Mr. Alders nodded. “I’m glad. And if you don’t mind, I’d love to hear how you get on. I’ve got a feeling you’ll bring the Moonlight Kiss back to life. I know Margaret would have loved that.”
After he left, Zoe stood behind the counter, fingertips tracing the faded handwriting.Willowbend Bridge. The name sent a thrill through her.
She snapped a quick photo of the page and texted Jackson.
You’re not going to believe this. Mr. Alders just dropped off a scrapbook his wife made and guess what I found?
The mysterious Moonlight Kiss?
Found and identified. “Willowbend Bridge, Spring ’86.” Near the old Cherry Blossom Trail Mrs. C. remembered. I’ve got a delivery run that way later today. I’ll check it out.
Alone? On a mission?
Relax, Indiana Jones. I think I can handle a bridge and some flowers. I’ll watch out for slippery rocks and rogue squirrels, and I’ll take my phone and maybe a snack.
So you’re leaving me out of our adventure, huh?
Somebody has to scout ahead. Consider it recon.
Recon, huh? Well, I expect a full report when you return.
Yes, sir.
Zoe’s smile lingered as she put down her phone and looked out at the sunlight pouring through the shop windows. The mystery bloom—or the “Moonlight Kiss”—was exciting, sure, but the real thrill came from Jackson. The way he made her heartskip, and the sense that this spark between them could soon set her whole world alight.
TWELVE
JACKSON
Monday, March 10th
The late-afternoon sun slanted through the clouds, painting the farm in streaks of gold. The air was thick with the smell of cut lumber and fresh earth, sharp and clean. Sawdust clung to Jackson’s corded forearms, catching on the fine dark hairs dusted with sweat.
He stepped back to study his work. The frame of the first tiny house rose steadily against the tree line. It wasn’t much yet, just bones and beams, but he could already see it finished in his head. It would have a cedar porch, a small woodstove flickering inside, and the sound of llamas in the distance.
It was the first of three he planned on building, with his friend Zach’s help. The work was hard, but he loved it. Loved the ache in his shoulders, the calluses on his hands, the way the world narrowed to the sound of power tools and hammering boards.
The retreat space was slowly coming to life. Still, Jackson couldn’t help wondering if it was enough. Caring for the llamas and the land had grounded him, sure, and they would have the Local Blooms garden, but maybe the place needed more. Guidednature hikes? Something with the horses? He’d been reading about equine therapy, about how the calm, steady rhythm of working with horses helped veterans breathe easier.
The thought made him glance toward the pasture, where his black stallion, Xavier, pawed the ground impatiently. The horse was half-trouble, half-grace, and all power. “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” Jackson murmured. “An excuse to show off.”
He lifted the hem of his old grey shirt to wipe his brow, exposing the deep cut of his abs and the faint scar that disappeared beneath the waistband of his jeans.
“There you are. Think you can hide from me forever?” Liam’s voice carried across the yard. He rolled up the sleeves of his red and black checkered flannel. His dark hair was tousled from the wind, and his full beard framed a grin that came as easily as breathing.
Jackson wondered if he’d ever had the same easygoing charm as Liam, before he’d gone off to war.
Jackson straightened from where he’d been checking the level. “Don’t you have a farm shop to run? Or a chocolate-obsessed girlfriend to keep company?”
“I have both,” Liam said easily. “But Mom asked me to stop out. She’s cleaning out my old room and thinks I should finally get rid of my action figures.” He grinned. “Also, I overheard Madison ask Zoe about you guys going on a double date. Thought you might want to know.”
Jackson appreciated the heads-up. Group dates weren’t exactly his style; the Santa House outing with Zoe this past Christmas was proof of that. But they needed to keep up appearances for their fake relationship.
Even so, his idea of a good night with Zoe had nothing to do with crowds. It was more like a secluded walk in the woods, her hand in his, her breath hitching when he pulled her closebeneath the trees and kissed her until she forgot they were supposed to be pretending.
“I’m sure Zoe would like that,” Jackson said. “I’m good with whatever.”
“That’s very generous of you,” Liam teased.
