Page 179 of Sin City Lights

“Little more to the right… There! Perfect!”

He picked up the utility knife, sliced the pot, then eased away the plastic, careful not to disturb the roots.

“Sorry I took so long.” Eve picked up the shovel and scooped up the prepared soil mix.“This is the apple. It needed to be perfect.”

She had insisted on this Pink Lady sapling. He looked up at her, squinting against the bright morning sun.“I thought apples didn’t do well in southern Nevada.”

“This is one of the few that does.” She tossed another shovelful of dirt into the hole.“Take your hands out. I don’t want you dirty.”

She leaned over to scoop another, and his gaze homed in on the open button of her V-neck tank top. Her skin was rosy, and he knew it was warm too. His fatigue seemed to dissolve as he took her in, her pinked cheeks, her bright eyes, her soft smile.

He’d love her for the rest of his life. He’d never been more sure of anything.

He reached out his index finger, lightly stroking her ankle.“Ithought you liked me dirty.”

She started.“Behave, Mr. Larssen. This is your fruit tree fantasy we’re fulfilling.”

“So now it’s Mr. Larssen, is it? If you like my last name so much, I’ll share it.”

He blinked.

What had just spilled out of his mouth?

She paused for a beat, shovel hovering above the root ball. To his relief, she silently resumed filling the hole, leaving him to ponder what his subconscious had blurted.

Brow furrowing, he focused on her ankle, not ready to face whatever he might see in her expression.

Yes, he had gained his freedom. But had he obtained it to keep pursuing her or to free himself for something permanent?

He carefully patted the soil mound, making a well, then surged to his feet, hands pressing his stiff lower back. Eve had insisted they plant the trees themselves. The gym definitely hadn’t conditioned him for yard work, and he’d gained new respect for the landscapers who busily milled about, doing the rest of the planting.

She picked up the hose and aimed a gentle shower at the new tree. He watched the droplets catch the sunlight and drip to the base, delivering life-giving water to the sapling. In two years, it would flower and bear fruit. At least, that’s what the guy at the garden center had told them.

What did he want in two years? He was happy now. Would marriage change their relationship? How?

His dad’s favorite John Maxwell quote came to mind:“The greatest mistake we make is living in constant fear that we will make one.”

His brow furrowed.

She shut off the water.“You OK?”

“Yeah.” He raked a hand through his damp hair.“My back didn’t like this too much, but I’m good. I need a shower.” He glanced toward the house, which now boasted a second story, his gaze landing on the crystal-blue water of the pool.“And then I think I’ll take my swim.”

She took his hand.“Who knew tree planting would be sogrueling?”

“Nothing worthwhile comes easy.”

“Isn’t that the truth. When I made those suggestions for the upstairs, I didn’t expect what would be involved. Or that you’d do them all.”

“The house is better for it. Considerable increase in value for the money.”

“The sauna was overkill.”

“Yeah, but you use it every day.”

“It was a wish.”

He smiled.“Your wish is my command.”

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