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After many volunteers had already called it quits, my buddies and I stayed on to finish the patch, not wanting to leave one pumpkin behind.

As we finished the last row, an older gentleman walked over, the same farm logo shirt on. White hairs filled his beard.

Giada’s dad.

“Hey! Thanks so much for helping. You guys have been such a big help.” The man smiled and held his hand out for a shake. “I think you might've harvested more than our family has.” He chuckled.

I shook his hand in return before he moved on to my friends. “It was no problem. An easy day for us lumberjacks.” I grinned proudly.

“Lumberjacks hug? Impressive.” He nodded his head and my buddy Joel chimed in.

“Yep. Splitting wood on the daily.”

We chatted a bit more.

“Well listen my name is George and I'd love to invite you guys in for a warm meal. You can meet the family. It's the least we can do to thank you.”

Joel, Dan, and David nodded their heads as did mine. We were always down for free food.

“Great! Let's go meet everyone.” George said as he led us off the farm and over the large looming farmhouse on the property.

Yet all I could think about was her. And the opportunity to see her again.

George beckoned us inside, leading us into the living room, a fire roaring under the mantle, his family gathered around on the couches. “This is my wife, Ginny and I'm sure you saw the rest of the crew out in the patch. Georgie is my eldest son and then we have Giada, Gina, and Giselle.” George beamed as he introduced his large family.

“Hey everyone. I'm Bowen.” I nodded before turning to my buddies as they said hi and their name.

“You boys must be hungry! Thank goodness I made a huge pot of chili this morning!” Ginny clapped her hands. “I also made some cornbread. Lers pile into the kitchen everyone.”

As much as my stomach growled and I wanted to follow my friends into the kitchen, I didn't move, my gaze stuck on Giada. She hung back, her eyes darting everywhere but me.

“Nice to see you again. Your family is lovely.” I sat down beside her on the couch, careful to leave space between us though I didn't want to. I wanted to pull her into my lap and kiss the shit out of her.

Baby steps.

“Thanks. They can be a bit much but they're always around you know?”

“Yeah. Like my logging crew.” I tipped my head towards the kitchen.

Giada smiled and drew in a breath. “We should probably grab some dinner before they notice us missing.”

“Give them a chance to miss us then.”

Her cheeks flushed much like did earlier and I loved the effect I had on her. It sent a thrill down my spine.

“I like being around you.” I confessed.

Now her cheeks were scarlet red. “You…you do?”

“Yep. Call it weird but my grandma said I always could read people well. And you give off good vibes. Your whole family does.”

“Thanks, you do too. Actually I was hoping to⁠—”

“What are you two doing in here? You don't want some chili?” Ginny walked in with a bowl in her hands.

Giada jumped up. “Yesh we're coming. Just got to talking about the pumpkins.” She hurried into the kitchen while her mom glanced at her, her lips pursing together.

Then Ginny set her eyes on me. “She's a good girl. And single.”