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“I hadn’t thought of that,” Jessica admitted.

“Rustin could have his food truck here,” said Chloe. “And you could book other trucks—maybe theme the style of food with the music.”

Jessica wasn’t sure if that was practical, and yet her dream was starting to feel very real and maybe closer than she realized.

Chapter Ten

That evening aftera long workday that had all of them drooping even after they’d showered and changed and Grandma Millie had returned with groceries, Jessica sat in the hubbub of her sisters and Grandma Millie, laughing and talking and cooking, but for the first time, she felt lonely.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Grandma Millie slid her arm around Jessica as she made mocktails for all of them.

“I was thinking about Storm,” she answered honestly. “I feel like we should have invited him to stay. We’re all together cooking and having a good time, and he’s—” She broke off as she met Grandma Millie’s piercing green eyes—still sharp though she was nearing eighty. “Well, I guess I don’t know what he’s up to. I didn’t ask.”

Because it was family time. Surely, he’d understand that. But he didn’t have siblings, and he’d lost his parents when he’d been young. Her heart ached and guilt pinched.

“Maybe he had a hot date tonight,” she said, frowning, although it wasn’t fair that she didn’t like that idea. She didn’t want to date him.

“He’s not dating anyone,” Chloe called out. “I asked him because I saw how he was looking at you at the after-party at the Movable Feast.”

A few laughs, cheers and amused ‘ooooohs’ and ‘aaaaaahs, girl.’

Jessica flushed. “He wasn’t looking at me a certain way,” she said defensively. “I don’t even think I noticed him at the party so he probably didn’t notice me.”

Chloe laughed. “Prime example of protesting too much. And no one ever doesn’t notice you. You’re straight outta a Botticelli canvas.”

“I’m not.”

“Storm is a very handsome young man from a devout, hardworking family. He’s certainly helping you bring some order to this place,” Grandma Millie said, smoothing down the conversation. “He deserves happiness and a woman and family as devoted to him as he is to them.”

“He has been tireless,” she said in a low voice, ripping up a few mint leaves to sprinkle on the drinks and then adding the dehydrated and candied blood-red orange slice on the side of the doctored glass that was lined with crystalized sugar and spice.

“You were right. I really did need help with the hardscape and big picture. Don’t think I’m not grateful that you are all helping to pay him for his time,” she said.

Chloe dashed over and hugged her. “Of course. Anytime. I’m not paying as much as Sarah and Meghan, but Rustin comps him meals at the Wild Side to help pay for the construction work, and he’s kept the tab open for his grandparents as well.”

“I don’t want to take advantage of Storm,” Jessica said. “I’m providing breakfast and lunch for him and his crew when he brings them. I didn’t even want him,” she admitted. “I was afraid that he’d mansplain everything and boss and shoot down my ideas since he has a degree in horticulture and landscape design and all I have is me and a lot of experience and desire.”

“Doing and experience trumps a degree any day,” Chloe said staunchly.

“Says the teacher.” Grandma Millie smiled wryly. “Are you going to share those drinks, Jessica, or hoard them all night and try to pretend you don’t notice Storm as a man?”

“Grandma Millie.” Jessica was shocked. Even more so when she saw the quirk of a smile.

“Chloe is correct. You do protest far too much, dear.”

They took the drinks and appetizers out to the porch to watch the last of the sunset.

“I’m going to need to sit down with Mom and Dad to tell them what I’m doing,” Jessica admitted. “I’m surprised they haven’t come up here demanding answers.”

Chloe zipped her lips. “Your news to tell.”

“Lots of changes already,” Grandma Millie said. “Are you happy?”

“I am,” she admitted. “More than I imagined. I feel…like I’m the real me working outside, working so hard. I hurt and I’m exhausted many days, but I no longer have trouble sleeping and having Storm here to bounce ideas with—” She broke off. “But I won’t feel solid until I tell Mom and Dad. Let them have their say. I know they’ll be disappointed.”

She took a sip of her drink. “Maybe this Sunday dinner.” She dreaded the thought.

“Not this Sunday. They have an event in Charlotte, but soon, Jessica.” Grandma Millie covered her hand with hers. “Soon. And you won’t disappoint them by following your heart. They love you. They just want you to be secure and happy.”