“Do chilies grow on trees?” Percy asked seriously.
Kirk chuckled. “Nope. Little bushes. But some of them grow taller than you.”
Percy’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“Really.”
There was something so genuine about him, so present in each moment, that it was difficult to maintain her professional distance.
Maybe, just maybe, the special treatment wasn’t about her blog at all. Maybe it really was just small-town hospitality. Or maybe...
Isla caught herself before the thought could fully form. She wasn’t here for romance or connection. She was here to work, tobuild her career, and to provide stability for Percy. And in two weeks, they’d be gone, back to their real lives.
But as she watched Kirk helping Percy identify the herbs in the courtyard planters, something inside her whispered that maybe fate really did walk beside her. And maybe it had led her here for a reason.
Chapter Four – Kirk
This is perfect,Kirk’s bear said as they sat at the table with Isla and Percy, the sun on their backs and the mountains in the distance.
Kirk had sat in this spot a hundred times or more and enjoyed a meal cooked by his brother. But never one like this.
“Here we go,” Rachel said as she approached with a tray. “A bottle of Thornberg Cabernet Reserve—which Matt recommended to go with the chili dishes—and fresh lemonade for the young man.”
She placed a tall, frosted glass in front of Percy, and he immediately reached for it with both hands. The condensation left tiny droplets on his fingertips as he took a long, appreciative sip.
“Perfect,” Percy declared, licking his lips.
“I’m Rachel, by the way,” she said to Isla as she poured a small amount for Kirk to taste. “If there’s anything else you need, just let me know.” She winked at Percy, who giggled.
Kirk swirled the wine, inhaling the rich bouquet before taking a sip. He nodded his approval, and Rachel filled both his and Isla’s glasses.
“I have two daughters about your age,” Rachel told Percy as she set the bottle down. “Maybe we could arrange a playdate while you are in town.”
Percy’s eyes lit up. “Can I, Mom? Please?”
“I…” Isla hesitated, caught off guard.
“It’ll give you a chance to catch your breath,” Rachel said with a knowing glance at Kirk. “Single mom life doesn’t exactly come with breaks.”
“I…” Isla started again, blinking in surprise.
Kirk felt a jolt. The thought hadn’t even crossed his mind that Isla might be raising Percy alone, or that there could be someone else in the picture… a father waiting back home.
“How did you know?” Isla asked quietly.
Rachel shrugged. “One single parent spots another. It’s like a secret handshake nobody taught us, but we all somehow know.”
“Can I, Mom?” Percy pressed, practically bouncing in his seat. “Please?”
“I think that would be nice,” Isla finally replied. “As much as I’m looking forward to our two weeks together, I know Percy would love playing with kids his age.”
“It’s settled then,” Rachel said with a satisfied nod. “Now eat up before it gets cold.”
“I can’t wait,” Percy said.
“To eat your food?” Isla asked.
Percy rolled his eyes. “No, silly, for my playdate.”
