I haven’t seen Chloe since I ran into Colton and Madison this morning. Colton’s tearing into the Sugar Plum Inn like it’s personal. Based on the looks between him and Madison, maybe it is.
They both looked a little guilty, like Chloe’s “you two are engaged or about to be” comment landed closer to the truth than either of them wanted to admit.
We didn’t hire extra help for opening weekend, because I didn’t figure we’d need it. But as I gaze around at the sea of families, I’m thinking that was a mistake. After two dark years, the turnout is wild.
Chloe was right: this farm is an institution.
My family built this, generation by generation. I want to carry the torch and pass it to my own kids someday.
Maybe Phoebe would like to help run the place.
I slow my pace, shocked by my own thoughts. I’ve got no clue what life looks like beyond this next year, but my heart is already struggling to keep up with that.
“Hey!” Chloe jogs up, cheeks rosy. “Can you believe this crowd? We’re out of donuts, and at least half the hot chocolate is gone.”
“Well, they were both really good.” I nod to the camera on her shoulder. “What’ve you been doing with that?”
She chews her lip, then smiles.
“People are so happy out here, wandering around and picking out trees. I wanted to capture it. Habit.”
“Get any good ones?”
“I think so.” She hesitates.
“Everything okay?”
“People asked if I offer sessions out here.” She stops, so I stop with her.
A punch of guilt lands in my gut. Between moving them in here, setting up for Opening Day, and our wedding, I haven’t even checked in with her about her business. We had the perfect opportunity last night, and I stole her for a dance in the snow.
I don’t regret that part.
My gaze drifts past the rows toward the red siding. We could sturdy some shelves and add backdrop racks. I’ve been looking at studios online. It could work.
“What did you tell them?” I rub the back of my neck.
“That I don’t have anything set up, but I’d consider it.” She exhales. “I didn’t commit. It just felt weird to say I’d ask you, considering.” She wiggles her left hand and lowers her voice. “Since I’m yourwife.”
I should care who sees, but I don’t. Hearing that word from Chloe’s lips does something to me, and I snake a hand out to curl around her waist.
“You are. You should never feel weird asking me anything.”
She stretches up so our lips are only inches apart, peeking up at me from beneath dark lashes.
“What if I asked you to kiss me? Right here in front of everyone?”
She’s playing a dangerous game, but holding her loosens something in my chest I expected to wind tighter all day. So I’m willing to play, and maybe even up the ante.
“Are you comfortable with that?”
Her lips curve into a wicked smile. “I wouldn’t have asked otherwise.”
“Last chance to tap out,” I murmur, tipping closer.
“Consider it a reward for how hard you’ve worked today,husband.”
That tears away the rest of my resolve.
