Sweet Stallion

“This?”

“Norris Farms. You’ve got quite an operation here.”

“Thank you. It’s been a blessing, and with the new land, I can expand our operations and open a community food co-op. I’m very excited about that.”

Patrick’s eyes widened as he dropped another handful of strawberries into her basket, moving along the row of vines with her. “A co-op? Really? Will it be open enrollment or private?”

Naomi nodded. “Open. And there’s a definite need for one. I already have a lengthy list of prospective members. My farm in Arizona has been very successful and I hope to duplicate that here.”

“You have a farm in Arizona, too?”

Naomi snickered softly. “I do. I’m actually based in Arizona, running my first food co-op there.”

“So, you don’t run this farm?”

“I have a wonderful manager who handles the day-to-day operation. I fly in at least once a month, or as needed, to handle financial matters, some operational issues, and to ensure that things are running smoothly. I’ll probably be here more as we start readying the new acreage for planting.”

“So where does all the produce you harvest go?”

“The food produced here is locally sourced by several restaurants, some of the schools and a few grocery stores. We also donate a percentage to the shelters and food banks. The co-op will allow us to do even more to help the community.”

Patrick grinned, noting the rising enthusiasm in her voice. Light shimmered in her eyes, and the more she talked about her business, the more excited she became. Her face was animated, gleaming with energy. Her hands fluttered between berry picking and storytelling, and she relaxed for the first time since they’d met. And so did he, feeling a level of comfort that he hadn’t experienced in a very long time.

The woman at the front drew Naomi’s attention, waving her arms above her head from across the way. Naomi stole a quick glance at the watch on her wrist. “Oh, shucks! It’s past closing and I didn’t give Marcella her check!” she exclaimed. She pushed the basket into Patrick’s hands and headed in that direction. She tossed a look over her shoulder, calling out to him, “Grab my bag, please, and meet me at the house!”

She didn’t bother to wait for a response, but sprinted across the field. Patrick found himself grinning broadly as he watched her, more intrigued than he’d ever imagined being. He grabbed the cloth sack that rested a few yards from where they’d been standing, and after slinging it over his shoulder, picked one last handful of ripe berries for the basket and followed her.

When he stepped inside the farmhouse, the two were just finishing their business. The woman named Marcella gave him a bright smile as she relieved him of his basket of fruit and disappeared toward the back. Minutes later she returned, passing him a large sampling of the fruit and some vegetables in a grocery bag.

“Thank you,” he said, then shifted his gaze in Naomi’s direction, his eyes questioning.

She gave him a smile. “You earned it,” she said. “The beauty of a co-op is that you’ll be able to buy produce at a substantially reduced rate, or even work for it if you want to get your hands dirty. I hope you’ll consider becoming a member.”

He reached into the bag, grabbed a berry and took a bite. “I don’t mind getting my hands dirty,” he said. “I’m going to look forward to it. Especially if you’re here.”

Naomi felt herself blushing, and found herself shifting nervously as Marcella sauntered to her car, waving goodbye as the two of them stood watching. It was suddenly too quiet, with just soft strains of music coming from the sound system.

“I owe you an apology,” Naomi said at last, turning to look him in the eye. “I should have called you back. That was rude of me, and my mother raised me better than that.”

Patrick met the look she was giving him with one of his own. Something had shifted between them, with Naomi feeling more like a good friend than a casual acquaintance he’d just met. “I hope you’ll make it up to me by letting me take you to that dinner.”

She smiled. “I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.”

He peered down at his own watch. “I need to go shower and change,” he said, waving his berry-stained fingers. “I’ll pick you up at eight.”

Naomi appeared stunned, a wave of surprise washing over her expression. “You mean tonight?”

His mouth lifted. “I can’t risk you changing your mind.” He moved toward the door, then paused. “Shall I pick you up here or...?”

“My brother’s,” she said with a warm laugh, impressed with his commanding spirit. “I’ll text you the address.”

He reached for the phone in his back pocket, eyeing it and then her. When he didn’t make any motion to leave, Naomi laughed. She grabbed her own cell phone from the counter. Seconds later, Patrick’s phone chimed. With a wink, he turned, doing an inner happy dance as he headed to his car.

* * *

Naomi took in her reflection, standing at the full-length mirror as she assessed the dress she’d finally chosen to wear. It was a printed tunic with a hemline that fell to midthigh. It featured button detailing down the front, with a V-neck and slight ruffled collar. The sleeves were long, with billowy flared cuffs. The dress was a gift from her sister, a design from one of the many fashion shows Natalie had been featured in. Its bohemian flavor was everything Naomi. She’d paired it with thigh-high, burgundy suede boots designed by Natalie’s husband, the renowned Tinjin Braddy. It had just the right balance of casual and dressy. She’d coiled her dreadlocks around hair rods before stepping into the shower, and the steam had left the thick tresses with a beautiful curl pattern that cascaded past her shoulders. She’d used a lightly tinted moisturizer on her face, and completed the look with a hint of eyeliner and clear lip gloss. With a slight turn, left and then right, she nodded in approval.

Her brother’s voice echoed from the doorway. “You look beautiful! Mr. O’Brien should be quite impressed.”

Naomi turned to meet his warm smile. “Thank you. I still think this might be a mistake.”

Noah shrugged. “Maybe. Maybe not. I had a ton of doubts the weekend of my high school reunion when Catherine and I reconnected. Look how that turned out! This just might be a blessing in disguise. Besides, you deserve a happily-ever-after.”

“You’ve really gotten mushy in your old age,” she quipped, as she reached for the purse she’d tossed on the bed.

Noah laughed. “They say love will do that to you. We’ll see what you’re like in a few weeks.”

Naomi rolled her eyes. “When are you leaving?”

“I’m taking the red-eye back to New York tonight, so I won’t be here when you get home from your date. In case you want to invite your young man in for a nightcap...or something...” Noah laughed.

“I am so done with you,” Naomi said, laughing with him. She pushed past her brother, punching him lightly in the chest as she did so.

The two moved down the hallway to the family room, where they each took a seat. Nervous energy caused Naomi to twist in her chair as she looked from her watch to the oversize clock on the wall and back. The big-screen television was on in the background, an old episode of Law and Order flashing across the screen.

When the doorbell rang, both Naomi and her brother jumped, the loud intonation surprising them. Noah grinned as he cut his eyes toward her. “So, are you ready?” he asked.

She took a deep breath. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

He got to his feet and headed for the front door. Naomi stood with him. “I can get it,” she said.

“You can also make an entrance,” he quipped. “Guys actually like that. It’s dramatic and special.”

“Says the man who dated only his wife and one other woman in his whole life.”

Noah laughed. “You say that like I don’t have any experience,” he countered, as the doorbell rang a second time.

Naomi giggled. “I think you forget who dressed you for both those dates.”

He shook his index finger at her, then turned toward the foyer. Naomi twisted her hands together nervously when she heard Patrick’s voice ring out in greeting. And then she heard a second voice that surprised her. Her brother was laughing, which didn’t help to quell her anxiety. Seconds later, three men came through the entrance, Noah leading Patrick and a stranger.

“Naomi, both of these men claim they’re your date for tonight,” Noah said, his tone tinged with laughter.

Patrick and the other guy tossed each other a look. The man checked his watch. “I was told to be here at eight.”

“So was I,” Patrick said, curiosity seeping from his eyes.

Naomi felt her knees begin to shake as she eyed the short, bald man with reservation. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know you,” she said, taking a step toward Patrick.