Wow.“How did you know that?”But instead of fear running through her, it was curiosity.There was no way this woman was connected to Adam.
Piper grinned.“Small towns.He and his father are going to help out our friends at the apple farm.They’re expanding the business, and someday we’ll be stocking some of their products as well.I heard they were in town yesterday making snowmen, but I didn’t get a chance to meet them.”
Olivia smiled.“Charlie invited us to help them with the snowman.He’s a great kid.”
“You should head out to the farm for a visit.I bet Ella would love to play in all that snow.And I know they’re looking for ways to diversify the business, so if you have any ideas in that area, you should let them know.”
Piper’s words continued to run through Olivia’s head for the remainder of the day as she and Ella explored the town and played in the snow.
Did she have anything to contribute at an apple farm or in town?The more time she spent here, the more she wanted desperately to stay.
The next morning, they found that Jim and Carl had prepared the table overlooking the bird feeders for them.They were undeniably being spoiled.
Jim swung through the swinging door with a tray.Along with the bowl of berries and fruit cut into tiny pieces, there was a pancake for Ella and a full plate of them for Olivia, along with a fruit plate of her own.
Ella had devoured her pancake and half her fruit when the door to the kitchen swung open.Olivia braced herself as she did with every appearance of someone new.
But it wasn’t Adam.It was a gorgeous woman with a bright smile and a pink sweatshirt sporting ducks dancing in puddles.The words below it readTo heck with rows, let’s dance.
Carl walked in with the woman, and they aimed straight for Olivia’s table.
Carl grinned at Ella.“You liked the pancake, didn’t you?Well done.”
Then he smiled at Olivia.“Olivia, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine.This is Jolie Malssum.Jolie, this is Olivia Gonzalez and her princess Ella Mae.”
Jolie grinned.“Hi to you both.It’s great to meet you.Do you mind if I sit?”
Befuddled but not worried, Olivia gestured to the seat across from her.“Go ahead.”
Jolie sat.“My family owns an apple farm on the outskirts of Phail.I hear you met our two newest arrivals the other day.”
Olivia smiled.“Nash and Charlie.”
Jolie grinned.“The irrepressible Charlie.He’s been talking about you two nonstop.”
“He’s a pretty great kid.”
“He really is.And his dad’s a sweetie.Anyway, when Carl said you were in the dining room, I figured I’d pop in and introduce myself.That way, you’ll have one less stranger to meet when you come out to the farm.”
When Olivia merely gaped at her, Jolie laughed.“Forgive me if I’m being pushy.It’s just that Charlie desperately wants to see you again.I thought you might feel a bit awkward and wanted to assure you that we’d all love you to come out for the day.We’ve got plenty of room and we’re a friendly bunch.”
A little flustered, Olivia nodded.“I can see that.”
Her words had Jolie grinning again.“We want Nash and Charlie to feel at home and part of the team we’re building out there.Having you come out will have them both feeling like they belong, that they’re welcome to invite friends.Please say you’ll come.”
“They haven’t texted yet.”
Jolie grinned.“Come anyway.”
Before she could respond to that, Olivia’s phone buzzed with a notification.She pulled it out to find Nash’s number on her screen.
She tried to contain the silly thrill she felt when she saw his number on her phone.She slid open the text.
Hi Olivia.This is Charlie.My dad said I could use the phone and ask you and Ella to come visit the farm today.He can send you directions.Please come.
She looked up to find Jolie with a raised brow.“Was that your invite?”
She nodded.
