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R enewed resolve flooded my body after Jean-Luc left, so I threw myself into my work. A good harvest this year will mean plenty of product to sell.

We fell into a harsh drought last year, plus low customer numbers. It was the perfect storm for a losing year.

This year, I planned ahead.

I used my graphic design background to revamp our website, hopefully attracting a larger customer base. I shelled out any spare dollars I could for advertising on social media.

With Viktor watching Lily, I can focus solely on one task at a time. I spent the morning on the phone with every local grocer in the area, setting up meetings for the rest of the week with the managers .

Getting contracts with even a few of these stores could bring in a huge profit. Better yet, it’s a guaranteed amount of cash, not unpredictable like the money we make from people coming to pick their own apples.

Put a “locally grown organic” sticker on anything, and people snap it up—no matter the cost.

As I’m ticking off the last name on my list, the most divine aroma wafts through the crack in my office door. On cue, my stomach rumbles, reminding me I’ve been holed up in here for—I glance at the clock on my computer screen—four hours!

How is it already one o’clock?

I was so engrossed in my work that I completely forgot about Viktor and Lily in the other room.

Springing to my feet, I race to the door. Lily must be starving. We usually make lunch around noon, then she spends a few hours in her room for “quiet time.”

“I’m so sorry, Viktor. I lost track of—” The words die on my lips when I barrel into the kitchen and find my new nanny at the stove, flipping a grilled sandwich while Lily watches from her step stool.

“Momma!” My daughter hops down, running over to hug me.

On instinct, I scoop her into my arms and nuzzle the top of her head, the distinct soapy scent of her shampoo filling my nose. This, right here, is why I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. All the Lily hugs, kisses, and snuggles make it worth the stress .

Lifting my head, my gaze locks with ruby red irises. Viktor’s eyes crinkle slightly at the corners, one fang poking out from behind his smiling lips.

“Sorry. I got caught up with work. I meant to check in sooner.” Lily’s sticky fingers tangle in the stray curls that have fallen loose from my messy bun. I wince as pain radiates from my scalp.

This Adonis is standing in my kitchen, and I look like a hot mess. But when I get engrossed in work, everything else fades into the background, ceasing to exist.

Like a damn professional chef, Viktor flicks his wrist, jostling the frying pan ever-so-slightly and sending the grilled sandwich into the air.

His arm muscles bunch under the thin fabric of his dress shirt, and I can’t seem to peel my eyes away.

Even as the sandwich lands gracefully back in the pan, on the untoasted side.

“It’s not a problem.” The rich, smooth baritone of his voice pulls my attention from the defined muscle of his arms to his face. Flames flicker in his beautiful eyes, like he caught me drooling over him… and he liked it. “Miss Lily was hungry, so we decided to make some lunch. This one’s for you.”

And there go my cheeks again. I’m blushing like a damn nun in a brothel. Viktor’s kindness is disarming after being on my own for the past few years. I’m not used to someone putting my needs first.

“And look, Momma! My grilled cheese isn’t burned!”

My cheeks heat further at the rise in Viktor’s eyebrows. Clearing my throat, I set Lily on the ground. She scampers back to her step stool, eager eyes taking in all of Viktor’s movements as he plates the grilled sandwich. “I’ve only burned one—”

“Or five,” Lily chimes in.

“In my defense, I’m usually trying to do ten things at once,” I say, leaning a hip against the counter.

“Even the best chefs burn things on occasion.” Viktor chuckles. “Lunch is ready. Would you like to join us?”

By his side, Lily bounces on her toes.

“I would love to. Thank you for cooking.” As he passes by with the plates of food balanced in his hands, I catch a whiff of his earthy sandalwood scent.

Damn, he smells good.

When did I become so easily distracted by a man’s existence?

Shaking my head, I focus back on Lily. “Bug, can you pick some cups for us?”

She nods with enthusiasm before pushing her step stool to the other side of the kitchen. Climbing up and opening the cupboard, she taps a tiny finger on her chin while contemplating the choices.

Lily is at an age where she craves independence. But I’ve found giving her small, manageable tasks throughout the day keeps her from getting into trouble on her own… like finding the permanent markers in my office and coloring on the wall of the kitchen.

Her masterpiece still adorns the wall by the fridge. Two stick figures holding hands beneath a shining sun with an apple tree in the background. It’s clear by the matching smiles and curly hair, it’s me and her .

I haven’t had the heart to paint over it yet. Instead, I run my fingers over the happy faces whenever I walk by. It’s a reminder of why I’m working my ass off to save this place.

This orchard is Roman’s legacy, and I hope to pass it on to Lily someday.

“Unicorns?” She turns toward me, with three bright pink plastic cups with unicorns printed on them in her hands.

I raise my hand and give her a thumbs-up. “Perfect choice, bug. Why don’t you go sit with Viktor? I’ll bring the water over to the table.” Smiling, my eyes follow her as she runs to the old wooden table and hops into the chair right next to Viktor.

It’s clear she’s smitten with him already. Maybe he arrived at the perfect time—right when I needed someone the most.