“Graphic designer, remember?” I shrugged. “Turns out those skills transfer pretty well to farm products.”
“No kidding.” Emily tucked the bottle under her arm and snatched the basket. “Come on. Evan's got his crew inside doing actual work, and I'm officially useless out here.”
She headed for her truck without waiting for an answer. I followed, climbing into the bed after her. Emily settled against the cab, already twisting open the lotion bottle.
“Lavender?”
“From the garden.”
She squeezed some onto her palm and rubbed her hands together. “God, that smells amazing.” She held her hands up to her face, inhaling. “Okay, you have to save me more bottles.”
“I'll make you a whole batch.” I grinned. “But you have to tell me what's going on with the house. It looks amazing.”
“It's coming along.” Emily twisted the lotion cap back on. “Evan's being his usual perfectionist self, which means everything takes twice as long but looks incredible.”
“So you're thinking... what? A few more months?”
“Should move in late fall, if we're lucky.” Emily stretched her legs out. “Nate's pushing for Thanksgiving, but I'm not holding my breath.”
“Well, I'm excited to have actual neighbors.” I pulled my knees up, wrapping my arms around them. “Instead of just goats and chickens judging my life choices.”
Emily snorted. “Please. Youlovethose goats.”
“They're growing on me,” I admitted.
“Speaking of—howisthe farm?” Emily's expression shifted, genuine interest replacing the teasing. “You surviving?”
“More than surviving, actually.” I smiled. “I mean, it's still chaotic. But it'smanageablechaos now. I know what I'm doing. Mostly.”
“Good.” Emily leaned back, satisfied. “Because watching you panic about everything those first few weeks? Exhausting.”
“I wasn'tthatbad.”
“You were a disaster,” Emily said flatly. “But you're figuring it out, and that's what matters.”
I bumped her shoulder with mine. “Thanks for not letting me spiral that night at the brewery.”
“Please. That's what friends are for.” Emily pulled one knee up. “But seriously, I'm glad you're settling in. The farm suits you.”
“Thanks.” I grinned. “It feels right, you know? Like I'm finally doing something that'smine.”
“Speaking of things that are yours...” Emily's smile turned wicked. “How's it going with Cal?”
My face went hot immediately. “What?”
“Don't play dumb.” Emily leaned forward. “Word around town is you two were pretty cozy after the last market.”
“Who—” I pressed my hands to my cheeks. “How does everyone alreadyknow?”
“Small town, babe.” Emily laughed. “People watch. People talk. And when the town's grumpiest vet startssmiling? Everyone notices.”
“Oh my God.”
“So?” Emily nudged my leg with her boot. “Spill.”
I opened my mouth, warmth spreading through my chest as I thought about Cal, the way he'd called himself smitten after my phone call with Walt, how he'd looked at me while we worked together.
“It's... It's perfect. He's?—”