A Farm Fresh Romance Series 1-3 (A Farm Fresh Romance Box Set)

by Valerie Comer

  Jo popped up to help him with the door then he settled into a wicker chair. Even though she’d recently been an invalid herself, she found it hard to know what to say to him. She hadn’t known him before his illness. What had been his interests besides the farm?

  Besides his son?

  Rosemary bumped the door open with a tray of sparkling red glasses, clinking with ice cubes. Jo thanked her as she helped herself, and took a sip. The raspberry vinegar was as awesome as always.

  “You’ll have to teach me how to make this. There are more berries ripening than I’ve ever seen in my life, let alone at one time.”

  Rosemary looked pleased. “It’s the perfect balance, isn’t it? Sweet with a bit of tart.”

  Hadn’t Mrs. Humbert said almost the same thing? “Like life,” mused Jo.

  “So what brings you here today?” Rosemary settled back into her chair and picked up the quilt.

  Jo leaned closer to have a look. She’d seen that heritage seed packet fabric the day she’d gone shopping with Rosemary. Rosemary had bought material for several pieces for the Romanian orphans. This didn’t seem like her usual fare, trimmed out in pea green and carrot orange. Stunning.

  Jo wasn’t about to tell the truth—fishing for news of Zachary. She hadn’t seen him since the funeral last week, and he hadn’t been in church for all his talk of renewing his spiritual life. What she’d overheard about the job offer in Spokane must have been true. Jo shrugged. “Just a pleasant day for visiting the neighbors.”

  Steve leaned back in the chair, face pale and drawn. “Good to have you.”

  “That’s a beautiful quilt.” Jo fingered the edges. On the verge of asking if she could buy it, she hesitated. The orphans needed every stitch of warmth they could get.

  Rosemary snipped a thread. “I’m thrilled I’ll be able to deliver the next batch of quilts from the guild myself. Or we will.” She shot a glance at Steve, who nodded though he didn’t open his eyes.

  “Oh? You’re going to Romania?” And how come Jo was always the last to know?

  “In September.” She hesitated. “We’re going for the better part of a year.”

  Jo’s head reeled.

  “Steve’s doctor has provided a letter for Nolan Leask saying that he needs at least that much time to recuperate before he can go back to work. We’ve cashed in some savings bonds and, well, we’re going.”

  “Wow. That’s great. Really.” But it didn’t feel like it. She’d never imagined ‘next-door’ without Rosemary. The rumor about Zach must be true. There’d be no reason for him to stay if his parents weren’t here. “What about the farm?”

  Steve grinned—or possibly grimaced. “Gary Waterman has approached us about leasing the land.”

  Thud. The sound of Jo’s heart bottoming out. She tested a dozen different ways to ask about Zach as Rosemary turned the quilt and started stitching another section. But there didn’t seem to be any way to broach the topic without making her interest obvious. “What about Domino? And Sadie and Old Pete?”

  Rosemary set the quilt on her lap. “A rancher from Montana has asked to buy Domino.” She gazed fondly at the pup.

  Jo’s foot nudged the dog every time she pushed the swing off, but he was sound asleep. She couldn’t imagine Green Acres without Domino’s frequent visits. “If you’re selling him, would you consider me?” Tears sprang to her eyes. “I probably can’t afford him, though.”

  Hands trembling, Steve grasped his glass and took a sip. “I don’t want to sell him. I want to come home to him.”

  Hope surged.

  Rosemary grinned. “Would you be willing to foster him while we’re gone? He half thinks he belongs to you anyway.”

  Jo breathed again. “I’m sure the girls won’t mind. We’ll be into the bigger house by fall, so Claire won’t trip over him every step she takes.”

  “Oh, he doesn’t need to be inside all the time. Zach can move the dog run next door.” She picked up the quilt. “Now that we’ve discovered the hole Domino dug under the fence between the bushes, we’re wiser to his canine ways.”

  “So that’s how he’s been getting out.” Having Zach move the run would give Jo one last chance to see him. Her gut cramped, but she nodded. “That could work, but we don’t mind him inside.”

