Hometown Love (Love on the North Shore #2)(44)
“We’ll see. First, let’s pick apples and pumpkins. If we’re up for it after that, we can check out the ice cream.”
Satisfied with his answer, Grace and Brianna walked together in front of them. “Those two really are like sisters,” Jessie said as they walked together, Mack’s arm slung over her shoulders. Even though they’d been together about a month now, a warm glow still flowed through her every time he touched her.
“They’re only months apart and neither has a brother or sister. Even after Erin has the baby, I think they’ll still be this close.” Mack pulled her against him and kissed her forehead. “I’m glad you could come with us today.”
When he’d first invited her along, she’d been conflicted. After hearing it was a tradition he’d done with Grace for years, she hadn’t wanted to interfere. Neither Mack nor Grace liked her initial refusal, and both set out to change her mind, a task they’d accomplished in record time. “Me, too.”
They fell silent and boarded the tractor-pulled wagon that would carry them off to the orchard. The wagon swayed and jarred them as it passed row after row of apple trees. The orchard didn’t allow customers to pick just anywhere. Each day, the staff determined which grove of trees would be used.
When the wagon stopped, an employee climbed onboard. “Okay, folks. Before you get started, I have a few announcements.” She waited until she had everyone’s attention before she continued. “Today, we’re picking Gala, Cortland, and Golden Delicious apples. Sorry, we’re all out of Honey Crisp. Please remember to twist the apple from the tree; don’t pull it. Finally, we realize everyone likes to eat an apple or two. Please throw your cores in one of the white buckets at the end of each aisle.” Announcements over, the employee exited the wagon, a trail of eager customers behind her.
“Do you make apple pie?” Mack asked as Grace and Brianna set off in search of apples.
“Sometimes. I have a recipe for apple bread, too.” They joined the girls at a tree. At first glance, it appeared empty, but after careful inspection, Grace spotted some bright red apples near the top.
“Daddy can you lift me up? The apples are too high.”
With ease, Mack sat Grace on his shoulders. “Just pick a few. There are a lot more trees.” While Grace choose her favorites, Mack looked back at Jessie. “I’ll make a deal with you. If you make an apple pie tonight, I’ll cook dinner.”
Tonight would be only the second time since they’d almost made love that they’d be alone. Instead, she’d always spent time with Mack and his daughter either at his house or someplace public. Tonight, though, after apple-picking, the plan was to drop the girls off at his sister’s house so that Erin and her husband could take them to a fair in South Yarmouth first thing in the morning.
On the one occasion she and Mac had been alone, they’d done plenty of kissing but nothing more. He never commented on what had happened weeks earlier, and he didn’t push her toward anything more. Even with all that, she didn’t know how much longer he’d be willing to wait before he told her to put out or get out. She tried to not dwell on the possibility that he might get fed up with waiting. Despite her best efforts, though, she did dwell at times, and when she did, the thoughts of losing him tore her insides to shreds. Even with the fear, she refused to cave in and give him control. She’d been down that road. This time when she made love, it would be when she wanted it no matter what.
Unwelcome tension stretched over her as she considered the night ahead. Enjoy yourself. Focus on the here and now.
“What do you say?” he asked as he put down Grace and hoisted up Brianna so she could grab a few apples.
“You have a deal.”
Over the years, Jessie had gone apple-picking several times. Never, though, did it take as long to fill their bag as it did that day. One would’ve thought that with four people picking, they would have filled the bag after two or three rows, but not today. And not for lack of trying. Rather, there just were not as many apples as previous years. She’d read on the news that this year’s crop was poor, but hadn’t expected it to be like this.
“Time to call it a day,” Mack said about an hour after they started.
Brianna dropped an apple into the bag while she bit into another, the juice dripping down her chin. “Our bag is super full.”
“Perfect for lots of pies. Now, let’s grab some pumpkins, and if you girls still want, we can get ice cream.”
“I hope they have Green Monster. It’s the best,” Brianna said.
As a group, they walked to the wagon stop for a ride back. “I thought your favorite was Chocolate Chip.”
“Green Monster is my favorite now, Uncle Mack. Grace, you have to try it.”
The scent of diesel fuel reached them, signaling that the tractor pulling the wagon was close.
“What’s your favorite, Mack?” Jessie asked. She’d learned so much about it him over the past month, but there remained many things she didn’t know.
“That depends.” They walked forward as the wagon rolled to a stop. “If I’m in the mood for something traditional, it’s coffee. Otherwise, my favorite is Candy Dish. A place in Boston sells it.” Mack followed her up the wooden steps. “What about you? I bet whatever it is, it contains peanut butter.”