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)
I wave goodbye to Daniel and offer a thank-you before stepping outside. Once I’m in the truck, I roll down the window and take photos of the passing orchard as the midmorning sunlight splashes through the trees.
Finn takes me to another area of the farm, and after he parks, we get out. It's quiet other than leaves crunching under my feet. Finn doesn't say much, and for once, I'm happy with his silence.
Closing my eyes, I listen to the wind blow through the branches and realize I haven’t experienced quietness like this since moving to California. Then I look down the long rows of trees that go as far as the eye can see.
Finn looks at his watch, and before he can ask me if I’m done, I speak up.
“I'm not ready to leave yet.” I keep my tone light because I was taught to treat people the way I’d like to be treated, even if he’s been grating on my nerves since the moment we met.
As I take in the fresh air and pretty colors, I realize it’s the first time I've been excited to paint since I arrived.
Another few minutes pass, and he lets out a long sigh.
“Ten more minutes, please,” I say, hating how he pulls me from my focus. Once his patience is paper thin, I lead the way to the truck. A part of me finds joy in seeing him so worked up.
“Are you always like this?” I ask, getting settled in my seat.
“Yep. Better get used to it.”
I laugh. “No, thank you. I won’t be here that long anyway, and then it’ll be nothing more than a memory. So try to look on the bright side since you can’t change it. That’s what I’m doing, at least.”
He ignores me, but I shrug it off, then check the time. I’m shocked to see it's almost noon. Before returning to the inn, Finn veers onto a gravel road that leads to a large red house with a dark brick chimney. The grass is bright green, and the sky's clouds reflect off the pond across the driveway. Several large barn-like structures surround the compound.
Finn gets out and leans against the hood of the truck.
“My grandparents live there.” He points at the red ranch house. “My mom and dad live in the refurbished old barn behind it, and my aunt's family lives in the other one. These are the oldest structures on the property. Before I was born, the historic structures were remodeled into homes because my grandma wanted her daughters to stay close.”
“Wow, I want to see the inside,” I admit.
Finn glances at me. “I'm sure you'll be invited to dinner at least once before you leave.”
My lips turn up into a smile because I hope he’s right.
I can't take enough pictures as I breathe in the fresh air. When I glance over at Finn, I notice his demeanor has changed. It might be the first time I've seen him relax since I got here. He seems lost in his thoughts with his arms crossed over his chest as he gazes into the hill of surrounding trees. I snap a quick photo of him, then send it to my sister. She’ll appreciate that when she’s able to check her phone at work.
I could stay here all day and stare at the picket fence, surrounded by reds, oranges, and brown-colored trees and structures.
His eyes trail over and meet mine.
“It's beautiful here,” I whisper, the wind capturing my words.
“My great-great-grandparents started everything right here. I’m the fifth generation working this land. These buildings were constructed around the same time the first apple harvest was picked. The smaller barn was first, and they lived there while they finished the main house. Most of the wood you see is, well, a hundred years old.”
“Incredible.” I’m at a loss for words because I don’t think I’ve ever been this close to something so historic. If I could stay here all day, I would.
“Can I get closer?”
“Sure, feel free to walk around,” he tells me.
I amble past the pond and walk down the small driveway that ends at the base of the rolling hills. I climb halfway up and turn to take in the view. The different hues and contrasts have my creativity nearly bursting at the seams.
When my stomach growls, I know it's time to go, even though I don't want to. I take a lot of pictures. However, this scene will be imprinted in my memory for the rest of my life because it's unique in a way that I can't describe. A sense of calm washes over me, and I wish I could stay here forever and take it in.
I return to the truck and take a few more photos before joining Finn inside.
He watches me as I hurry to open my sketchbook.