“Not much. Most of our customers come to our fall and Christmas festival, so they’re used to attending at least one in below-freezing temperatures.” She wrapped her arms around her purse. “It mainly affected our last-minute customers who come because they haven’t picked a carving pumpkin yet and decide they may as well have the whole experience. Those are the ones who will go to the local grocery for a pumpkin instead of coming to the farm when the weather turns bad.”
“That’s a bum deal for you.”
“It’s not so bad.” She shrugged. “Weather like last night doesn’t come around this early too many years, and we’ll recapture some of those customers in November.”
“Cider and barn swings have quite the draw, don’t they?”
“You’d be surprised how many people crave a step back to simpler times, and that’s what we offer.”
He nodded in agreement. “I’d forgotten how fun it could be until I took Myla that day. It was exactly what we all needed.”
“I love hearing that. It means I’ve done my job well.”
“Do you work there year-round?”
“Yes.” Her smile entered her voice. “This is our busiest time in terms of tourism and guests, but I work with many of our local schools to plan educational field trips.”
“You love your job, don’t you? I hear it when you talk.”
“I do.” Her arms relaxed around her purse. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”
“It’s always good to love what you do.” He braked for a stop sign and took the opportunity to give her a smile.
“What do you do?”
He accelerated and crossed the intersection. “I’m a realtor with Gwynn Realty Company.”
“I’ve heard of them. I think my oldest brother used them when he bought his house last year.”
“They’re a great company to work for. Mr. Gwynn is a Christian and follows his faith in all aspects of his business.” He paused a second, reflecting on his previous job. “My first employer engaged in unethical means of selling homes, and it’s been refreshing to work for someone who acts with integrity.”
“I’ve been fortunate to only have my parents as a boss, and they’re great.” She turned her head and looked at him. “You’re a Christian?”
“Yes. I was raised in the church but didn’t make a decision to follow Christ until my teen years. Are you?”
She nodded. “Like you, I was brought up in church. When I walked down the aisle at the ripe old age of six, I remember the pastor and my parents asking me lots of questions to make sure I really understood, but even then I knew and wanted Jesus in my life.”
“That’s awesome.”
His attraction to her grew with the realization she wasn’t off-limits as an unbeliever. Could God have orchestrated their paths that day? It was too soon to tell, but a part of him recognized without a doubt that he wanted to know her better.