  “He’s not feeling well right now, though.” Rosemary’s needle whipped in and out of the fabric, outlining a tomato. “Have you noticed he’s got a bit of a cough?”

  “He’s had less energy, for sure. I just thought he was growing up.”

  Rosemary shook her head. “There’s more to it than that. Zach’s started some tests today.”

  The opening she’d been looking for. “I heard Zach got offered a job in Spokane.”

  Steve’s eyes remained shut, but his lips twitched.

  Jo might have imagined that.

  “He has,” Rosemary confirmed, not looking up. “He’s met Albert Warren before and was really impressed with the man’s ethics and practice.”

  There was a short pause while Jo struggled to process this information.

  Rosemary glanced at Jo. “It’s what Zach’s always wanted. Or so he says.”

  The day didn’t seem as bright or as warm as it had. Even Jo’s arm seemed to hurt more than earlier. But what else had she expected to learn?

  She’d have to settle for having Domino live with her. Sure, the dog adored her, but it was a far cry from the love of the man she’d fallen for. Hard.

  **

  Zach peeked around the open door. “Grandma?”

  She lay on the bed, her hair spread like a halo against her floral pillowcase.

  “Grandma?” He came nearer, set his package on the table, and touched the hands that lay folded across her chest.

  “John?” Her eyes blinked and tried to focus on his face, but didn’t quite manage.

  He hooked a chair closer to the bedside with his foot and sat, caressing her hands between his. “Zachary, Grandma. Rosemary’s boy.”

  “Zachary John,” she whispered.

  “Yes.” Maybe it wouldn’t be as difficult a visit as he’d first suspected. “I brought you something.”

  “Oh?” She struggled slightly to sit, then caved back against the pillow.

  “Here, let me tilt the bed for you.” He reached for the button, increased the angle of the bed’s head, and helped her adjust.

  “Thank you.” Her voice seemed weak today, reminding Zach that her time on earth was drawing toward an end.

  “I brought you something, Grandma.”

  “Oh?” She strained to see.

  Zach grinned, reaching behind him. “Do you remember Josephine?” He brought the brown paper bag closer.

  Grandma looked puzzled.

  “Jo. She works here and sometimes brings you treats.” Not the kind he’d brought, of course, but Grandma had always liked fruit, too. He slipped a small heart-shaped box out of the bag. “Jo told me that Grandpa used to give you chocolates in a heart.”

  “Grandpa?” Her fingers caressed the embossed top of the cardboard heart. “John.”

  Zach grinned. “Yes, John. I ordered this from the Internet for you. Would you like a chocolate?” He opened the box and tilted it toward her.

  Her hand trembled but managed to get a piece of candy to her mouth.

  Zach selected one and closed the lid. “Here, I’ll set it on your bedside stand so you can see it, Grandma. And you can get one whenever you want.”

  She watched him arrange the box on the little table. “Jo.”

  He grinned. “This time you can offer a treat to her. The box says it contains organic dark chocolate. Perfect for my two favorite girls.” And he could only admit that out loud because this one confused so many things no one would believe it if she told on him.

  Grandma nodded as she savored the candy in her mouth.

  But there was something else, too. Zach pulled a small jewelry box out of his pocket. “Mom—Rosemary—got your wedding rings cleaned and the prongs tightene
d.” He opened the box and showed her.

  Emotion flitted across her face. “John’s gone.”

  Zach squeezed her hands. “Yes, Grandma. He is.”

  His grandmother closed her eyes for a long moment, and a tear trickled down her cheek. “A good man. Like you.”

  Zach’s heart contracted. For once she’d remembered there were two of them. “Thank you. It means a lot to me, to hear you say that.”

  “Heaven. Soon I’ll see him there.”

  He held her hands. “Not too soon, I hope.” If there was a wedding, he wanted her to come. But it was still a big if.

  “Soon.” Grandma touched the rings, nestled in the satin lining. Her lips moved but no words came out. Then she pushed on the lid.

  Zach obliged her and snapped it shut. “I’ll put it in your drawer.”

  She shook her head and pushed the box against his palm. “For you. Josephine.”

  “Really? You want Jo to have these?”

