Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73330 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 367(@200wpm)___ 293(@250wpm)___ 244(@300wpm)
She nods as I park in front of the diner right in the downtown square.
"Well, I can't deny it's giving me Christmas Hallmark vibes with a side of mountain rustic."
I tug on the strings of her hat and smirk. "Please tell me that's the name of the article."
She rolls her eyes, batting my hand away. "You'll find out once I'm done."
"I don't even get a sneak peek?"
"We'll see..." she taunts, bracing herself for the cold air before I hop out of the truck and open her door.
"Fuck." She shivers.
"At least the sun is out." I smirk, resting a palm on the small of her back as I guide her down the sidewalk.
"Well, it must be for show only because it's not warming up a damn thing," she groans, and I chuckle at her dramatics.
The town hall building is a few blocks away, and she soaks in the heat as soon as we enter. "Now this is what I'm talking about."
"When Oakley arrived here last fall, she was hired to paint a canvas of Bennett's Orchard Farm for the centennial celebration. Once the mayor saw it, he begged her to stay and paint one of the annual fall festival," I explain as we admire the large canvas proudly displayed on the wall.
"Wow..." Her eyes scan over every inch. "Look at those colors."
"There's nothing like seeing Vermont in the fall," I say. "When we visit, I'll show you the painting she did for the Bennetts. She nailed the orange and red trees that line the hillside behind the original buildings on the farm."
"So Oakley ended up staying after her projects were finished?" she asks as we make our way toward the diner.
I chuckle. "No. She actually left.”
Fallon looks confused, so I continue.
“Her entire life was in LA, but after a couple of weeks, she came back to tell Finn she didn't want to live without him. They've been together ever since.”
"Wow. Sounds like a movie.” Fallon is quiet for a moment. “I bet leaving the city was a huge change for her."
"I think it was at first, but she’s settled in just fine. Now she does most of her artwork online and gets commissioned for paintings from businesses all over. She sometimes travels on the weekends for special projects but not often. They’re still in that honeymoon phase when they can’t keep their hands off each other. They’re actually perfect for one another."
"Hmm...that's an adorable story the magazine would eat up."
"Vermont orchard brings two unlikely people together in a whirlwind romance for the ages..." I say. "Found your title."
"Geez. You want my job, too?"
Laughing, I shake my head as I open the door to the diner, and we walk in.
"I'll leave that to the expert," I tease.
"Oakley painted that one in the shop behind the counter.”
“She did that one too? I couldn’t stop admiring it yesterday.”
“Yeah! She’s great. If I remember correctly, she’s supposed to paint at the Christmas tree lighting during the winter festival this season. Each year, my family donates the massive tree that will be lit to kick off the celebration.”
"Really?" She whips out her phone and starts typing into her notes.
"Yeah, they’ve done that for as long as I can remember. You'll find that many of the local traditions are supported by the farms or small businesses. We all come together to make it special because this place means so much to us."
"Well, if it isn't Levi White," Greta singsongs. She’s owned the diner for as long as I can remember.
"Greta, my favorite lady." I hug her, and she squeezes me in return.
"You brought a guest?" She glances next to me, her brow arched in question.
"Yes, this is Fallon Joy. She's a journalist from Seattle doing a holiday tourism piece for a magazine. I'm showing her around."
"Lovely to meet you, Fallon. I'm Greta. Welcome to our small town." She holds out her hand, and Fallon takes it.
"Nice to meet you, too. Your diner is very charming."
"Thanks." She beams.
I have to give it to Fallon for how quickly she turns on the charm.
"Let's get you two to a booth. I’m sure you’re hungry,” Greta tells us, grabbing menus and leading the way. Fallon glances at the Christmas tinsel, mini trees, and ridiculous amount of colorful lights that fill the small place. I know she’s cringing inside
Once we sit, Greta asks for our beverage order.
"I'll have a lemonade," Fallon says.
"Me too."
Greta nods before walking away.
"She seems nice," Fallon mutters, focusing on the menu. I already know what I want, so I don't bother looking.
"She is. She also knows all the town drama and is in everyone's business."
"Really? Even yours?" She drops the menu and smirks.
"Everyone’s," I emphasize.
“Well, I might have a few questions for her, then.”
"Here you kids go." Greta sets our drinks on the table, takes our order, then leaves again.