“Already?” But I picture us locked in a stall together.
“Always,” he corrects.
“What about them?” I jerk my chin at Gavin and Bea, bundled forms huddled close on the bench across from us.
The busily whispering pair fail to notice we’re staring at them.
“They look preoccupied.”
“That’s good enough for me.” I grip a fistful of his shirt, yanking him down to my level. “Love you, farmer.”
“I love you, babe. Thanks for giving me another chance.”
“As if I had a choice. I’d be lost without you.”
He scoffs, but his dimpled grin mesmerizes me. “In this town? It’s easy to find a friendly face.”
“But I only want one giving me pointers on country living.”
“How fortunate that you found him on the first day.” Reeve presses his lips to my forehead, stamping me with an unnecessary reminder.
This man is my damn kryptonite. “Fortunate indeed. Consider me filthy rich in love, farmer.”
Bam’s banquet hall—which is conveniently called The Barn—is packed to the haystacks with two-stepping pairs showing off their speedy footwork. This Saturday night is an opposite scene compared to when Reeve brought me by all those months ago. The ground is littered with golden straw and sequins, skittering in ripples with the crowd’s constant movement. There’s a band playing upbeat country tunes that has everyone bouncing their knees. A thrill pulses through the space, along with the sweet aroma of sunshine. It only adds to this evening’s splendor. This is my first barn dance, after all.
Winter thawed into spring, and summer is just beginning to stretch for the season. Somehow, a year has passed since I made that maiden voyage down Main Street. Guess it’s true about time flying when surrounded by fun. The excitement never seems to stop, contrary to my horrifically judgmental initial beliefs.
“He’s so good with her,” Jamie says from beside me, interrupting my thoughts.
My gaze lands on Reeve and Gabby spinning on the dance floor. “They’re great partners.”
She snorts and swigs a sip of soda. “Yeah, it’s not hard for him to cart her this way and that. She’s standing on his feet.”
“Maybe I should try that.” Reeve has tried to teach me this seemingly easy choreography. His attempts usually end with me just hanging on while he leads us all about. My stare is helplessly drawn to him as he makes another twirl with Gabby in tow. I’d never complain about being held in those very capable arms.
“I’m sure he’s ready for you to hop on.” His sister laughs, yanking me from the clouds once again. I’m too reminiscent, getting caught up in reverie and whimsy. She nudges me when I fail to respond in an adequate amount of seconds. “Reeve will make a wonderful father.”
That gets my attention, and I choke on my drink. “Excuse me?”
“Oh, please. As if you aren’t planning on having an entire litter.”
I quirk a brow at her reference to me being a dog, or an animal in general. “We haven’t been dating that long.”
Jamie finds her husband near the makeshift bar lit up in a corner. Her sigh is candy-coated in sap and sugar. “Love doesn’t care about numbers. It’s all about what the heart wants.”
“I suppose.” The agreement pounds with conviction through my veins. Settling down with Reeve is a fairy tale of sorts that becomes a bit more feasible with each passing week. But children are far off my radar.
“Audria, did you see me dancing?” Gabby beams at me, fresh from her uncle’s toes. The lack of formality between us has been a comforting change. I almost feel like part of the family. It took me a ton of convincing—and cupcakes—to break her habit of calling me Ms. Griffin.
Her gap-toothed joy is infectious, and I’m instantly bathing in pure delight. “I sure did.”
She curtsies. “It’s super fun. My classes are paying off.”
Jamie snorts. “You better be learning more steps than that for what I’m paying.”
Gabby does a pirouette and slides into the splits. I wince at the phantom pain twinging my thighs. The little girl just smiles wide, flinging her arms out to the side. “Happy?”
Her mother laughs. “You’re quite talented at gloating.”
“You asked for it.” She bats her lashes.
“And there’s my little diva,” Jamie tacks on.
Gabby keeps grinning. “I inherited that from you.”
“Now you sound like your father,” she mutters.
“He’s right, though. Daddy says we’re sassy.”
“You got a double scoop of that.” Jamie winks at her.
Gabby ignores the barb, her eyes flitting to mine. “Are you still planning to teach first grade? I want you to be my teacher again. Third grade is way cooler.”
I do a shimmy at the reminder. Principal Wheeler just offered me the position on Monday. It’s been brought up in numerous conversations ever since. “Every grade is great, kiddo. You would’ve said the same about second last year.”
“That was forever ago. I’m so much older now.” She pouts.
“You sure are. Ms. Kressly will love having you in her class.” I nod toward Bea across the barn. She’s doing her best to ignore Gavin, who’s standing behind her. His obnoxious laughter leads me to believe he’s trying to gain a certain woman’s attention. Those two still haven’t sorted their differences.
Gabby sighs. “I guess. But I still love you the most. Uncle Ree is lucky to have you as his girlfriend.”
“I agree.” Then I laugh at the man in question when he rolls his eyes. “I’m lucky, too. Your uncle is a very good dancer.”
Her eyes sparkle under the twinkling lights. “Uh-huh. I think he wants to dance with you next.”
I glance up at Reeve from under my lashes. “Does he?”
The blatant heat reflecting in his gaze is hot enough to set my shorts on fire. From that penetrating smolder, I’d guess he wants to do far more than that. “Will you go somewhere with me?”
“One day, you’ll quit assuming I’ll say no.” I stand from my chair
