“He’s genuinely sweet. Like too-much-sugar-in-your-sweet-tea sweet.”
Beverly giggles. “Yeah, Ridge has told me he’s a real sweetheart, and a total joy to work with.”
The thought of Ridge and Adam working together makes me smile. I can imagine Adam coaching the Hollywood actor as he did for me in the lavender fields. Gentle. Encouraging. Professional.
“He is a sweetheart. He’s also a deeply private man.”
“I get it, especially after losing his family.”
My throat tightens as I force myself to slip my phone into my purse. Dread prickles in my chest; I didn’t expect to talk about Adam’s family and his loss, but I’d known the moment might still come.
“He seems happier now that you’ve come into his life. Your eyes light up when you talk about him,” she adds, effortlessly changing the subject to something more positive.
Her comment immediately lightens the mood, and I look over at Adam, standing near the grill. He’s gleefully gnawing on a chicken bone. “He’s made me happier too.”
Our gazes snag. They always do. The world shifts, and it’s just me and Adam. I adore his tawny eyes and the way little linescrinkle at the corners when he starts to smile. Adam and his sun-streaked hair, board shorts and tight tees. Adam and the small surfing scar near his temple that I like to trace with my fingertips when we’re lying in bed. Adam and the way he calls me his Angel Face with his gravelly voice in the early mornings.
“He’s a total romantic too. He loves to bring me flowers he picks off the trees or the wild ones growing in the meadow.”
Beverly swoons. “I once dated someone who pulled over to the side of the road and picked wildflowers for me. It was the most romantic thing a man has ever done.” She points at her husband Ridge. “And he’s standing right over there.”
I smile. “Sounds like you hit the jackpot.”
Beverly places her hand over mine on the table and gives it a squeeze. “I did. And you did too. You deserve a happily ever after, Keri. We all do.” She looks around at everyone, her focus landing on Ridge again. “I mean, if you would’ve told me a year and a half ago that this was going to be my life, I would’ve thought you were crazy.”
I laugh. “But it’s your reality now. You’re a lucky woman.”
“I’m blessed for sure.” She looks right at me again. “And you are too.”
I nod, unsure of what to say.
She stands. “How about I start serving that decadent cake you brought?”
“Sounds good. Let me help.” I start to rise, but she quickly holds up her hand, gesturing for me to remain seated.
“You stay put and enjoy the evening. Lord knows this perfect weather isn’t going to last very long with the summer heat coming in fast.”
“You got that right.” I relax and watch her walk away. She stops at the grill and kisses Ridge on the cheek. Adam leans over to say something to her, making her laugh, before turning his focus back to me, his handsome face beaming with a smile.
I instinctively smile back.
I didn’t realize falling in love could be so simple. Dancing to a Willie Nelson tune at the Tipsy Daisy. Fairy lights illuminating the back end of a camper. Lazy weekends watching Adam work in my father’s tool barn with his tight tee stretched across his shoulders.
I want him to stay with me here in Heartsboro. I told him he could have fresh salsa anytime, as long as he didn’t say a word about me stealing his favorite blue flannel. We’ll camp near the creek with fairy lights glimmering, our toes wiggling on the mattress as our bodies cool in the evening breeze. Wildflowers on the kitchen windowsill. His eyes glowing at me across the table over coffee, knuckles under his chin in a sexy stare.
I think about this man all the time. Some secret part of me opens up. I’ve been thinking about Adam Woodbury since the day I saw him eating brisket outside Miss Jenny’s café all those weeks ago.
And for me to finally admit I actually want to stay here in Heartsboro? That is a miracle in and of itself. I’ve never truly been happy here in my hometown, always coming up with an exit plan so I can start anew—until Adam came along and shut my escape route down.
I’ve never liked the limited shopping and dining in Heartsboro. It doesn’t compare to Atlanta. The isolation in my social life made it worse. The only thing keeping me here is Adam. Not my real-estate job or my childhood home, not the slow pace or friends.Adamis the reason this place feels special now.
He relishes the unhurried pace of small-town life. There’s a profound sense of peace when we lose ourselves in the quiet embrace of nature and the warmth of our mutual friends. Adam reminds me how blessed we are here. Traffic and crime are distant worries. Every day confirms the joy of escaping the relentless urban rush for a simpler, more connected country life. Stepping outside feels sacred, as if God’s creation soothes and centers us. My mind has finally settled, and I’m truly at peace with my choice to stay.
My father once told me that everything in life is a reflection of a choice you have made. That if you want a different result, you have to make a different choice. I choose Adam.
“Hey,” he says, kissing the shell of my ear.
I startle and watch him set two huge pieces of cake on the table before he sits next to me. “Yum, thank you,” I hum. I take the plastic fork and eagerly scoop up a bite of the strawberry cake, instantly moaning. “This is so good.”
