Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Hello? Whoa. Wow. Hot mic. We just wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming to our family’s centennial celebration. It’s our honor to be able to thank you for one hundred years of business.” Mom waves over my aunt who shakes her head so Grandma steps up.
“Yes, thank you so very much. My parents had always dreamed of owning an apple orchard and my father hand planted the first trees himself. Without the decades of support from the community, we wouldn’t have lasted this long.” She continues with more history about the farm, and although she’s repeated it dozens of times, I still enjoy hearing her describe the hardships and successes.
I turn around and take pictures of everyone who’s here. There are at least eight hundred people in attendance, maybe even more. While Grandma speaks, kids play in the field, chasing one another.
“So while you’re all here and enjoying yourselves, I wanted to share something that I’ve dreamed of having for years. It’s something that we can all cherish. Oakley?” Grandma calls out, scanning through the crowd. She blocks her eyes from the sun with her hand and Oakley stands and waves. “Come up here, sweetheart. I’d like for you to do the honors.”
I grin. “Go ahead.”
She makes her way up and meets my grandma on stage.
“I first learned about Oakley Benson’s work online. Yes, before any of you say anything, I know how to use a computer,” Grandma adds and laughter breaks out. “Anyway, I emailed her and nearly begged for her to come out and paint a scene for the farm. She’s also dating my grandson.”
My cheeks heat. This is not what I expected her to do.
“Stand up, Finn! Wave at everyone.”
I force a smile and do as she says. Oakley beams as she moves closer to the microphone. She clears her throat and I can see her blood pumping hard by the pulse in her neck. It’s adorable to see her so nervous.
“Mrs. Benson. Before the big reveal, I’d like to give you a small gift, a thank you for giving me a chance.”
Grandma looks surprised as Oakley hands her the small canvas. Instant tears roll down her face, just as I expected. As my aunt and mom surrounded Grandma, Oakley takes the opportunity to pull the sheet from the large painting.
The audience breaks out in applause and give her a standing ovation. Oakley’s overwhelmed by everyone’s reaction as she wipes her cheeks. My entire family grows emotional as they admire the painting. Even my grandpa has tears rolling down his face. The fact that she was able to paint something so realistic in such a short amount of time proves how incredible of an artist she is.
“I think I’m actually speechless,” Grandma finally says and the crowd laughs. She thanks everyone for coming again and hordes of people move closer to the stage to look at Oakley’s masterpiece.
Several people ask her for business cards as she makes her way toward me, but she directs them to her Instagram page for all her contact information. When Oakley fights her way to me, she’s all smiles as she falls into my arms.
“They loved it,” I confirm.
“I’m so happy they did.”
“Me too,” I admit, realizing it’s something I haven’t felt in a long ass time.
“Ready for that hay ride I promised earlier?” I ask and she reaches for my hand.
“Absolutely!”
As we make our way past the crowd, chatting about Grandma telling everyone we were dating, we’re interrupted.
“Oakley Benson?” A voice I recognize shouts above the chatter.
We both turn toward it and I realize it’s Mayor Myers running toward us.
“Apologies for yelling your name like that, but I wanted to catch you before you left.” He sucks in air, then continues, “We’re having a town fall festival next weekend to commemorate autumn. We just held an emergency board meeting since everyone was here, and we’d like you to paint for us next weekend.”
Oakley’s eyes go wide and for a moment, I think she’s lost her words.
“Please. Money isn’t an issue,” he adds as he waits.
That’s when I remember that damn bet I made with Jessa and know she’s somehow behind this. Fucking cheater.
Oakley looks at me and I hope with every inch of my being that she’ll say yes even though I’ll be in the hole eight hundred bucks. But I don’t care. I’d empty my savings for another week with her. Call me selfish. I’m not ready for her to leave yet. Not when each time I look at her my heart skips a damn beat.
A few seconds pass and the mayor and I wait with bated breath for her answer. And for a moment when she hesitates, I’m afraid she’ll say no.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
OAKLEY
The mayor’s question catches me off guard because I’ve been mentally preparing to leave this whole time on Monday. Though it’d be a huge honor.