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That brightened her smile even more.
“Where do you want to go?”
“I thought we could grab some food and eat a picnic on my new land.”
“Your new land?”
“Hickory Ridge. I own it now.”
“Oh, right. It’s strange to think it’s yours now.”
And he could take Sariah back to the spot where they’d had their first kiss whenever he wanted.
“We’re going to start construction on the land soon. I’d like to completely renovate the main house and build another structure on the land for lodging for the rehab participants.”
They got some dinner, and he drove out to the farm. They got out of the car, and he pulled a blanket from the trunk that he’d borrowed from his grandmother’s house.
“Look at you, being all prepared,” Sariah said.
He spread the blanket out on the grass, and they settled on it together. They pulled out their burgers and fries and started eating.
“Sariah.” He met her eyes. “I have something to tell you that changes things a lot. Well, two things.”
She swallowed her food. She looked nervous. “What is it?”
“I’m in love with you.”
Tenderness filled her eyes. “I’m in love with you too.”
He reached out and kissed her. “I was hoping you’d say that.”
Their kiss lingered for a moment before she sweetly pulled away. “I think I’ve been in love with you for a long time, but I’ve been denying it because of what happened with Elliot. And I wasn’t sure how you felt.”
“I’m glad you finally saw the truth.”
“Me too.” She cocked her head. “You said you had two things to tell me. What’s the other thing.”
“I’m thinking about moving back to Maple Creek.”
She gaped at him. “What about your baby?”
“That’s the part that’s new.” He told her about how Orchid had approached him, and how he was going to have custody of the baby as soon as she was born. “I know this changes things, but I want you to know, I’m going to be around a lot more. I have my grandmother here and the rehab center. Maple Creek seems like a better place to raise a kid than New York.”
“That’s amazing news, Kane.”
“So, what do you say? Are you up for being in a committed relationship with me?”