Better Than Most by Jennifer Millikin

Author:Jennifer Millikin [Millikin, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: JNM LLC
Published: 2023-10-04T16:00:00+00:00

We find Dakota standing under the Hayden Goat Cheese tent. It's not nearly as decorated as the other tents, no fancy risers draped in rolls of burlap. They probably don't need the attention-getting displays, because the last name Hayden is the attention-getter.

A baby with a wispy-haired ponytail sticking up on the top of her head sits on Dakota's hip.

Dakota waves when she sees us approaching.

"You made it," she says, ducking under the tent. Shifting the little girl back and forth on her hip, she says, "This is Brenna."

Georgia holds out an open palm, and Brenna peers at it before turning suddenly and tucking her face into her mom's neck.

"We're in our shy phase," Dakota explains. Brenna peeks out, catches my gaze, and I look away, then turn back quickly. She giggles, then remembers she's shy and returns to pressing her face against Dakota.

"Let me introduce you to everyone." Dakota turns to the older woman under the tent. "This is my mother-in-law, Juliette. Everyone thinks Wes is the hard-ass, but they forget who raised him."

Juliette shrugs. "Can't be a mother to my crew and be a softie."

"You good by yourself for a while?" Dakota asks Juliette. "I'm going to find Tenley."

Juliette indicates to the rest of the market. "Go on."

Dakota leads us away. Georgia's lips press together in excitement, and I lean closer, whispering, "How excited are you to meet Tenley Roberts?" I remember how many times she watched Little Black Book and Last First Date when we were in high school.

Georgia looks like she's about ready to come out of her skin. "I'm stupid excited."

Dakota falls in step with us. "It's ok if you get tongue-tied around Tenley. She's used to it, and she's super nice about it."

"I'm more afraid the opposite will happen."

Dakota laughs. "She's used to that, too. Just assume Tenley is perpetually prepared for any and all reactions."

We round a corner tent and walk further, to a spot I hadn't noticed at first. There are lawn games, picnic benches, and beyond it, a copse of trees.

"Those are pecan trees out there," Dakota points, a hint of pride in her voice. "The story goes that someone passing through dropped some seeds, and they grew here. When I was looking at buying this land and heard about the story, I fell in love with the idea those pecan trees could grow despite the conditions. I decided it was meant to be. Hence, the name The Orchard."

"I love that." The wistfulness in Georgia's voice draws my gaze down to hers. What's she thinking right now? Why is there a hint of melancholy in her tone?

"There you are," Dakota hollers. "Come here, baby."

A boy, maybe four years old, sits on Wyatt's back, his legs reaching halfway to the ground. The boy scrambles down, and Wyatt stands up off all fours.

"We've been playing that game for half an hour. I needed a break." Wyatt's hand goes to his lower back, and he pretends to hobble.

The little boy runs full speed for Dakota's legs.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.