831 Marriage Lane (Cherry Falls)

“Fine.” Camila gives me a teasing eye roll.

They both might be teenagers now, but we’ve always been close and don’t fight like I see a lot of other sisters do. Even Camila and Maya get along great. They never truly get upset with me when I do have to play more of the mom role than sister.

“What now?” I ask the girls as we step out of the way for the next person to get their face done.

“Rides?” Maya suggests. I reach into the pocket of my jean shorts and pull out the wrist bands Willow gave me.

“You’ll need these.” I hand them over the VIP bracelets. Both of their eyes widen with surprise.

My girlfriend Willow’s man Lennon is hosting this whole charity fair-themed event. Any big donors to the event received VIP bracelets to cut lines and enjoy a few other perks.

I’m far from a donor, but this is the only way my family and I could try to help a good cause. The truth of the matter is it might not belong to our family much longer. The farm is on the cusp of bankruptcy.

I try not to think about it, but most days, the worry consumes me. My sisters have no idea. I’m not going to be able to keep it from them much longer. For today, though, I am going to let them have fun. To enjoy our family's land a bit longer.

“Really?” Maya bounces on the heels of her feet, itching to grab the bands from me.

“Yes. Really.” I offer them each a band. They quickly put them on. I don’t do rides. They always make me sick. “Go have fun.”

“You’re the best.” Maya flings herself at me for a hug before she takes off.

“Go have some fun. Live a little,” Camila whispers in my ear while hugging me too. Even at only sixteen, she towers over me. “I’ve got Maya.” I start to respond, but she cuts me off. “Nope. I don’t want to hear it. You never take time for yourself. Go live a little.” She winks before she runs to take off after Maya. I love seeing them so carefree and happy. I watch them until they are out of sight.

Fun? I’m not even sure I remember what that is. The only fun I’m used to having either involves them or a Kindle. The first thing that comes to mind is funnel cake. Now, that sounds Iike my type of fun. There’s a reason I’m this curvy. I make my way across the field, heading toward the food and drinks area. My eyes drift across all the familiar faces here. They stop on someone I don’t recognize.

The man standing next to Lennon Carver. Lennon is responsible for the whole event. I’ve only met him a handful of times. He and my best friend Willow haven't been dating long, but it’s clear where they are going. Lennon made his intentions known when it came to Willow. He’s already got her living with him. The two of them are madly in love. The type of love I hope to have one day.

Lennon is handsome, but he’s got nothing on this other man. They are both tall with dark hair. Where Lennon is lean, this man is broadly built. Amethyst would call him thick. The thought alone has me blushing. He doesn't only stand out because of his size but also because he’s in slacks and a buttoned-up shirt. Whoever he is, he definitely knows how to dress. The pants fit him perfectly, hugging his thick thighs.

It makes me think he came straight here after leaving the office. I’m guessing he ditched his tie and jacket before rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. If his sleeves hadn't been rolled up, I never would have guessed him to have the tattoos that trail up his forearms. I have never been a fan of tattoos, but this man wears them well. They only add to his appeal.

He suddenly turns his head, his eyes coming straight to me. My breath catches in my throat as we hold a long stare. His eyes are a cool blue. He has to be the handsomest man I’ve ever seen in my life.

“Gabby.” Travis Collins calls my name. A second later, his arm is around my shoulder. “Let’s get a drink.” He doesn't wait for me to respond. He starts guiding me toward one of the tents.

Travis and I went to school together since kindergarten. He’s always been one of the popular boys. A big part of that had to do with him being rich. His dad actually owns a freaking bank. It’s been in his family for generations. The Collins name has been around forever. They’re all a bunch of snotty jerks.

While we might have gone to school together, he’s never given me the time of day. Not since he came back from college, at least. I’m guessing part of it might be that he’s dated everyone else already. He’s not bad looking, but he is a bit of a jerk. It’s like he’s forgotten about the times he picked on me when we were in school together.