Hart's Hollow Farm (New Americana 4)

And every Saturday morning, Kristen admitted reluctantly, she’d caught herself listening eagerly for the soft telltale footfalls that signaled Sadie was close behind, and she lingered longer over her morning coffee when the little girl slept late, giving her extra time to catch up to her before she left for the fields.

It was an odd mix of new feelings—this eagerness for Sadie’s presence but a nagging need to still maintain some distance.

“Cushions would be a nice touch.” Kristen smiled at Sadie, then glanced at Mitch. “Is there a store in town that sells them?”

Mitch nodded. “Jake’s Hardware, probably. They have rocking chairs, too. We could make the drive in tomorrow morning, if you’re up to it.”

“I’d love to.” Kristen glanced at Emmy. “I have it on good authority that Saturday is the perfect day to take a trip to town and break in the summer.”

Emmy laughed. “If you’re going to do it right, don’t forget to start at the Dutch Bakery and get a—”

“Blueberry and cream cheese sweet roll,” Kristen said, finishing for Emmy, a warm feeling of excitement bubbling within her. One she hadn’t felt in a long time. “Then go to Essie’s Odds and Ends to browse the antiques. Will you go with us, Emmy?”

Emmy remained quiet for a moment, her smile fading slightly. “No. I’ve grown pretty fond of sleeping in on the weekends, thanks to the two of you spoiling me.” She glanced between them, her smile returning full force and a mischievous sparkle brightening her eyes. “I’ll stay here with the kids so y’all can have a relaxing morning and some privacy for a change.”

Kristen’s face burned. She ducked her head and shot a look at Mitch, then made a face when he laughed and shrugged. They’d grown closer lately, but she’d thought they’d done a pretty good job of hiding it—especially around Emmy and the children.

Despite her best intentions to maintain a hard dividing line between her professional and personal life, the two had meshed after her night on the porch with Mitch. And how could they not? The hurt, vulnerable look in his eyes that night had called to something deep inside her. A strong urge to comfort, support, and . . . love?

Love. She repeated the word in her head, turning it over, inspecting the way the syllable conjured up a sweet throb in her middle that pulsated up to her chest as she studied Mitch’s familiar features.

“Tomorrow morning it is, then.” Mitch held her gaze, his blue eyes gentle and warm.

Kristen nodded slowly, that pleasant feeling inside her intensifying. Heaven, indeed.

The low rumble of an engine and the swish of tires sounded up the dirt driveway. A small sedan rounded the circular end of the drive, then drew to a stop in front of the house.

“Ruth Ann.” Emmy walked to the top porch step, shifting the majority of her weight to her good knee. “First time she’s driven up this driveway in at least ten years. Figures she’d show up now, when we’re having such a good day.”

“Emmy.” Mitch’s voice held an admonishing note. “Keep an open mind, all right? Maybe she’s just stopping by for a friendly visit.”

“Hogwash.” Emmy scowled. “The woman’s here to irritate me with some inane thing.” Her frown deepened as Ruth Ann exited the car, shut the door, and smoothed a hand over her full white skirt. “She called me a devil.”

“Well”—Mitch lifted his shoulders—“you’ve called her worse things, Emmy.”

She looked up, brow wrinkling as she considered it, then blew out a breath. “I suppose.”

Ruth Ann walked across the front lawn, made her way to the lowest porch step and smiled. “Good afternoon, everyone.” She tilted her head back, and eyes widening, she surveyed the new railings, the decorative balusters, and the pristine Gothic trim. Her mouth formed into a small O. “Lee told me you were renovating the place, but he didn’t mention how wonderful it was turning out.” Her gaze swept over Mitch, Kristen, and Sadie, then came to rest on Emmy. “It’s beautiful, Emmy. Stunning, really.”

Emmy crossed her arms. “Whatcha want?”

Ruth Ann spread her manicured hands. “To pay my neighbor a visit.”

“Why? It’s been a month of Sundays since you stepped foot on my land, and I can’t recall you ever once paying me a so-called neighborly visit since me and Joe moved in.”

Ruth Ann’s chest lifted on a deep inhale, and she raised her brows. “Well, I guess I just . . . missed your company.”

“Missed my—” Emmy drew back and made a face. “You heard about what happened in town a couple weeks ago, didn’t you?”

Ruth Ann looked away, shifting from one high heel to the other and picking at a pleat on her yellow blouse. “I don’t know to what you’re referring.”

Emmy narrowed her eyes. “Oh, yes you do. You heard about my meltdown and decided to come over here to gloat, didn’t you?” She motioned with her hand when Ruth Ann didn’t respond. “Didn’t you?”

“Oh, all right.” Eyes flashing, Ruth Ann straightened. “I heard about what happened, but I didn’t come here to gloat. I came to buy strawberries for shortcakes, and I brought the other makings for them in hopes that you’d consider putting a few together with me for the children.” Her expression softened. “Like we used to do with my mom after getting out of school for the summer. Those were good memories, Emmy.”

Emmy stared, her shoulders relaxing. “Good memories?”

“Yes. You and I made a lot of them during our younger years.” Ruth Ann’s voice shook. “Ones I found myself wanting to revisit lately, especially after I heard . . .” She shrugged, her chin trembling slightly as she shot a glance at Mitch. “That is, I thought it might help to have an old friend around. And I hoped we could come to a truce, if you’re willing?”