Harvest of Love: Insta-Spark Collection

I grinned. “You had this planned.”

She shrugged. “I had a feeling you’d want to do something you enjoyed. I thought I could help.”

“Did you bring any blueberries?”

“Ella can get some.”

“Let’s get to it.”

Noah’s head snapped up when we walked into the restaurant, carrying the pans of peach-blueberry cobblers I’d made. He hurried over, taking the pan from my hands and swiftly kissing me. “What’s this for?”

“I thought you’d like to give your Friday night diners a treat.”

“You amaze me.”

“Your mom helped.”

“The customers will love it.”

I stroked his cheek. “I was happy to do it.” I tamped down my nerves. “I thought maybe I could stay…and help out?”

His eyes glowed. “Yeah? You feel up to it?”

“Yes, I do. I miss being here.”

“Is that the only reason?”

I stood on my toes, pulling his head closer. “I missed you too.”

He smiled that wicked, wonderful grin—one side of his sexy mouth curling higher, making me warm inside. “I like having you here, Sprout.”

Callie shouted over. “Hey, enough PDA in the kitchen!”

“Shut it,” he growled and winked at me. “My girl just made tonight even better. She deserves PDA.”

I kissed his cheek. “Go and cook. I’ll get my station ready for dessert.” Slowly, I slid my lips over to his ear. “I made extra and left it at home for you.”

He kissed me again, his lips hard and insistent, stroking my tongue firmly with his own. It was fast, hot, and deep, and left me wanting more.

He smirked and dropped another kiss on my mouth. “Your reward shall be great.”

I shook my head as I went over to the corner I liked to work in.

I already had my reward.

I had him.

The moon was full, the air chilly as we walked along the dirt road, hand in hand, later that night. Service had been busy, my dessert selling out, and the impromptu meal after had been another one filled with laughter and teasing. It felt good to be back in the kitchen, watching Noah and Callie work together. Listening to their teasing. Joining in on it. It made me feel normal again.

Ella and Gabe were there, and Ray came to say hello. He looked better, his bruises almost healed. He was anxious to get out of the cast but knew there was nothing he could do to speed it up. He grumbled to me he was grounded for a month, and I met Ella’s amused expression.

“What you did was reckless. You deserved to be grounded,” she admonished him, then kissed his cheek. “You got off light compared to your friend. He’s grounded for the rest of the year. Plus, be grateful your dad didn’t take away the gift Auntie Dani sent you.”

He loved the drone I had sent him. I’d ordered it and had it delivered. It arrived after he got home from the hospital, and his reaction to it had been effusive. Noah brought him to see me once I was feeling better, and I went outside with him and he showed me how well he could use it even with his arm in a sling.

I ruffled his hair and leaned forward, dropping my voice. “Behave, and I bet your dad lets up on you. He has to follow the dad protocol, you know.”

Ray grinned and hugged me. The whole family was affectionate, and I was slowly getting used to it. I loved the hugs, and I secretly adored being called Auntie. It made me feel as if I were part of the family. As if I belonged there.

Kris and Henry came for dessert, and everyone was shocked at Noah’s magnanimous gesture of giving his father the last slice of cobbler we’d set aside for the family. Kris shot me a wink since she knew I had another pan sitting on the counter at Noah’s, which was the only reason he handed Henry the piece without a second thought. He had no plans on sharing his secret treasure.

I shivered in the thin sweater I was wearing. Noah stopped, shrugging off his jacket and holding it open so I could slide my arms in. Instantly, I was surrounded by him. His rich, fallen-leaves scent was soaked into the denim, the warmth of his body still lingering in the fabric. He curled his arm around my waist, tucking me into his side, and we continued to walk.

“It’s so pretty here.” I tilted my head, looking up at the inky black of the night sky. “You can see so many stars—it’s like thousands of diamonds.”

“I know. It’s so clear out here. Quiet, too.”

He was right. It felt as if we were alone in the world. The only sounds around us were our muted footsteps, the buzz of insects, and the breeze as it raced across the dark fields.

“I’ll miss it,” I murmured without thinking.

Noah’s steps faltered; he turned to me, holding my arm. “What did you say?”