Page 69 of Love Among Vines

Margie emerged moments later with a pitcher of tea and a picnic basket.

“Nothing fancy today. Just some sandwiches and an assortment of cheeses.”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you so much for having me over.”

“I’ve been meaning to do it since you got here. I’m so honored that you decided to stay here in our little town.”

“I’m really happy to be here.”

Jade turned to take in the hills and the fresh air. Even if her entire relationship was a lie, her love for this town was quickly becoming an uncontestable truth. Somehow, someway,she would find a way to come back every fall. Even if she had to hitchhike from the city.

Margie set down a stack of plates, and Jade jumped up. She carefully set the table and poured glasses of tea.

“These look amazing. What is this, buffalo chicken?”

“I might have commandeered some leftovers from the café,” Margie said with a conspiratorial wink. “There’s a caprese one too.”

Penny leapt up into the chair next to Jade.

“Penny, down,” Jade commanded.

Margie laughed and clapped her hands. “It’s okay. She can stay. Does she like cheese?”

The only thing Penny loved more than Jade was cheese. Her ears perked up like she had just been promised an all-expenses-paid vacation.

“Definitely,” Jade said.

Margie whipped a piece across the table, and Penny snatched it from the air.

Jade swallowed an (incredible) bite of a caprese sandwich. “Did you and David ever have children?”

“Oh, dozens,” Margie said.

Jade’s eyes bugged out.

“Foster children,” Margie clarified with a smile. “We tried to have our own, but it just never worked out. The science wasn’t as good in those days. But we were still able to have quite the legacy. Most of the kids still keep in touch. A couple of them bring their families over for Christmas.”

“That’s beautiful. I often wished I had siblings. My parents always said I was all they needed, but I think they couldn’t afford more.”

“Do you want children someday?” Margie asked. “I know Rett does.”

Jade choked on a crumb, and Margie hammered her on the back.

If he wanted kids, why was he shying away from romantic entanglement so hard?

“Uh, we haven’t had that discussion. I don’t think I’ll have an answer to that question until I knowmyfuture, let alone our future. Raising a baby in a studio apartment wouldn’t be ideal.”

“Hammondsport’s a great place to raise a family,” Margie said pointedly, staring at Jade over the rim of her glass.

“I’m sure. Here, let me take care of the dishes.” Jade sprang to her feet and picked up their plates and glasses.

“Thank you, dear. The kitchen is inside to the right. Be sure to take a peek at the art over the fireplace in the living room,” Margie said.

Jade slid open the glass door with her elbow and stepped inside. Margie’s interior was lovely—eclectic furniture in vibrant hues. To her right was a dining room with lake views and mismatched chairs around a butcher-block table. To her left, a vaulted ceiling stood tall above a bright blue couch and yellow coffee table. Sunflower artwork bloomed on the right wall, while above the fireplace was something that made Jade catch her breath.

Better (Date) Than Never, one of Jade’s favorite pieces, hung over the fireplace. Brushed metal clock gears hovered over a scene of a couple huddled around a dinner table. Glimmering shards of broken glass made up the wine in their glasses. The woman’s dress was spray-painted lace. Jade had painted it after her first date with Nate. He had been twenty minutes late and she had nearly left. In hindsight, she definitely should have.

With one last glance at her painting, Jade hustled into the kitchen and washed the dishes. When she emerged onto the deck, Margie turned to her with a smile.

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