Page 3 of Love Harvested on Thanksgiving
By the time I finish the last row, the bins are full, my body’s buzzing from the constant rumble beneath me. I park the tractor near the barn, hop down, and roll my shoulders against the stiffness still lingering from yesterday’s calf incident.
Inside the barn, I give quick instructions, making sure the carrots are sorted and stacked. Then I head for the house, the ache in my stomach reminding me it’s lunch time.
I drop into the chair at my kitchen table. I take a bite of my bologna sandwich, staring out the window at the stretch of apple trees beyond the yard.
I let out a long sigh and dig my phone out of my pocket again. That message from Alex still sits there, waiting for a reply.
I don’t want to deal with her. But Oak & Rye is my biggest buyer and the biggest market in town. If she’s going to run it, then I’ll have to face her sooner or later.
I type the shortest message I can manage.
Tomorrow. At the farm. 11 am. Don’t be late.
I hit send before I can think better of it, then shove the phone back down into my pocket.
CHAPTER THREE
ALEX
I drop the last stack of folded clothes onto my bed, then flop onto the couch with a sigh. Unpacking feels endless, and my back is starting to ache. I grab my phone to scroll for a minute. Oh, a text. From Finley.
Tomorrow. At the farm. 11 am. Don’t be late.
I blink at the screen, eyebrows shooting up. Wow. “Man, this guyisa grumpy old grouch.”
Ok.
Short. Neutral. If he wants to be gruff, I can be gruff.
I toss my phone onto the cushion beside me, sink deeper into the couch, and let out a breath. Tomorrow is going to be… interesting.
My phone buzzes again. This time, it’s Opal. My bestie.
Want to get some dinner tonight?
I smile. Perfect, I haven’t seen much of Opal since she’s been with Kellan, and I quit work at Nook & Fable.
Sure.
A second later her reply comes through.
Peppers. At 6.
Okay! See you soon!
Pepper’s is warm and loud; the smell of steak and garlic sails through the air as I slide into the booth across from Opal and Kellan.
A basket of bread sits in the center of the table, and I eagerly take one, layering it in butter.
“So,” Opal says brushing a strand of her black hair behind her ear. “How’s the apartment?”
“It’s good! Quiet, different, but good.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t come help move, I have been so busy now that I’m back in school. And…I’m writing a novel!” Opal announces with a grin.
“Oh my gosh, Opal! That’s great, I’m so happy for you! Don’t forget about me when you’re looking for alpha readers.”
She nods. “So, what’s the plan for thanksgiving this year… with your parents gone on their great adventure.”
