I smile at Shay and then look at Jamie, taking in the tears at the corner of her eyes. “That depends.”
“On what?” Shay frowns.
I look into Jamie’s eyes. “On whether you’ll have me.”
For the longest few seconds of my life Jamie stares into my eyes, measuring me, weighing what I’m saying.
“’Course I do.” Shay tugs on my hand again.
I smile at her. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” And with that, Shay nods and then runs after her brothers, circling them and joining in the tumbling.
There’s a beat of silence and then I say, “Were you going somewhere?”
At the same time, Jamie says, “Why did you really come back?”
She shakes her head and flushes. Grandma Allwright slams the front door of the station wagon. This time though, instead of spitting on the ground, she takes one look at me and says, “About time you came to your senses.” Then she waves her hand and starts down the driveway. “I’m going home. I’ve got zucchini to pick.”
Jamie watches her grandma leave with a stunned expression.
“I think she likes me.” I smile at Jamie, showing her that dimple she likes so much.
She nods. “I think so too.”
“Do you?”
“Do I what?”
“Like me.”
She shakes her head. “Not so much.”
I feel like I’ve just been tackled and the breath has left me.
Jamie takes my hand. “I don’t like you. Like doesn’t even begin to describe what I feel about you. That’s like describing a sunrise that takes your breath away as pretty. How could pretty describe everything you feel?”
“It couldn’t.” I reach out and tuck a strand of hair behind her ear; my body rejoices at finally touching her again.
“So no, I don’t like you. I…do you remember when you asked whether I’d ever left this mountain.”
I wince. “I’m sorry.”
“No, it’s okay. I haven’t.” She nods her head. “I was just about to leave for the first time, to come find you. Not because I like you, but because I love you.”
I feel winded, like I just ran up the mountain to reach her. I thread my fingers through hers and never want to let go.
“I’d really like to kiss you.” I stare at the lips that have haunted my dreams since the day I met her. “But first…” I take a step back, letting go of her hand, and then, “Hello. My name’s Gavin Williams’. I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and I’ve never felt this way about anyone. I want to marry you. I want more kids with you. I want to give you everything you’ve ever dreamed of. When I’m with you, I feel like there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” I smile and hold out my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Jamie bites her bottom lip and then takes my hand. “Hello. I’m Jamie Sutton. I have three kids, a horde of chickens—”
“You didn’t eat them?” I interrupt.
She laughs. “Diedre’s watching them.”
“Good.” That darn rooster grew on me.
Jamie smiles and then squeezes my hand. “I have a dog. A feisty Gran. And the first time I saw you I fell right into love.”