  Grandma sagged against her pillows. “Marry her.”

  He’d try. But not just because his grandmother asked him to.

  Chapter 31

  Zach turned the riding lawn mower in a tight curve beside the end of the driveway. How would he approach Jo with his declaration of love? Would it be best to sweep her off her feet, literally, and kiss her? That had only been partially successful last time. So maybe he should lay down all his cards in order. That he could work here. That his parents’ house—

  “Hi, Zach!”

  Startled, he geared the mower down and pulled off his earmuffs.

  Sierra stood a few feet away, straddling her bike. “Sorry to disturb you. You looked deep in thought. I was just wondering if your mom was home. I wanted to ask her something on the quilt.”

  “No, they’re at Dad’s PT appointment.”

  “Okay. I’ll catch her another time.” She put a foot on her pedal.

  “Wait!” Zach turned off the mower and walked closer. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.” Her forehead creased in a slight frown. “What’s up?”

  Now or never. “Well, it’s about Jo. You see, I-I’m pretty sure I love her.” More than pretty sure. Certain.

  Sierra shrieked, reached over, and grabbed his hands. “Really? She’s convinced you can’t stand her.”

  Zach pulled back. “We’ve had some problems. Some misunderstandings. So much has changed in my life in the past three months. It’s crazy. Hers, too, what with you guys moving here and getting settled in and all.”

  Sierra nodded, her eyes gleaming.

  “I don’t know. Do you think I stand a chance? I don’t even know if she’ll talk to me, but I just can’t go on this way.” Plus there was the box containing his grandmother’s rings burning a hole in his pocket.

  “What are your plans, Zach? Because I don’t think she’ll be leaving here for the city.”

  He hung his head. “No, I know. I couldn’t ask her that. And honestly, I don’t really want to go back either. It pulls me in some ways, but it’s been good to be back here surrounded by nature. Working outside and seeing things grow.”

  Sierra raised a quizzical eyebrow. “All well and good, Zach, but you’re a veterinarian. Jo said you’d been offered the job of your dreams in Spokane.”

  Zach met her gaze. “I turned it down today. Wally Taubin offered me a permanent position right here, with the option of buying him out when he’s ready to retire.” He spread his hands out. “So…Galena Landing is my new home.”

  Sierra hopped off the bike faster than he’d have thought possible and flung herself in his arms. “Oh, that’s terrific news. She’ll be so happy!” She twirled him around.

  Zach pulled back, trying to catch his balance. Movement down the road snagged his attention. Jo! She stood at the end of the Green Acres driveway, probably out of earshot, but definitely within visual distance. Even from here he could make out the shocked expression on her face as she pivoted and marched back up the driveway.

  “Jo!” he called, but she didn’t slow her pace. He turned to Sierra, heart sinking. “See? She won’t talk to me.”

  “I’ll make her see reason.” Sierra bent down and grabbed her handlebars. “Don’t worry. She gets a little jealous, but she’ll come around.” She biked off, hollering Jo’s name.

  Zach stared after the two of them. He hoped Sierra knew Jo better than he did, because his experience told him that Jo’s mind was not that easy to change. He’d have to pray that she’d accept him. He’d been giving it all to God the past few days—and it wasn’t over yet.

  **

  Well, that was her answer then. Jo had been trying to catch Zach for two days, hoping to apologize and wish him well at his new job in Spokane. Give him a chance to change his mind about severing their relationship. Bah. There was no relationship.

  There he was twirling around the driveway with Sierra. Her best friend. Who said Zach was a great guy. Who said Zach might even be worth moving to the city for. Well, Sierra could have him if that’s what she wanted, and good riddance to the both of them.

  Zach called her name. Like she would trot over now and ask what he wanted. Indeed. Sierra, too, but her former best friend would be harder to avoid. Well, Jo would do the best she could. She blinked back burning tears and forced herself to keep from running all the way back to the ugly old trailer.

  Wheels ground on the gravel behind her. Jo lifted her chin. No way was she giving Sierra the satisfaction of knowing how much seeing them together hurt. Her mind raced over every time she’d noticed their interaction over the past months.

