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“So this is newer than the map?” Alan asked.

“Looks that way.” Wes straightened. “But I wouldn’t follow either of them without checking the fruit. Eileen knew the orchard well enough to change the plan when the trees told her something different. You’ll get there too. Until then, use the notes to show you where to look.”

Alan nodded slowly. “And then decide from what’s actually on the trees.”

“Exactly. Use them as a guide.”

Kate watched Wes slide the paper back toward her father. He could easily have taken charge. He knew more than Alan did, and all three of them knew it. Instead, he answered the question and left the decision with her father.

Was that how it had been since they moved in? Her dad asking, and this man answering without once making him feel small? She doubted Wes would stand back and watch if Alan was about to make a serious mistake, either.

“So the notes aren’t really instructions,” she said. “They’re more like a starting point.”

Wes looked at her.

That peculiar awareness was there again. Was she going to feel it every time he looked at her?

“That’s it,” he said. “The orchard won’t behave the same way every year. Your parents don’t need to know everything right away. They just need to keep looking and asking questions. They’ll learn as they go.”

Alan gave Kate a pointed look. “You hear that?”

“I heard it.”

“He says we don’t need to know everything.”

Kate smiled. “I’m beginning to see you know enough.”

Wes looked from one to the other, wisely choosing not to offer an opinion.

Kate caught the hint of amusement in his face. “And I’m learning that they’re lucky to have you as their neighbor.”

She was sure Wes blushed as he said, “It’s nothing. I’ve known this orchard all my life, and I wouldn’t want it to fail because I didn’t take the time to help out.”

“Not everyone would be so neighborly.”

He smiled. “Your mom’s apple pie might have something to do with it too.”

“Ah, now we’re getting to the truth.” Kate found herself smiling back.

“Can we look at the actual trees? I think I’ll understand it better if I can see what we’re talking about.” Alan folded the note.

“Sure.” Wes nodded toward the open door. “They’re not far.”

“Oh, we don’t have to look now. I know you have the part to fit on your tractor,” Alan said.

“No.” Wes glanced sideways at Kate. “We can go now. I got back earlier than I expected.”

“Wes,” Alan began. “I know you have a lot to do.”

“Come on,” Wes said. “It won’t take long, and since I’m already here…”

“Okay then.” Alan headed outside, leaving Kate to follow.

Wes came through the doorway beside her this time rather than behind her, and the narrow track between the shed and the first rows brought them close enough that their arms nearly brushed.

Kate noticed. She couldn’t help it. She had known the man for less than an hour, yet every inch between them now required her attention.

Wes glanced at her. Had he noticed it too? Then Alan called something from ahead, and Wes looked away.