28. Lia

I smooth flyaway hairs,securing them into my braid while anxiety gnaws my empty stomach. Today's a big day for so many reasons. The Bedd family's future hinges on the success of the strawberry harvest and today's the first day the public can come pick their own berries. But it's also the first of my infusions with Dr. Sanchez at the Climax hospital.

I was worried about being away from the farm for so long on an important day, but Ethan assured me they have things under control, so I took the first available appointment after my blood draw.

My reflection is interrupted by a sharp rap at the bedroom door. Before I respond, Gran herself breezes in, toting a clothing box and wearing an uncharacteristically timid expression belying her usual confidence. She perches gingerly on the bedspread, patting a hand beside her.

I sit and notice that she's got a lumpy package with her. "I have something for you, Lia." Her voice quavers slightly. She pats the wrapping. "I started making this for you all those years back when my Ethan was so lovesick. Wanted you to have it when you left for school and … well …" Her eyes squeeze shut, as if blotting out the pain of those years. I know it was hard for all of us.

My own throat constricts, recalling the confused panic severing soul-deep connections in brutal self-protection.

Gran clucks dismissively as if scolding her own emotions into check. "What matters is you're here now, showing this obstinate family how to grow again. Can't change what wilted on tough seasons past, but you're helping us tend new sprouts within reach." Her palm squeezes firmer, voice growing thick. "Anyhow, wanted you to have what I made special, back when. Few changes to the pattern for your medical particulars."

She gestures and I open the package, revealing a berry-red knitted sweater, made from the softest merino wool. I gasp, running my fingers along the expertly stitched material. "Ethel! It's incredible."

She smiles. "That's Baabara's finest. I haven't done that dye batch since. Might do it again this summer, though. After the berry success." We both run our hands along the gift, pausing midway down each sleeve, where I see Gran has made small flaps held shut with beautiful wooden buttons.

"Are these for my IV lines?" Tears well in my eyes and I'm grateful for once when I hear the telltale sign of Baabara making her way uninvited into the cabin.

"Thought you could keep it on and stay warm and the nurses could access your veins that way." Gran coos and snaps her fingers at the sheep, who trots into the bedroom and nuzzles Gran's lap.

I reach between the sheep's ears, scratching. "Thank you, too, Baabara. This is the most wonderful wool!" My eyes water helplessly at Baabara and Gran's expansive efforts welcoming me into the family and the farm's legacy so unconditionally.

Wordlessly I stand and fiercely wrap both arms around her sturdy shoulders. "It's absolutely perfect. Thank you so much."

Gran kisses my cheek and pats my shoulder. "It was always my pleasure, Lia. Now. You coming back to us after you wear it today?" I nod, easing into the cardigan and finding it fits me perfectly.

Gran's crinkled features soften into a poignant smile, squeezing my wrist tightly. "I'm holding you to that, Miss Thorne."

Right on cue, Asher's SUV rumbles up the drive. I inhale deeply, centering my thoughts. Obviously, I don't like the vulnerability of a chronic illness, but I feel the promise of today's treatment. This is the beginning of a conversation between Dr. Sanchez and me, and I'm proud I'm able to achieve this while also keeping the job I went to school to learn. I make my way onto the porch, Baabara at my heels.

Ethan's walking toward me and Baabara bleats her excitement at seeing him. "You taking an escort to Climax?" Dry wit dances in his cobalt eyes as he pets the sheep and nudges her toward Asher's car.

I swat Ethan's chest playfully as he guffaws, escaping my ineffective swipe. We've built a natural, lighthearted intimacy in such a short time, despite the lonely years we spent apart. I vow silently never to go there again. There's no need when Ethan and I trust each other so deeply now as adults. Asher leans out his open window, hollering impatience, as Baabara nudges my thigh insistently. Behind us, car engines begin to signal the start of the Bedd Family festivities.

With a swift kiss and tighter hug, I pull away from Ethan, heading toward a new way of life. Asher is grouchier than usual on the brief ride, complaining about some new person who moved onto the abandoned property on the other side of our house. The last owners used to produce maple syrup there, but the land has been vacant at least since I left town.

I smile at his grumblings and kiss his cheek when he drops me at the door of the clinic. I told him I want to go in alone and I wave as he drives off. Clutching my new sweater tightly around my shoulders, I head inside.

Before long I'm seated comfortably in a padded chair, an audiobook Colleen recommended in my ear buds. I sigh contentedly as the meds drip slowly over the next hour.

