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I couldn’t help but laugh at his teasing tone. “I think that’s the smartest idea I’ve heard all day.”
Wells smirked, raising his water glass in a mock toast. “To flowers and no goats,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I clinked my glass against his, smiling despite myself. “To flowers and no goats,” I agreed, knowing this was only the beginning of many more farm-related adventures.
CHASING AFTER YOU
The soft glow of candlelight flickered across the small farmhouse table, casting long shadows on the walls. The air smelled of fresh herbs and roasted vegetables from dinner, the only sound being the occasional clink of silverware against plates. It had been a long day—hell, a long week—and I couldn’t help but notice how tired Rose looked.
She sat across from me, eyes still heavy with exhaustion, pushing food around on her plate. I knew she was hardly eating. She’d been like that for days now—constantly busy, always working on something, always putting everyone else before herself. It had been a lot—too much—and I could see the weariness in her. But Rose didn’t exactly wear her exhaustion like a badge; she kept pushing through, determined as ever.
I’d been watching her for a while now, stealing glances as she tried to carry on, but even she couldn’t hide how tired she was. The energy that had been there when she first came to the farm had started to wane, and while I admired her work ethic, it was clear she needed a break.
I set my fork down and leaned forward, studying her. “You’ve been working nonstop, Rose.”
She didn’t meet my gaze. “I’m fine,” she replied, the words lacking their usual conviction. She smiled, but it was weak, not her usual bright grin. “It’s just a lot right now.”
I didn’t believe her for a second, but I didn’t push. Rose was the kind of person who would rather suffer in silence than admit when she needed help. And while I respected that, I wasn’t about to sit back and watch her run herself into the ground.
“You’ve been pushing yourself hard,” I said, trying to keep my tone light. “And I think it’s time we celebrate.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback. “Celebrate? What for? The fact that I’ve barely slept in a week?”
“No,” I said, chuckling. “Celebrate the launch of Solace Blooms. You’ve worked so damn hard to get here, and it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor.”
She looked skeptical, her brow furrowing as she glanced at me. “I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just relax for the night, catch up on some sleep.”
I smiled softly. “I think sleep can wait.”
She laughed lightly, though it was more out of politeness than amusement. “Well, sleep’s kind of the only thing I want right now.”
“You’ll sleep plenty tomorrow,” I assured her, leaning back in my chair. “Tomorrow, you sleep in. I’ll handle everything on the farm. I promise you, it’ll all get taken care of.”
She raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. “And what’s your plan, then? What do you want me to do?”
I leaned forward again, my voice turning playful. “You can do whatever you want tomorrow. Take the truck if you’d like. But in the evening, we’re going out. Just like you would back in Seattle. You’re going to enjoy yourself for once, and no more farm work for the day. Deal?”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “Wait—what? You’re planning a night out for me?”
“Of course,” I said with a grin. “You’ve been working too hard. Tomorrow, you get to enjoy yourself. No excuses.”
She hesitated, looking down at her plate before glancing back up at me. “I don’t know, Wells. I’m not sure I’m in the mood to go out right now. I’m honestly too tired for anything too exciting.”
“Then something low-key,” I suggested. “We’ll just grab a drink, maybe catch a bite to eat, and talk. You deserve a break.”
Her lips quirked upward, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Are you asking me out on a date?”
I froze for a second, caught off guard by her comment. Then I shook my head, laughing softly. “Not a date. Just two people who happen to be friends, enjoying a drink together. You’ve been working your ass off, Sunshine. You deserve to unwind a little. Just one night. That’s all I’m asking.”
She raised both eyebrows, clearly amused. “Uh-huh. Sure. You’re not trying to woo me with a nice dinner and drinks?”
I chuckled. “Rose, I’m not trying to woo you. I’m trying to get you to stop working for five minutes and let yourself have a little fun. So, what’s it going to be?”
She leaned back in her chair, tapping her fingers on the edge of the table. I could see the wheels turning in her head, weighing the idea. She still looked hesitant, but I could see the exhaustion in her eyes begin to soften, like maybe the idea of taking a break didn’t sound so bad after all.
“I guess I did like going out with friends in Seattle,” she said after a beat, her tone more thoughtful now. “Grabbing a drink, chatting, just doing something that wasn’t related to work. I miss that.”
“I know,” I said quietly, understanding the sentiment all too well. Rose had given up a lot to come here—leaving behind a life that, despite everything, she’d seemed to enjoy. I didn’t want her to feel like she’d left it all behind without getting something out of this new chapter, too.