  “Jo! Slow down. Listen to me.”

  She kept going. Almost to the steps now.

  The bike crashed to the ground, wheels chirring, and a hand grabbed at Jo’s arm. She yanked away.

  “Josephine Lynn Shaw. Don’t be so stupid.”

  Stupid, was she? Jo stomped up two steps so she could look down on Sierra, then turned to glare at her. “What?”

  Sierra’s eyes sparkled. “Whoa, what’s got your knickers in a knot? A wee bit of envy going on here?”

  Jo shot her a look that ought to freeze over the Amazon then wrenched the trailer door open. In she went, down the hall, and into her bedroom. Sierra shoved at the other side of the door. Jo rammed her hip against it and turned the lock.

  “Jo, you’re crazy! If this is about me hugging Zach, it isn’t what you think. Not at all.”

  Right. And Jo had been born yesterday.

  “Would you just listen to me?”

  Jo leaned against the door, her arm throbbing. “Fine, then. Why were you hugging Zach?” How it cost to even say the words.

  Sierra hesitated.

  Jo’s temper flared. “Thanks. Thanks a lot.”

  “Don’t be such a baby. I can’t tell you what it was all about, but it’s not what you think. You have to believe me.”

  “I don’t have to believe anything.” Jo crossed to her iPod and cranked the volume to maximum. Rock music thundered into the air, surely loud enough to cover her sobs. She flung herself on the bed but tears wouldn’t come.

  The nerve of both of them. Zach, leading Jo on while eyeing Sierra. Sierra, telling Jo not to be jealous while making moves on Zach herself. The double-crossers. Oh, what a fool she’d been. They’d probably be getting married soon, and with any luck Sierra would leave for the city. It was more her element, anyway, for all her talk. But weddings took months to plan, and there was no stinking way Jo was going to sit here, smiling and nodding, and help Sierra pick a wedding dress or flowers. Sierra’s maid of honor? So not happening.

  She needed out. Now. In the worst way.

  With what for options? She’d find a job at some other health care facility, though she’d miss Mrs. Humbert. Unless…unless she swallowed her pride—as if she had any left—and phoned her mother. Phoned Brad. Asked if that organics department job was still open. Even a lifetime of Brad had to be better than watching Zach and Sierra raise a cute family of tow-headed little bo
ys just like Zach.

  **

  “Hey, Rubachuk.” Zach let the door to Nature’s Pantry shut behind him.

  Gabe stood behind the counter, looking like remaining in one spot took every bit of self-control he could summon.

  “I saw you’d opened back up. Thought I’d say hi.”

  “You and half the town.”

  Zach rested his hands on the counter between them. “It means people care about you, man.”

  “Doesn’t make things better. It’s just a reminder.” Gabe raked a shaky hand through his hair. His eyes had sunk back into his head. Guy didn’t look like he was getting enough sleep. Then again, could Zach blame him?

  “Can I take you to dinner? Someone once told me the food at The Sizzling Skillet was excellent.”

  Gabe’s tortured eyes met his. “Thanks. No.”

  “That same person wouldn’t take no for an answer when I didn’t want to go.”

  “Sorry. No thanks.”

  “What have you been eating, Rubachuk? Not much by the looks of you. I’ll wait right here while you close up. It’s almost five thirty. You’re not going anywhere without me.”

  Gabe’s shoulders sagged. “I don’t want to talk about her.”

  Zach had a vague clue how Gabe felt. He didn’t want to talk about her, either. Could Jo possibly have misunderstood? But Sierra had promised to explain. Was Zach counting too much on someone else to fix things? The box in his pocket dug against his skin.

  “Nemesek? You’re making a big mistake. Life is short, man.” Gabe winced even as he spoke. “Don’t waste time playing silly games. Get in front of Jo and tell her how you feel. You may not have as many chances as you think.”

  Zach fixed a light smile in place. “It’s probably too late already. Don’t worry about me. I’m here for you, for what you need.”

  “No.” Gabe grabbed his arm. “Bethany’s gone. Sh-she’s dead. Nothing I can say or do will bring her back. Jo’s alive. Fight for her.”