Asher drops me back at Bedd Fellows Farm amid a wild frenzy of screaming kids and sunshine. I am immediately thrust into action mode amidst the vendor stands in the barn. The smells of elaborate spinach quiches with squash blossoms mix with elderflower iced tea and lavender honey cakes. The rich aromas set my empty stomach rumbling and I wonder, as I field questions, what I could eat that would feel good.

I pass Colleen debriefing community volunteers who spent the day monitoring berry picking etiquette. Molly's happily collecting money, smile already bright enough to blind visitors. Her confidence and attention to detail confirm Gran's astute talent scouting. It's clearly been an amazing day on the farm.

Sweeping string lights cast a festive glow as golden hour dapples the landscape and I spy Gran off to the side, deep in conversation with Latoya from the Lick Your Fork diner. Both women laugh loud and heartily as I approach and I smile, accepting hugs from both of them. "You feeling okay, sugar?" Latonya eyes me and I bite my lip.

"I would love something to eat if I can find something safe…"

Latonya and Gran trade glances and LT claps her hands. "I have just the thing!" She steers me past Alex Bedd, deep in conversation with Diego and Chen from town. At the end of the row of vendors, Latonya gestures toward a stand boasting allergen-friendly foods. I gasp, spying gluten free muffins. My mouth waters at the sight of a berry jam parfait with grain-free coconut yogurt.

"This is perfect!" I barely squeak out my thanks before I start inhaling the delicacy, nodding and moaning in appreciation as Latonya re-introduces me to the town elders. My head swims, not with dizziness from my infusion but from pride and joy at the beautiful gathering that came from such a tragedy for the Bedd family.

I watch Ethan staring at young children sticky with strawberry juice. No spreadsheets can accurately capture the wealth here today, with half the town frolicking in the berry rows. This little soybean farm embraced change when they needed to, and I treasure the opportunity to be here to see its success.

Soon enough I am pulled back toward pressing realities, finding Alex and Ethan assessing register receipts and reviewing supplier invoices for the market. I spy Samuel and Colleen approaching them and I make my way toward the Bedd siblings.

I recall with perfect clarity the soaring hope Ethan"s eyes shone with just this morning. As the crowds disperse and the vendors pack up for the day, I can tell the Bedd family is eager to hear the final tally.

I gesture for Molly to hand over her cash and settle in with my laptop at one of the picnic tables beneath the twinkle lights. The Bedd family huddles nearby and I hear them making small talk, sipping tea, knowing their future depends on the outcome.

When I glance up, Ethan meets my eye immediately and walks to my side. I rub his taut forearm and sigh. "Today was incredible, Ethan. We made so much more revenue than we hoped."

He seems to sag in relief and, seeing that, his family jumps to their feet. I clench my teeth and gesture at the papers. "We always knew it wasn't going to be enough, though. You're still in a really precarious place."

Alex frowns. "What's that supposed to mean? Foreclosure, still?"

I shake my head. "Not imminently, no. Today was a very, very good season opener. The grant money paired with the harvest revenue should more than cover your back payments and start to chip away at the interest a bit. But, you all knew the principle was extremely high…"

Ethan nods. "We knew. But I thought this would be enough going forward. The strawberries and having all the vendors here this spring…" Under the dim lights I can see creases and lines around his face. I hold my breath, quickly calculating how long our cushion buys before the Bedds face harsh choices again. This isn't the time to suggest clever investments or additional loans.

Ethan draws me to his chest, presses his lips sweetly to my temple. I exhale, relaxing into the anchor of his embrace. We are in this together.

I look him in the eye. "We need to regroup. Maybe restructure the business. There isn't enough space here to do what we need."

Ethan nods. Gran sighs. Samuel kicks a table. I notice Alex stroking his chin, thoughtful. I smile at him. "Let's all plan to meet again and discuss some options. We've got another week of peak strawberry madness and then we can debrief."

Gran and Colleen make their way to the house. Molly and Alex walk off towards her van, Molly chattering away while Alex looks down at her, brows furrowed in concentration. I glance at Ethan, surprised to see his brother wandering off in the dark with his employee.

"You don't think…" I start.

"What?"

I shake my head. Based on the way Molly was with customers today, she might be able charm her way into almost anyone's heart. But Alex would be a challenge. Though close in age to Ethan, Alex always seemed lonely to me. Maybe I should butt out and see what Molly does.

"Nevermind. Let's go to bed, Ethan. We've got a long day tomorrow."

He nods again and tugs me with him. Hand in hand, we walk toward the welcoming glow of the light from Ethan's cabin. Our cabin? As he plants a kiss on my neck, I feel confident in the latter description. At the door I lift our joined hands and tenderly kiss Ethan"s scratched knuckles. We cross the threshold into our sanctuary. Into our home.