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“So, you and Noel?” His sharp tone catches me off guard.

I’m not sure how to answer him or why exactly he seems so angry. I take a few steps to another tree and search the branches, coming back empty-handed.

Clearing my throat, I look over at him. “Something like that.”

Crossing his arms, he glares at me. “How long?”

Rubbing my hand across my chin, I start slowly up the hill. “Almost since the first day.” I grin, remembering her falling off the counter right into my arms.

She was like a gift from heaven.

“You love her?”

Love. It’s a word I’ve thought more than once, but I’ve never said it out loud. Here, in this fragrant grove with this kid who reminds me so much of myself, I decide it’s time to be honest.

“I do.”

“Have you told her?”

My lips press together, and I shake my head. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Ah… I don’t know.” Exhaling a deep breath, I level with him. “It’s not fair to tell her I love her and leave. It’s not fair to ask her to wait. I don’t know what might happen in the next eighteen months.”

“You were pretty sure of yourself when you got here.”

“Was I?” I think back fourteen days… it feels like a lifetime ago. I feel like a completely different person from the guy who rode in here in the middle of the night, fresh out of basic with Sawyer.

“You said you’d take care of my brother. You said you wouldn’t let anything happen to him.”

I hadn’t thought he was listening to me.

Lifting my chin, I meet his eyes. “I meant it.”

“You’ll have to take care of yourself if you plan to keep that promise.”

The side of my mouth lifts with a grin. “I guess I will.”

He turns and starts down the hill toward the house. “Noel’s a serious person. She’s got plans, and she doesn’t fall in love with just anybody. In fact, I don’t think she’s ever had a serious boyfriend.”

“Okay.” I won’t say I’m sorry to hear it.

“Whether you ask her or not, she’s going to wait for you.” He reaches over and takes the bucket of peaches. “I’ll kick your ass if you hurt my sister.”

Emotion hits me hard in the chest. Slowing my stride, I watch him stalk away from me, jogging up the back steps and into the house.

Noel is there, but I don’t go to her. I need to think. I need to decide my next moves and what I’m going to say. Either way, I’ve got to tell her the truth before I go.

12

Noel

The Peach Ball sounds like a big event, but it’s really more a reception with live music and dancing. It’s the final event of the festival, and the organizers go all out with a cash bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres… Still, it’s not an evening-gown and tuxedo type of thing.

Either way, I got a new little black dress to wear, and I’m hoping to make it a special night… A memory I hope will last us a while.

Taron is down at the cottage, and I’ve done my best to hold it together all day. Last night he slept in my bed, which is a first. Usually, I slip down to his place late in the evenings then back to my room before the sun comes up. It’s safer that way.