Page 94 of Harvest Heat

Tessa put her hands over her heart. “Oh my God, you two are so great together.”

“You think so?”

“Yes, I think he’s the one for you.”

“I just want to take it a day at a time.”

Tessa raised her brows. “Since when do you take anything a day at a time? I’m sure you have a ten-year plan in place for this.”

“Of course I have a plan, but I can’t lock on to it and let myself believe it’s absolutely going to come true.”

“All right. I see that, but I think you’re meant to be, and I think this is going to be the best Harvest Festival we’ve had in years.”

Rhys glanced up and down the square. “It sure looks good. I think there are more booths this year than ever before.”

Tessa nodded in agreement.

Rhys could easily get overwhelmed in this kind of atmosphere, but he felt anchored there. This was where he and Caleb belonged.

“I’d better go,” Tessa said. “Finn needs my help to finish setting up. I’ll talk to you later. Good luck.”

“Good luck to you too.”

CHAPTER 34

Caleb pulled Kate to him in a one-armed hug. “Thank you for being here, and for accepting Rhys.”

“He’s so in love with you. I could tell just from the way he looked at you, and then when he picked up Mallow, I knew everything was going to be all right.”

“You really could tell?”

“Yes, the way the two of you look at each other. It’s sickening.”

“Stop that.” He bumped her with his shoulder, and she pushed him back.

“Just don’t start going on about how you wish I’d find someone too.”

“All right. I’ll keep my happiness to myself.”

“Good.”

The warmth Caleb felt from Kate’s acceptance of Rhys was intensified when he saw her reaction to Cloud Nine. She turned around wide-eyed, taking it all in.

“The pictures you sent were great, but it’s so much more amazing in person. It’s so inviting and colorful, and so you.”

“Thank you.” Caleb hugged her and tried not to cry with joy.

“I can’t get over how perfect it all is: the decorations are beautiful. Your fall vibe is just right, but then you’ve got all the signs with rainbows and clouds and doodles. It’s all so fun. And your signature drinks are just the kind of over-the-top thing you do best.”

“It’s everything I wanted it to be, and so far, the customers are happy, and I have regulars now.”

“Of course you do. How could anyone come here and not want to come back?”

“You are a little biased.”

“Maybe, but I would tell you if I didn’t like it. I was ready to tell your boyfriend off.”

“That’s because you’re protecting me. You want me to be happy.”