Page 70 of Remember Me
Finn’s obnoxious, self-centered fiancée makes my blood simmer. I’ve never met anyone with such a sense of entitlement. I want to punch her in the face and actually clench my fists by my sides so I don’t.
Despite its length, the long line to the entrance moves quickly. About to embark on our apple picking adventure, we’re given eco-friendly paper bags which can hold up to five pounds worth of apples as well as long poles with a small basket at the end for gathering apples off the trees. Finn tells Maddie that she can share his. Kayla declines both with one word: “Seriously?”
We’re off. Holding his pick along with a bag, Finn takes Maddie by the hand. She looks my way, her sparkling eyes gazing up at me.
“Can I hold your hand too, Scarlet?”
“Of course, sweetie.” I take her other hand so that she’s sandwiched between Finn and me. The warmth of her little fingers twined with mine makes my heart smile. With a jubilant Maddie jumping and skipping, we head down a long dirt road surrounded by apple trees on either side in search of the first orchard with ripe, ready to pick fruit. Occasionally, we swing Maddie into the air and she squeals at the top of her lungs. It all feels so natural. Like the three of us have walked together like this forever. People passing us smile. Several even comment: “What a sweet child you have! You’re a beautiful family!” Neither Finn nor I say more than a heartfelt “Thank you.”
Kayla trails behind us. I don’t look back. Nor does Finn.
***
We get an “A” for apple picking. Just from the first orchard we stopped at, our bag is more than halfway full. We must have over two dozen heirlooms. Toting the heavy bag, Finn insists we move on to another orchard so we can bring home a variety.
Next stop: Classic McIntoshes.
The orchard is packed, with people of all ages clambering for the popular shiny red apples. We find a ripe tree that’s not too populated.
Gazing up, Maddie instantly spots an apple she covets.
“Look, Daddy! A baby apple!”
Sitting piggyback on top of Finn’s shoulders, she aims the fruit picker at it.
I look up at the apple-laden tree. Yes, in the midst of all these big red apples is a petite one. Likemybaby!
“Go for it!” Finn tells her.
Expertly, she swipes at the tiny apple, but it refuses to drop into the basket. No matter how many times she tries, the stubborn little Mac remains dangling on the tree. I study it. It’s perfect. Rosy. Unblemished. Radiant. Feisty. Just like my sweet little girl. The apple of my eye.
Maddie frowns. “Why won’t it come down?”
“Sweetie, I don’t think it’s ready. I think it wants to stay with its mommy and daddy.”
Scrunching her brows, she digests my words and then gazes back up at the tree. She points at the two mature apples that bracket the small one, one on either side.
“Do you think those two big apples are the mommy and daddy?”
“Yes, darling. I do. We should keep them together. They’re a family.”
With a squeeze of my hand that makes my heart flutter, Finn gazes up. “Sunshine, I think Scarlet’s right. We should let it be. Why don’t we check out one more orchard and then we’ll have lunch.”
Before we take another step, a tart, familiar voice descends upon us.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve been looking all over for you, Phineas!”
I look over my shoulder. It’s Kayla. She looks completely disheveled, her perfectly blown hair a mess and her expensive ensemble laced with dust. Fuming, she stomps toward us, fury fueling every step. A few feet away, she trips over a rotten apple and goes tumbling to the ground, landing in a twisted heap.
She curses under her breath, her voice pained.
Maddie bursts into laughter.
“Why are you laughing, you little imp?” shrieks Kayla as she sits up.
“That was funny!”
Red-hot with rage, Kayla makes a scathing face at the little girl. “No, it’s not!” Then, she examines her outfit, frantically brushing off the patches of dirt and dry bits of foliage that pepper her slacks and sweater. “Oh my God! My brand new Armani pants are totally trashed.”