“Is something wrong?”
“Are you going somewhere?”
“Yes, I’m meeting a friend, and I’ll be back tomorrow. Why?”
“Well, Hal got sick, so I’m going to call Wilder.”
“Oh, uh, Wilder said he was going out of town.”
“I see. Okay, well, we’ll make do then. Have a good day.” Buster turned to go.
“I’m sure it won’t be a problem, Buster.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Buster stepped onto the porch.
Rory took a deep breath and pushed the door closed. She peered through the blinds to see Buster entering the barn, then she reached for her overnight case, opened the door, and rushed to her SUV.
After getting in her vehicle, she started it, entered Wilder’s address into the GPS, drove down the driveway, and turned left.
As she drove down the two-lane blacktop, her stomach was in knots at the thought of spending the day and night with Wilder. She was nervous about meeting his brother too. What would he think about Wilder having a woman there overnight?
“He’s thirty-four years old,” she said aloud.
A few minutes later, the GPS announced she had reached her destination and to turn left. She pulled into the driveway with a huff and followed it to the beautiful farmhouse.
It was a large two-story home with a wraparound porch and black shutters. She had always loved farmhouses. The original farmhouse her in-laws had lived in had practically fallen in, so she and Clay tore it down and built the log home.
Pulling up to the side porch, she shut the engine off, opened the door, and stepped out.
“Hi.”
Rory turned from getting her overnight case out to see a tall man striding toward her. He removed his hat, slapped it against his thigh, and she watched as the dust flew from his hat and jeans.
“Hi.”
He picked up his pace and stopped beside her. He was very handsome.
“I’m Nick, Wilder’s brother. You must be Rory.”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you, Nick.” She put her hand out to him. He took it in his. “You and Wilder look alike.”
Nick laughed. “We get told that a lot. Can I get that for you?”
“Sure.” She handed him the case.
“Come on in. Wilder’s just grabbing a shower. He helped in the barn this morning, and I’m sure he’s not smelling very good right now.”
Rory laughed. “Probably not.”
“I’m sure I don’t either, but it is what it is. I’ll carry this inside for you and let him know you’re here. Then I have to get back to work.”
“Wilder said you sell Christmas trees.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I’d love to see them.”
“I’m sure Wilder will show you.”