Anna leaned over and bumped her shoulder against mine lightly.
“Not bad for a Monday,” she murmured, making me chuckle.
“Not bad for any day,” I answered.
Chapter 37
Anna
By the timewe rolled back down the mountain, I was bone-tired but buzzing with something I hadn’t felt in a long time.
Belonging.
I’d spent years trying to disappear into the background, but today, sweating beside strangers who were starting to feel like friends, I felt like one of them.
Jordan also had a little smile on his face, as if he were experiencing a similar feeling. Jack was beside him, passed out like he’d personally supervised every shovelful.
As we turned the last curve of the driveway, the sun glinted off something bright. A fire-red convertible. No one I saw today drove a car like that. In fact, I didn’t think I’d ever seen one in Sterling Mill. The only one I knew was —
“Mallory!” I exclaimed when I saw a figure sitting on the porch swing, legs crossed, sunglasses perched on her head like a crown, rocking lazily like she owned the place.
I was already shoving open the door before the truck rolled to a full stop. I flew across the yard and up thesteps.
Mallory stood, dropping her sunglasses down over her nose with exaggerated flair.
“Well, well, well,” she said, grinning widely. “If it isn’t Sterling Mill’s most eligible housekeeper. Finally. People have been coming through here right and left, but have you? No.”
I threw my arms around her and hugged her tight, ignoring her pout and laughing into her shoulder. It had been months since I’d seen her, and this was just the icing on an already unbelievable day.
“I can’t believe you’re here!” I said, pulling back to study her.
“Surprise visit,” she said breezily. She flicked a finger at her own jeans and boots. “And look—I even came prepared. I’ll blend right in.”
I looked up and down at her dark-wash jeans with rips that were obviously designer, as was the silk top she wore. Her boots were a pretty soft brown, but with heels that accentuated her long legs. She blended in just enough until you looked twice and knew she’d never been near a shovel.
Totally Mallory.
I grinned. “You know thisisa farm, right? With dirt and mud?”
She waved a hand. “Please. I’m dressed for moral support.” Then she peered closely at my face. “Who the hell did that to you? If that’s your farmer, I’ll kill him.”
“It’s a long story, but I promise it’sdefinitelynot Chase’s fault.” I linked my arm through hers and drew her down the steps toward the truck to meet my guys. “So, whyareyou here? Not that you’re not welcome,” I hurried to add.
“Had to see for myself what all the fuss was about.” She arched a perfectly shaped eyebrow. “And now I see.”
Chase approached, Jordan trailing behind him, both of them smiling, but curious.
“So, you’re the farmer who’s plowing my best friend instead of just fields.”
Chase’s eyes widened, then his mouth twitched at the corners.
I shook my head, cheeks burning. “Oh, my God, please stop,” I begged, half-laughing, half-dying inside. “But yes. This is Chase.”
Mallory stuck out her hand with a grin. “Mallory Prescott. Longtime friend. Occasional bad influence.”
Chase shook her hand, his grip firm but amused. “Nice to meet you,” he said. “Anna talks a lot about you.”
“She better,” Mallory quipped. Then she looked us all over. “Where have you come from, anyway? A mud rodeo?”
