Because the farm was less than two miles away, Mimi had snuck her bike out to the road. If her car remained in its usual spot, her family wouldn't notice she had gone somewhere. Their Saturday chores usually kept them busy.
The day was beautiful, sunny, and warm. Peddling down the familiar road, she relished the cool breeze dancing across her skin. Adam was on his way, so she wanted to open up the farmhouse and air it out before he arrived. The Millers had given her a set of keys when they moved into the city to live with their kids. Every week, she checked on the house to make sure a family of raccoons hadn't moved in.
Empty houses didn't fare well out in the country without people. Next to the steps, she locked her bike to the big oak tree that sheltered the wrap-around porch. Once she was inside, she started to open the windows. Just as she was ready to take a broom to the floors, she heard a knock on the front door. Adam called into the house, "Hello?"
"I'm in the kitchen."
Tall and handsome, wearing worn jeans, a flannel shirt and marked up boots, he looked like he belonged. "This place is like a movie set version of a farmhouse. Has this kitchen ever been updated?" He rested a wide hand on the dusty surface of the countertop.
"It could use some love. And maybe a reliable plumber, in case you know of one." She tapped the wooden floors with the toe of her tennis shoe. "I wouldn't change these, though. Aren't they pretty?"
"They are." He looked her up and down. "As are you."
"I'm in a t-shirt and jeans, Adam, come on."
"I stand by what I said." He rubbed his fingers together, feeling the paper dry dust. "How many bedrooms does this place have?"
"Three, but there is only one bathroom."
Adam reached out to touch the faded dove gray curtains that hung over the sink. "Somebody made these by hand."
"This place has been loved by more than one generation. I bet those curtains used to be cornflower blue when they were first stitched." Every time Mimi stood in the room, she saw it the way it could be. "The table my dad made would look good over by the window."
"I can see it." He left footprints across the dusty floor. "It's close to your folk's place. I thought you wanted to get away from them?"
"Not exactly. I just need some privacy."
"This is a good-sized house for one person."
She followed him into the empty living room. "I might get a roommate."
"We should do some work on the property. I don't have much time, except on the weekends, but we could make a start."
"You think? There really is a lot to do. I could use the help."
"Well, we have to buy it first."
His use of the word we brought her heart up into her throat. She nodded. "And get married."
"You and I should talk to your parents about that tomorrow." He turned from the window and looked down at her. "Would you be willing to go to the justice of the peace?"
"I would, but my parents would never forgive me." Mimi followed him into the primary bedroom, the prettiest room in the house. It had a with a bay window that looked out over the pasture. Standing in front of it, lit by the morning light, he was more handsome than a man should be.
"The sun sets must be amazing out here." Reaching for her hand, Adam drew her to him. "What is the least amount of wedding fanfare we can get away with?"
That was a tough question. "It helps that I've been married once before. They will want us to be married by a preacher, but a church isn't mandatory. My big brother got married in their back yard."
"That sounds do able. Do you want to use the family pastor?"
"No, absolutely not."
"Okay. I'm sure we can find someone." He rocked her hand back and forth. "I kind of like the idea of seeing you in a pretty dress."
"I couldn't wear white."
The big man smiled down at her. "I never liked white, anyway."
Like a bird resting in a nest, her hand curled inside his rough fingers. As together, they looked out the window across the rolling fields, she asked him, "Do you think we can pull this off?"
Lifting her captive hand to his lips, he pressed a kiss to the back of her wrist. "I do, cupcake."
***
Wandering across the farm, Adam listened attentively as she explained her vision to him. Over lunch, he shared his thoughts about how a second bathroom would be a nice addition to the farm house. On the drive to his place, they talked about the well on the property and where a kitchen garden might go.
***
