Page 75 of Your Love

I steal a glance at Landry and am struck by his unwavering strength and determination. Hopefully, one day, this place won’t just be mine. It will be ours.

“For tonight, I’m going to drive around and check the fencing and the coop,” he announces, bringing me back to the present. “Tomorrow, I’ll start working on burying some mesh around the sides of the enclosure.”

“Give me a few minutes to change, and I’ll go with you. I’ll help tomorrow, too.”

Landry’s surprised expression catches my eye. “You don’t have any plans for a Saturday?” he asks incredulously.

I shrug. “Not really,” I reply honestly. “My life mainly consists of school and trying to figure out how to prove to you that I deserve another chance.”

A soft chuckle escapes his lips. “And how’s that going?” he teases.

“It’s not easy. I can’t exactly bring you flowers, pamper you during your period, or be chivalrous by carrying you over puddles. I’m at a bit of a loss.”

Landry’s eyes light up as he responds, “I think being yourself is working just fine.”

Warmth spreads through me at his response. I turn to go inside and change. “Give me five minutes.”

Landry calls from behind me. “Are you sure? It’s going to be a lot of work. Digging up dirt isn’t for the faint of heart.”

“Excuse me,” I retort playfully. “This isn’t my first rodeo. I’ve been working on farms since I could walk, Landry. If anything, you’ll have to keep up with me.”

He chuckles and lifts his hands defensively. “Okay, Wildflower, let’s do it.” The nickname rolls off his tongue effortlessly, making my heart flutter.

The rich, earthy scent of fresh dirt envelops me. Checking the fencing on the perimeter of this acreage is already a daunting task. But despite my tank top being drenched in sweat and dotted with bits of soil, I’m happy.

Landry watches me with an amused smile, his clothes bearing the same signs of labor as mine.

“You know,” I say, “this place would’ve gone under long ago if it weren’t for you.”

He moves closer to me, close enough that I can smell traces of his cologne underneath the sweat. Shivers course through my body as he brushes his thumb against my cheek, causing a flush to rise to my cheeks. “You’re still so beautiful,” he whispers huskily, “even covered in dirt.”

“Don’t forget the chicken poop.” Why am I like this?

Landry dips his head, his warm breath caressing my lips before he gently presses them with a soft kiss. There’s a lingering tenderness in the way he holds me, but also restraint. This isn’t a fleeting moment of passion that leads to sex; it’s a promise for the future—a vow of devotion and love.

Chapter 35

“You Get What You Give”

Landry - Age 23, 1993

I’m in a good place right now. The constant knot of anxiety in my stomach has loosened, and I feel lighter. Kerri is back in my life, and although we haven’t acted on our feelings past that kiss, the sparks between us are still there. We’re not done yet.

My latest project is pitching a proposal to Earl. With my experience and connections in the agriculture distribution industry, I think I can help turn part of his unused land into a thriving vegetable farm. My goal is to get his produce into local stores and restaurants, boosting both his income and the community’s access to fresh, healthy food.

I think he will be on board with the idea, but I want to do my due diligence first. I’ve been researching market demand, potential partnerships, and sustainable farming practices to present him with a comprehensive plan before he makes any decisions.

That’s going to happen when we return, but for the next few days, my friend group is in Edmonton, Ontario, to celebrate Ivy and Delzy’s first place together. He decided to make the entire thing more complicated than necessary, so we’re standing around and waiting to surprise Ivy when she gets here.

As I’m chatting with Delzy’s teammates, Cupid himself saunters over to me, a smug grin on his face. “Chewbacca,” he says, giving me a playful nod.

I roll my eyes and reply, “I hate you.” He shrugs in response.

“Thank you for taking care of Kerri in Hawaii.” I’ve meant to tell him that for a while now.

“Anytime,” he replies nonchalantly. “Can you believe how many people from Merrimack are here? It’s like a mini-reunion.”

Curious, I ask, “Who were you just talking to?”