Xavier shrugged. “Caleb told me that Red admitted it, but it’s pretty obvious when you see the two of them together that he hasn’t moved past their relationship.”
“Maybe she hasn’t either,” Landon said. “I mean, she really hasn’t dated too much or had a partner in all these years.”
“I’m glad she came back for my engagement party. I think returning after all these years has given her a little bit of closure and a new perspective. That’s important.”
Landon believed that was true, but he also wondered whether perhaps seeing Daisy again had only served to heighten his father’s feelings for her. At times he had acted like a nervous teenager in her presence. He just hoped his father wasn’t dreaming of any kind of romantic future with Daisy, because as far as he could see, it wasn’t happening. He wouldn’t be opposed to them rekindling their relationship, but twenty years seemed like a huge divide to cross. But, if it did happen, Landon imagined it would help heal old hurts, not only for himself, but for his brothers as well.
“Things seem to be progressing with Hattie’s illness,” Xavier said. “I’m sure you’ve noticed since you’re still living in the house. She’s slowed down quite a bit.”
Landon nodded. “I have seen some alarming signs thattell me the disease has worsened. Her appetite seems diminished, and she’s lost a bit of weight in the past few weeks. When I compare that to how she was back when we first arrived, there’s a big difference.”
“Has Jacques said anything? He watches over her like a hawk.”
“Not really,” Landon said. “He’s a bit worried about this holiday party, though, thinks it’s too much for her.”
Xavier took a bite of his meal, then washed it down with his bottled water. “I think a party will be good for her. She lives for that stuff. What better opportunity will people have to celebrate her? We don’t know what tomorrow’s going to bring, so it’s important to live your life in the moment. That’s what Hattie’s always done. Why stop now?”
“That’s a good way to think about it,” Landon said. “I just want her to be happy. After all the good she’s done for others and for us, it’s what she deserves.”
“Cheers to that,” Xavier said, holding up his water bottle. “Whether she has ten days left or ten weeks, let’s make a vow to celebrate Hattie. While we can.”
“I love that,” Landon said. “More than anything, Hattie deserves to be celebrated.”
His brother’s words were inspiring, yet also a bit sobering. Landon knew that time wasn’t on their side. Ever since their return, they had been racing to cram moments into a fleeting number of days. And now they were constantly being reminded that time was running out.
Sometimes Bailey just liked to watch Landon at work. With his brow furrowed and his features creased as he studied theorchard management chart he radiated intensity. Something had been off with one of the last batches of apples they’d received, which had slowed down production of their apple-based hard ciders. This was a rare problem in the lab, but if the test batches didn’t taste right, it needed to be addressed at the source. Landon was trying to figure out which supplier had delivered those specific batches.
She had to stop staring before he caught her in the act. Bailey painfully dragged her gaze away from him.
“Oh, girl, you’ve got it bad,” Fritz whispered in her ear, startling her so much she jumped in her seat. She turned around to see him standing right behind her chair, grinning like a wild man.
“Fritz,” she said, pressing her palm to her chest. “Has anyone ever told you not to creep around and watch people?” she asked, keeping her tone low so Landon couldn’t overhear her.
“Ha! Pot meet kettle. Judging by the way you were watching Clark Kent over there, you might just be heading into creeper territory yourself,” Fritz said. “Seriously, babe, are you okay?”
“I’m more than okay. And I was admiring him, not objectifying or stalking him. There’s a difference.”
He gently patted her shoulder. “Please take this in the spirit in which it’s being offered, but maybe it’s time for you to get a real man in your life.”
“I do have a man,” she snapped. The words flew out of her mouth before she could rein them in. Fritz was really working overtime to annoy her.
Her co-worker’s eyes widened. “What? Spill it, Bailey. Who? What? When?”
“You’re going to have to lower your voice, Fritz. We’re still in a professional setting.”
Fritz put a finger up to his lips and nodded. “Who is he?”
One could have heard a pin drop in that moment as Fritz awaited her response.
Bailey leaned in toward Fritz. She was relishing this moment, knowing she was about to shock and awe him.
“He’s sitting ten feet away from you,” Bailey said, casting a quick glance in Landon’s direction. He was still focused on his work and oblivious to the fact that he was the topic of their conversation.
Fritz’s mouth hung open so wide that she reached out and closed it for him. “Don’t look so surprised,” she said. “It makes total sense.”
“H-how did this happen? Does Joann know?” His eyes were about to bulge out of their sockets. His mind seemed to be racing.
“We haven’t said anything yet to her, but Hattie has a very clear policy about employees dating. She has no objection to it, unless of course there’s any kind of drama attached to it. And Landon and I are existing in a no-drama world.”
