The words are meaningless in the grand scheme of things. They’ll do nothing to improve his situation, but I don’t have it in me to stay quiet.
Not when heartbreak is etched in the very lines of his face.
“You have no idea.” His gaze travels the horizon. “We could do all the things they do here. A pumpkin patch, apple picking, hayrides. And the margins are far better than what we get selling our produce at wholesale.”
“Change is never easy.” I’d know. My entire childhood was wrought with upheaval. “Maybe they just need more time to warm up to the idea.”
“Maybe. I just wish there was something more I could do.” He huffs out a breath. “Willow Bend is breathtaking and opening the property to our community would be good business. I know it in my bones.”
“If that’s true, then why do you sound like you’re giving up?” I nudge him with my shoulder. “You’ve got to be the most stubborn man I’ve ever met. If your mom is stonewalling you, find another way.”
“You’re right. A defeatist attitude won’t solve my problems. It’s just that…” He scrubs a hand over his face and there’s actual fear in his eyes. “If things don’t improve soon, Gran will be forced to sell off some of the land.”
Land that’s been in his family for five generations. Land that should be his legacy.
I can’t imagine what that must feel like because I wasn’t raised to put down roots. Nora and I moved from one shithole apartment to another. We didn’t have a home and forget about fond memories.
They were few and far between.
It’s one of the many differences between Brady and me, and I’d hate to see him lose even a tiny bit of the life that shaped him into the incredible person he is today.
Yeah, well, life isn’t fair.
No kidding.
“Willow Bend is a problem for another day,” he declares, snapping me back to the present. The tractor rolls to a stop alongside a lush green field where orange, white, and yellow gourds still grow on the vine. “Today is all about spending the day with my girl and finding her the perfect pumpkin.”
“No way.” I laugh as he pulls me to my feet. “Everyone out here is looking for the perfect pumpkin. Those gorgeous, Gram-worthy gourds will all find a home. I’m looking for the saddest, most awkward little pumpkin I can find.”
He laughs quietly. “Does this mean you’re one of those people who always roots for the underdog?”
“Abso-freaking-lutely.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He climbs down from the trailer and turns to help me, slipping his hands around my waist as he all but lowers me to the ground. I’m a big girl, and yet, in Brady’s arms, I feel almost dainty. I knew he was strong, but having those massive hands clamped around my waist and feeling how easily he supports my weight is the ultimate turn-on. “So, how was your first hayride?”
I take my time, considering. “Eight out of ten.”
“Just eight?”
“Full marks for fresh air and good company, but I’m deducting two points for hay because it’s itchy as hell and I’m not a fan of bouncing.”
Not in this context, anyway.
I pluck stray pieces of hay from my clothes and toss them into the grass. My sweater dress might be giving fall, but it’s collected every loose piece of hay on the trailer.
“Did I miss any?” I ask, turning to Brady.
He makes a twirling motion with his finger and I spin for him, channeling the flirty side I unleash when camming. And why not? I’m feeling myself in this dress and I’m on a date with a sweet, sexy man who’s looking at me like I’m the hottest thing on the farm.
Now there’s a phrase I never thought I’d say.
“You have some hay on your, uh...” Brady gestures to my ass, cheeks turning scarlet.
“Give me a hand?” I bat my lashes and flash him a smile that’s anything but innocent as I turn, giving him my back. I watch over my shoulder as he carefully picks every piece of straw off my backside, and though he’s a perfect gentleman, I nearly swoon when his fingers brush my lower back. “Thanks.”
“Any time.” His eyes narrow and he nods like a man on a mission. One determined not to fail. Is this his game face? The one his opponents see when he stares them down on the field? If so, consider me jealous becausedamn. “We’ll have to do better with the pumpkins. I’m shooting for a perfect ten this time.”
Naturally. Brady doesn’t have it in him to give anything less than his best. “Lead the way.”
