“Hi,” I said, stepping up to the counter.
“You look like you’re craving something,” she said.
“Yes, something sweet,” I admitted.
Harmony grinned and slid a maple butter tart onto a small plate. “Try this.”
I took a bite and closed my eyes. “Oh wow.”
Harmony leaned on the counter with a proud smile. “Good, right?”
“Dangerously good,” I said, taking another bite.
She laughed softly. “How’s Maple Valley treating you?”
“I’m officially addicted to orchard life,” I admitted.
She nodded like she already knew. “It suits you.”
We spoke for a few minutes while she packed pastries for a couple of visitors who had wandered in from the orchard paths.
“What’s the plan with school?” she asked when the customers left.
“I’m working on applications,” I said. “Environmental science programs.”
“That makes sense.”
“Most deadlines passed already, though,” I admitted. “I’ll probably start next year.”
Harmony shrugged. “A year working in nature doesn’t sound like a bad deal.”
“It really doesn’t,” I agreed.
When I finished the tart, I thanked her and stepped back outside into the sunshine. The orchard stretched in neat rows around the property, visitors wandering through the paths with baskets and cameras. That’s when I spotted Elyna pushing Oli in his stroller along the gravel path that looped past the bakery.
“Hi!” I called.
She looked up and smiled. “Claire!”
I walked over and peeked into the stroller. Oli blinked up at me with wide, curious eyes.
“Oh my goodness,” I said softly. “He’s gotten so big.”
Elyna laughed. “He’s growing too fast.”
Oli waved one tiny fist in the air.
“Hi there,” I said, wiggling my fingers at him.
“How’s Asher feeling?” she asked.
“Better every day,” I said. “Though he refuses to slow down.”
Elyna nodded knowingly. “He’s a Thorne, it must be genetic.”
I wished her a good day and got back to my shift. Somewhere along the way, without even realizing it, Maple Valley had become home. I had my routine; I was surrounded by kind, caring people and a man I loved.
CHAPTER 35