Zoe startled, then shook her head quickly. “Nothing. Don’t worry about it.” She pulled in a shaky breath, tried to steady it. “What time is everyone getting here?”
“About fifteen minutes,” he said. “Hopefully that’s enough time for Casanova in the barn.”
The joke made her laugh, the tension loosening just a little. He slipped his hand into hers, rough fingers threading with her own, warm and solid.
“What are your plans next weekend?” he asked casually. “Thought maybe after the Spring Fling we could go camping for a night or two.”
Zoe’s chest squeezed. “I would absolutely love that. But maybe not at the campground in town.” Her cheeks warmed at the thought of Krista’s grandparents overhearing them in the middle of the night.
“Oh no,” Jackson said, his mouth curving. “Definitely not.”
Her laugh came easier this time.
By the time families began arriving, pastel dresses fluttering and Easter bonnets bobbing among the crowd, the yard was alive with voices and color.
Zoe eyed the growing crowd. “This is going to be a madhouse!”
“One thousand percent,” Jackson agreed.
“Do you want to duck inside?” Zoe knew how Jackson felt about crowds.
He shook his head. “Nah, I’m alright. Thanks for checking, though.” He gave her hand a little squeeze.
Mayor Bloomfield stepped forward, his pastel-pink suit perfect for the occasion. The crisp white shirt beneath it was dotted with tiny embroidered bunnies, and his cheerful yellow bowtie bobbed as he spoke into the microphone.
“Thank you all for coming to the thirty-fifth annual Windy Acres Easter Egg Hunt!” he boomed, his voice carrying across the crowd. “Afterward, we’ll have lemonade and cookies in the barn. And don’t forget, all donations today go to the llama sanctuary.”
The crowd chuckled as he paused for effect, then added, “And last, but certainly not least, this year we’ve got a magical golden egg hidden for one lucky child to find! Whoever discovers it should bring it to a member of the team for a special surprise!”
On the count of three, he raised an airhorn and let it blare. The yard exploded with movement. Children dashed in every direction, squealing, baskets bumping against their knees.
“Back up,” Jackson murmured, guiding Zoe by the waist so she didn’t get bowled over by a determined eight-year-old who flew past in pursuit of a purple egg.
Zoe leaned into his steady hand, her gaze following the children. A little girl near the garden had stopped short, her lip wobbling as she looked around at empty grass.
Before Zoe could move, Jackson was already crouched beside her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently.
“I can’t find any,” the girl whispered.
Jackson’s voice softened further. “I don’t know…you sure about that? Look closer—under those tulips.”
The girl gasped, dove for the flowers, and came up with the golden egg. “I found it!” she squealed, holding it high. “I found the magical egg!”
“Told you.” Jackson winked. “Bet you’ll find a dozen more now.”
“Thanks, mister!” she said, darting off, her laughter ringing through the yard.
Zoe pressed her palm against her chest, and, needing a moment to breathe, she ducked into the greenhouse. Warm air wrapped around her instantly, carrying the scent of soil and green things. Rows of marigolds, coneflowers, and zinnias reached toward the sun, their tiny leaves unfurling, reaching for light. She traced her fingers along the edge of a tray, smiling at how far they’d come. Weeks ago, she and Jackson had planted these together when frost still clung to the mornings. Now they were thriving.
She closed her eyes, remembering this was where they’d shared their first private kiss too. So much had changed, and yetshe was still afraid that it wouldn’t last. She tried to tell herself that they could have it all. That the future was theirs for the taking. If only she was brave enough to tell him what she wanted. If only she could open her mouth and let the words out.
When the hunt ended, all the children gathered in a circle to count their treasures. Mayor Bloomfield raised his voice above the noise. “Alright! Who found the golden egg?”
The freckle-faced girl lifted her hand, eyes wide with excitement. “I did!” she squealed, holding it high.
“Go on then,” the mayor encouraged, “Open it up!”
