Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 510(@200wpm)___ 408(@250wpm)___ 340(@300wpm)
I wrinkle my nose, mostly so I don’t start to cry.
“I love them,” I whisper, staring down into the pot of apples. “More than anything.”
“Anyone with eyes in their head can see that, my sweet girl.”
“And you don’t mind?” I look into her eyes, needing to see her reaction to that question. “You’ve known me and my family all of my life, and if I’m not—”
“Hey.” She pats my cheek and shakes her head, smiling at me. “Yes, I’ve known you your whole life, and I know what a lovely, good-hearted, strong, wonderful woman you are. I couldn’t handpick someone better for my boy than you, Dani. I love you so much.”
Maybe the tears are going to come anyway.
“I love you, too.”
“Why are you crying?” Birdie asks, making me chuckle and brush at the tears on my cheeks.
“Because I’m happy. That’s all. Are you ready to help me put these other apples into jars?”
“Yes, but when do we get to eat it?”
Mama reaches for a fresh batch of jars. “When we’re finished working, we reward ourselves with a treat. We have to earn it.”
“I’ve earned an extra treat,” Birdie says, making me smile.
“You’re my treat,” I inform her and kiss the top of her head.
When I turn around, I find Bridger leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, watching us with a soft smile on that gorgeous face.
“I didn’t know you were there.”
“I know.” He saunters over and leans down to kiss me before planting his lips by my ear. “You’re my treat, kitten.”
“Heard that, did you?”
“I heard a lot.”
“It snowed!”
It’s Sunday morning, and Birdie has just jumped on the bed, waking Bridger and me up.
“Get up! Get up! There’s snow outside!”
“You’re killing me, peanut,” Bridger growls. “I got home at three this morning.”
But Birdie doesn’t answer. She just runs off, and I drag my hands down my face.
“First snow of the year. Did you have to drive home in it?” Reaching over, I drag my hand down Bridger’s arm, over that colorful ink, enjoying his warmth.
“Yeah.” He stretches, then reaches out for me and tugs me against him, so I snuggle down and rest my head on his chest. “It won’t stay long. It’s only early November.”
I sigh and breathe him in. “How do you feel about pancakes with the apple butter we made last month?”
How has it already been a month since we went to the apple orchard? Time is flying by. Before long, the holidays will be here.
“I feel very fondly about that idea.” He kisses my head, then tips my chin up so he can place a kiss on my lips. “Thank you.”
“It’s just breakfast.”
“One that I don’t have to cook, so I’m grateful.”
My phone buzzes on the table behind me, and I frown. “I have no idea who could be messaging me at this time of the day.”
“Check it.” He kisses me again, sending a thrill down my spine, and I turn to get my phone.
Bridger’s hand is planted on my ass. It makes me smirk.
He really is an ass man.
“It’s your sister.”
And she sent it to our book club group of me, Alex, Bee, Skyla, and Millie. We like to chat about what we’re reading, even when we’re not at the book club.
Bee: SOS! I repeat, SOS!
Alex: What’s wrong?
Skyla: Are you okay?
Me: We’re here.
I feel Bridger shift behind me, spooning me, and his breath on my shoulder as he reads along with me.
“You have a book group text?”
“Of course, we do.”
He snickers.
Bee: I need help. Psychological help. I went on a date last night, and … FFS.
“Do I need to kill someone?” Bridger asks.
“I think if that were the case, she’d be calling you for help. This is just girl talk, love.”
“Hmm.” He kisses my shoulder and then rolls away. “I’m going to make sure Birdie hasn’t decided to go outside and take a snow bath.”
“Good idea.”
Millie: Everyone come to the coffee shop and we’ll discuss these current events like the dignified women we are.
Alex: I can be there in an hour.
Skyla: Me, too, if I can bring Riley. If not, I’ll need a little more time.
Millie: Bring him. He’s always welcome here.
Me: I can also be there in an hour. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Bee: Thank God. See you all soon.
I hurry into the bathroom to brush my teeth, take care of business, and tie my hair up on top of my head. Then, I change out of my pajamas and into black leggings, a T-shirt, and one of Bridger’s zip hoodies before I hurry out to the kitchen to get breakfast made.
“Hello, my loves,” I say when I see the two most important people in my life curled up on the couch together, with a fire in the fireplace, watching it snow. “It’s pretty outside.”
“Are you making pancakes with the apple butter?” Birdie asks.