Tessa furrowed her brows, certain more than ever that shehadmissed something. Whether she wanted to know what, she wasn’t sure. “I’ll see you later.”
“Don’t hurry home on my account,” Rachel said as she pulled the door closed, but then she opened it again. “You look beautiful. Blue always did suit you.”
Tessa opened her mouth to speak, but Rachel closed the door with a click before she got the chance.
“Ready to go?” Matt stood framed in the doorway, looking incredibly handsome and relaxed. And uncannily like the image of him she’d sketched last night.
“I am.” Tessa ran a hand over her pale blue sundress, suddenly self-conscious. She hadn’t packed many nice clothes for this trip, but this morning she’d found herself pulling out the sundress she’d tucked away “just in case.” Now, under Matt’s appreciative gaze, she was glad she had.
“You look beautiful,” he said simply, the words straightforward, but his eyes saying so much more.
“Thank you.” Heat crept up her neck as she grabbed her purse. “I wasn’t sure what to wear to a farmers’ market.”
“You got it exactly right.” Matt held the door for her, and as she passed, she caught the subtle scent of his cologne—something woodsy and clean that made her want to lean closer.
“It’s not far,” Matt said as they reached the truck, and he opened the passenger door for her. “The market sets up right in the town square. I’d suggest we walk, but I’m notorious for buying far too much to carry in my arms.”
Tessa chuckled. “A man after my own heart.”
Or one who owned her heart.
She ducked her head to hide the blush creeping across her cheeks as he reached around her and opened the truck door.
The short drive into town was filled with light conversation about nothing particularly important—the perfect weather, a funny story about one of the restaurant’s regular customers, Tessa’s progress on her sketches. By the time Matt parked near the town square, Tessa felt relaxed in a way she hadn’t in months.
Until she stepped out of the truck and saw the market.
The town square had transformed overnight into a bustling hub of activity. Colorful canopies dotted the grassy area, with tables laden with fresh produce, handcrafted goods, and local food. People moved between the booths, shopping bags in hand, stopping to chat with vendors and each other. The scene was almost painfully picturesque—exactly the kind of small-town charm Tessa had only ever seen in movies.
“It’s bigger than I expected,” she said, taking it all in.
Matt smiled. “Bear Creek might be small, but we know how to put on a market. Ready?”
Tessa nodded, suddenly nervous again. This wasn’t just about spending time with Matt anymore. This was about stepping intohis world—a world where everyone seemed to know everyone else, where she was clearly the outsider.
But as they approached the first row of stalls, something unexpected happened. A woman selling handmade soaps looked up, her face lighting up with recognition.
“Tessa!” she called out.
Tessa blinked in surprise. “Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m Linda. You waited on us on Saturday—the table by the window? You recommended that fantastic risotto special.”
“Of course,” Tessa said, memory clicking into place. “You were celebrating your anniversary.”
Linda beamed. “That’s right! Twenty-six years.” She turned to include Matt in the conversation. “This one here makes a mean risotto. You can’t go wrong with a man who knows how to cook.”
“No… I… Well, we’re not…” Tessa stuttered.
Matt ducked his head slightly, his shoulders shaking. At least one of them found it amusing.
But then Tessa shook off her embarrassment and smiled.
“Here,” Linda said, pressing a small package into Tessa’s hands. “Lavender soap. On the house. It’s my thank you for making our anniversary dinner special.”
“Oh, I couldn’t…” Tessa started, but Linda waved away her protest.
“Please. I insist.”
