightweight.”

He gives me a huge grin. “If you’re game, we’ll go after our picnic. They serve great food too.” He lifts a shoulder. “Maybe we’ll be hungry again after all this fresh air. Their Bubbling Brook soup is my favorite.”

“That sounds a lot more appetizing than the drinks.”

“Well, their Cow Slobber soup is also good, but I think that one is seasonal.”

I choke back a laugh. “I’m not touching that one.”

“It’s good, I swear.”

“You’re always thinking about food, aren’t you?”

He looks at me incredulously. “Isn’t everyone?”

I shake my head, laughing again.

“Hmm. I didn’t know that.” He turns and puts his hand on Caleb’s stomach as he bends to pick up the blanket.

“Let me help.” I take the other end of the blanket and we smooth it out.

We sit down and keep taking in the view. When I turn to say something, he’s already looking at me. He startles slightly and starts taking food out. There’s more than I thought. Besides the sandwiches, there are chips and fruit and brownies.

“Those look great. Where are those from?” I ask, pointing at the brownies.

“Clara makes them. She’s the owner of Luminary. You’ll love her. Sassy and so dang cute…and she can make a helluva coffee and pastry…and brownies.” He waves his hand. “Everything she makes is good.”

A curl of unease twists in my stomach and I try not to react. Does he like Clara? Maybe I need to go to Luminary and see thisgirl. Just to see who could possibly be in the picture at some point.

“Dig in,” he says, handing me a plate.

And despite not thinking I can eat very much, I manage to eat a little bit of everything. Weston looks so pleased with himself by the time we’re done, I think maybe he was telling the truth. Maybe he really was worried about me.

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