Harvest of Love: Insta-Spark Collection

He ran a hand through his hair, his voice frustrated. “Of course I do.” He studied me for a moment. “What about your promise to see a doctor?”

“I still think it’s unnecessary. But if you really want me to, I’ll go.”

He narrowed his eyes at my words.

“I’ll do it, I promise.”

He huffed a sigh, still looking upset.

“I’ll be fine,” I stressed.

He shook his head. “I can’t force you to listen to me, Dani. But I’m worried. I’m really worried.”

“I’ll get through this week, and I promise to think about everything once I have a bit of a break.”

He barked a laugh that was filled with disbelief. “You sound like I did. A broken record. I kept promising myself I’d get through this week or this meeting and things would get better.” He met my eyes. “They don’t magically get better, Dani. Trust me on this.”

“I’ll see your doctor next week. I promise.”

With a sigh, he pulled me into his arms. “Okay. Next week.”

After dinner, we took another walk, enjoying the cool evening. I found myself noticing the number of people around us. Unlike at the farm, the sidewalks were crowded, and people pushed around us, hurrying past. Others walked right between us, regardless of our clasped hands. It wasn’t relaxing, and we cut the walk short, instead sitting on a bench in a small park and sharing a pretzel from a food cart.

“You should get your mom to make these, only smaller. What an awesome appetizer,” I said around a mouthful. “With her homemade mustard to dip in or a sauce made with your cheese, it would be delicious.”

Noah stopped eating and looked at me. “That’s a great idea.”

“They could be made ahead and frozen. You bake as needed.”

He grinned and pulled out his phone, tapping out a message. “Brilliant.”

We headed to my place, the sidewalks a little emptier. It was still lovely out, so we sat in my tiny backyard at the table I never used.

“I see why you prefer the farm,” I mused.

“You like it there? At the farm, I mean?” Noah asked.

“Yes, it’s lovely.”

“Could you see yourself there? I mean, being there more?” He paused. “With me?”

I met his eyes. His gaze was watchful, serious.

I thought about being at the farm—living there if I was reading his words right. Waking up with Noah every day, working side by side in the restaurant. Being part of his family. Discovering a new way of life I never dreamed existed.

“Maybe one day,” I said slowly.

He smiled. “Good. That’s good. Dani, I—”

His phone rang, and he glanced at it with a frown. “Ella?”

He listened for a moment, his frown deepening. “Is he okay?” He paused, listening. “What the hell was he doing…? Never mind. What hospital?”

He stood. “I’m on my way.”

I was on my feet. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“There was an accident involving my nephew Ray. He’s hurt.” He shook his head. “Ella was so upset, she couldn’t give me all the details, but…”

“You have to go.”

I saw his indecision. He was in a hard position, choosing between his family and me. I made it easier for him. I laid my hand on his arm. “Noah, you have to go. They need you.”

“You need me.”

“No. I’m fine. Tomorrow is a regular day for me. I have every confidence in the meeting on Wednesday, and then it will be done. You need to go be with your family.” I grabbed his hand.

“Honest.”

For a moment, he wavered. Then he nodded and hurried inside. I followed him and watched as he shoved his clothes into his duffel and grabbed his shaving kit from the bathroom. He stopped by the front door.

“I’m sorry.”

“No. There is no need to be sorry. Please drive safely, and call me with any updates.”

He pulled me into his arms and hugged me tight. He held me as if he were trying to embed me into his skin. His kiss was hard, deep, and intense.

“I’m as close as my phone. Call me. Promise me, Sprout. If you need me, call me.”

“I will.”

He began to walk away, and I called his name as a thought occurred to me.

“Noah, wait.”

He turned, his gaze quizzical.

“I’ll come with you.”

He frowned. “What?”

“I’ll follow you.”

He came back and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “Dani, what about work?”

I shook my head. “You need me. You’re more important.”

He cupped my face and kissed me. “Thank you for saying that. For offering. But I know you have to be at work.”

“Not tomorrow. I can take tomorrow off and be with you.”

“You’d do that?”

“Yes.”

He pulled me in for a hug. “Okay. I’ll wait.”

“Five minutes,” I promised, hurrying away. “Just five minutes!”

We arrived at the small hospital a short time later, Noah driving as fast as he could to get there. The waiting room was full. Ella and Gabe were there, Henry and Kris sitting next to them. Callie was outside, talking to John on the phone. She had told us they were waiting to talk to the doctor.