"Okay," she heard herself say. "Lunch sounds good."
They headed back toward the farmhouse, and Grant held the door open for her. The kitchen was warm and smelled like spices and cornbread, and Thomas looked up from the stove with a grin.
"Riley! Didn't know you were coming by."
"Just picking up a tree and wreath for Mom."
"Well, you're staying for lunch. I made enough chili to feed half the town." Thomas ladled out three bowls. "Grant, grab the cornbread."
They sat at the old wooden table—the same one Riley had eaten at a hundred times in high school—and for a few minutes, it felt like nothing had changed. Like she was seventeen again, spending Saturday afternoons at the farm, listening to Thomas tell stories about Grant's latest projects.
"Grant tells me you're working in the city," Thomas said. "Marketing, right?"
"Digital marketing. For a tech startup."
"You like it?"
Riley hesitated. "It's…a job."
Thomas raised an eyebrow. "That's not exactly a ringing endorsement."
"It pays well."
"Money isn't everything, Riley."
She glanced at Grant, who was very focused on his chili.
"I know that," Riley said. "It's just—complicated."
"Most things worth doing are." Thomas stood, grabbing his coat. "I'm heading to the hardware store. You two finish up. Grant, the Johnson order needs to be ready by three."
"Got it."
Thomas left, and suddenly the kitchen felt smaller. Quieter.
Riley set down her spoon. "Your dad's subtle."
"He's really not." Grant smiled. "He's been waiting for you to come back since the day you left."
"Grant—"
"I'm not saying that to pressure you. I'm just—" He ran a hand through his hair. "He missed you. We all did."
Riley's throat went tight. "I missed you too."
The words hung between them, heavier than she'd meant them to be.
Grant's gaze held hers. "Did you?"
"Of course I did. Grant, you were—" She stopped.You were everything."You were my best friend."
"Was I?"
"I mean… It’s been a long time." Riley stood, suddenly needing to move. "While I’m here… Can I see the barn? You mentioned renovations."
"Yeah. Sure."
They walked across the yard to the barn, and Grant opened the door. Warmth hit her immediately from the space heaters he'd set up inside, and the space glowed with soft light.
