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“That is lucky. We give y’all gloves for a reason, you know? But never fear, it’s just because the skin of the berries has a high color pigment. It’ll fade in a few days and be good as new.”

“So we won’t be Edward purple-hands forever then?” I ask, earning a snort from the man beside me.

Maisie grins knowingly. “Nope. And better still,” she says, leaning in a little.

“It won’t transfer onto other things…or people.

” She winks and I have to bite back a startled gasp.

Who knew Maisie had it in her? “Now, why don’t y’all check out the food my husband Marty is cookin’ on the grill.

He can tell you where to move your truck for the drive-up movie.

While you’re doin’ that, I’ll pack up these berries for you to take home.

Just remember the gloves next time. Yeah? ”

Case purses his lips and I can tell he’s trying hard not to laugh.

“Thanks, Maisie. Much appreciated,” I reply.

“Anytime. Maybe you’ll come back for another date in August to pick some of our apples. They won’t stain anythin’.”

“We’ll keep that in mind. Thanks, again,” Case says, pressing his hand to my back again as we head back around the side of the barn, just stepping out of view before we both lose it.

“OK, it’s not just me, right? She said her husband was called Marty. So his name is Marty Martin?” I say, wheezing from laughing so much.

“Yep. I’m glad you stepped in because I was totally goin’ to give myself away back there.”

“I could tell. You’re welcome,” I say, still sounding breathless.

Case’s eyes turn from warm to blazing as we stand there staring at each other. Suddenly, the very last thing on my mind is berries, stained hands, snacks, or movies. There’s only one thing I want to do and going by the look on my handsome date’s face, he’s feeling the same way.

He takes a step closer, his body gently pushing mine against the side of the barn. He slides one of his hands up my arm, giving me more goosies before stopping his exploration on my shoulder, the other hand lifting to cup my cheek.

The air crackles between us the longer we stand there, eyes locked as he brushes the pad of his thumb over my bottom lip.

My breathing labors, all I can see, all I can feel is Case. In that moment, all I want–no, what I need –is to kiss this man.

Decision made, I rise on my toes and lift my chin, my eyes fluttering closed just as our lips are about to touch for the very first time. Then a familiar singsong voice breaks the moment.

“Hey, you two. Did y’all get lost?”

Case steps back and rubs the back of his neck, his cheeks flushing pink as he looks at the ground with a small grin. “Ah… yeah.”

“Well now, don’t you worry about that,” Maisie says, completely oblivious. “Let me take you to Marty. Follow me.”

“Did we just get kiss-blocked by a woman who talks about aliens?” he says under his breath we follow behind her.

“Yep,” I say, grinning wide and hoping my flustered cheeks are cooling down some.

“Can I get a do-over later?” he whispers next to my ear.

I look up at him, hoping he can read everything I’m trying to tell him in my gaze. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t, curious.” I reach down and lace our fingers together. “Now let’s go meet the famous Marty . We’ve got snacks to get and a movie to watch.”

Steak sandwiches, warm cider, and a Haskap crumble were the ‘snacks’ Marty served up, all packaged together in a brown paper bag for us to enjoy while sitting in a field a little way away from the barn.

Soon enough, there are six trucks and two cars parked in two lines, Case parking us in the left back corner, the tailgate facing a huge inflatable screen the Martins set up.

Proving he’s a man with a plan, he lowers the tailgate to reveal blankets and pillows to keep us comfortable.

After a few minutes of preparation where he wouldn’t let me touch a thing, we lean against the back window, side by side, hip to hip, ready to eat and enjoy the movie.

Which ironically, is one I’ve seen many many times but has taken on a whole new meaning after today—Independence Day.

“I think the universe is havin’ fun with us today,” Case murmurs when the title credits roll on screen.

“Maybe there are UFOs around these parts,” I say with a giggle.

We fall into a comfortable silence as we dig into the food, a moan escaping as I taste the beef and garlic mayo sandwich.

“That good, huh?” Case muses, shooting me a heated look.

I grin, grabbing a napkin to wipe my mouth. “Yup. A great finish to a great date.”

“It has been, hasn’t it.” His eyes drop to my lips. “Even with Maisie’s untimely interruption.”

I lean in, my entire body overheating. It has nothing to do with the blankets and everything to do with the man sitting next to me. “Maybe the universe was havin’ her own fun.”

He arches a brow. “You think she’s into delayed gratification?”

“Well, I’m usually not,” I say quietly as my eyes roam over his handsome face. “But there’s somethin’ to be said about anticipation.”

He dips his head, locking his intense dark eyes with mine.

“You don’t think eight months is long enough to wait to kiss you?

” There’s a magnetic pull between us that I can no longer fight—not that I ever wanted to.

And the more he speaks, the stronger it gets.

“That mornin’ I woke up and found your note, I’ve never been more disappointed. ”

“Why?” I whisper, our faces so close now I can feel his breath caressing my skin.

“Because I knew there was somethin’ different about us, about our connection. I was scared I’d never get another chance. Never get this chance…” His voice is soft and low now, every word touching my heart,

“And now that you do?” I breathe, hoping that he’ll just take what we both desperately want–and this time, without interruptions.

He leans in, stopping just as he’s about to touch me, a smile gracing his lips before they finally meet in a slow, sweet, savoring kiss that sends sparks of awareness, heat, and need coursing through me.

The world—and the movie—fades away, leaving only the sensation of his lips moving against mine, the warmth of his touch searing…branding. It’s like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Like coming home. Like that first taste of delicious pecan pie.

No. This is finding the thing you felt was missing all along, even before you knew what–or who–it was.

With this one kiss, I know with absolute certainty that Case was meant to be in my life.

When we finally pull away, I can't help but smile as we slowly catch our breath. "Definitely worth the wait."

Case chuckles softly, his eyes meeting mine with a gentle surety that makes my heart flutter and the butterflies settle in for the long haul. "Definitely worth it."

“So…about that second date?” I murmur as he wraps me up and we try to give our attention to the movie. Something I find impossible since my lips are still tingling from our kiss.

He tightens his hold around me before nuzzling that sensitive spot below my ear. “I thought you’d never ask, beautiful.”