She couldn’t eat another bite.
In the yard behind the church, the Labor Day picnic drew folks from all over the county. Ranchers and farmers talked harvest while the ladies arranged desserts on tables beneath the church eaves. Melanie sat at a table close to the toddler playground and waved to her boss, Elwood Leon. Great guy. Wanted her to take responsibility of the whole lawn and garden section of the store.
Jennifer came up and perched on the edge of the table. “I’ll be back around Christmas. I don’t think I’ll have time off from class before that. I’ll see if I can’t bring Zac back with me for the holidays. I know Grace and Martin want to see him.”
Melanie shot her a stern look. “Keep your mind on your studies. We’re not sending you to school to lollygag.”
“You fit in this town way too well. Hawk Ridge has swallowed you alive.” Jennifer laughed. “Not to worry. I’m so not Zac’s type.”
Melanie wrinkled her nose. “Glad to hear it. I’ll send you care packages.”
Shayna moved into Melanie’s sun and shaded her face at the same time placing a bundle in her arms. “Would you hold Adam while I fix a plate?”
“Just see if you can pry him away.” Melanie drew the blanket back and smiled at the baby in her arms. Only a week old and already held by every man, woman and child in Hawk Ridge. “Stick with me, Adam. I’ll split my ice cream with you.”
“Thanks, Mel. RJ saved a place for me in line. C’mon, Jen, he’s at the back of the line, so it’s not like we’re cutting in.”
Jen beamed. She pushed from the table. “We’ll be back.”
They took off running toward the lanky cowboy who also decided to make Hawk Ridge his home. Melanie liked RJ. She thanked God for bringing dependable help for Gabe going into the winter months. He’d never admit it, but she knew Gabe appreciated the interest RJ took in the community. Gabe didn’t trust drifters.
As if summoned by her thoughts, Gabe threaded through the crowd toward her, a strawberry cone in each hand. Would she ever get tired of watching that man walk? The lazy grin on his face warmed her clear down to her toes.
“Looks like you’ve found your niche.” Gabe slid into place on the bench next to her. “Head babysitter, huh?”
“Kinda nice knowing I’m needed for something.”
“I need you for a lot more than something.”
He brushed a kiss over her lips. Melanie tasted strawberries, cream and adoration. A powerful combination by any standard. She nuzzled her nose into his neck. “I’m glad to hear it. I’ve grown kind of fond of you, too.”
Gabe set the cones down and shifted beside her. He drew her back against his chest, his strong, suntanned arms wrapped around her. Goose bumps rose as his chin brushed against her ear. She cuddled Adam closer and watched Jason push Wyatt Deacon in the old tree swing across the yard.
Life couldn’t get any better.
He tickled her ear with his lips. “Fond, huh? Would you say fond enough to marry me?”
She looked up at him and drank in his rugged profile, the familiar sparkle in his root-beer-colored eyes. “That fond, and so much more.”
She kissed him to show how far beyond fond her love went.
Life had just become the best.