Page 22 of Canadian Harvest

I pull back onto the main drag, heading toward the outskirts of town. “So, tell me about you.”

“Oh, I don’t know if there’s much to tell.”

“I highly doubt that,” I say, shooting her a smile.

“Not really. I grew up here in Logan Creek. I started working at the florist out of high school and took it over when the previous owner retired a couple of years ago.”

“That’s impressive. They must have trusted you a lot.”

A soft smile graces her face. “She did. She was an amazing mentor, too.”

“Is she still in Logan Creek?”

The smile fades. “No. She died last year.”

“I’m sorry.” I squeeze her hand.

“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman. She taught me everything I know about flowers. I hope that she’s proud of what I’ve done with the shop.”

“I’m sure she is. I know I haven’t been in there much, but Skylar tells everyone what a great job you do. She recommends you whenever she gets the chance.”

“That’s sweet of her. She’s a good friend.”

Silence falls again as I drive up the hill, leaving the city lights behind. With just my headlights guiding us in the fading sunlight. I don’t let go of her hand as we make our way along the bumpy dirt road.

“Where are we going?” She squints, trying to see out the windshield.

“It’s a spot I found while hiking not long after I moved here. It has the most amazing view. I come up here sometimes when I need to think.”

“Like your own secret slice of Logan Creek,” she says in awe. “I don’t think I’ve ever been up here.”

“Really? A hometown girl like you?” I jest.

“No.” She shakes her head, sending the cascade of curls flying over her face. “I can’t say I’m much of a hiker, though.”

“Hmm, I might have to get you to change your mind on that one. There’s nothing like being out with nature, hiking to the top of a hill or mountain and seeing a sight that the majority of people never get to see.” I don’t regret moving to Logan Creek, but I can admit that the initial shock of moving from Vancouver to a small town like this was a bit overwhelming. The first couple of weeks that I was here, I tried to explore every inch of it, trying to find something that resembled my life back in the city. When I found this hiking spot, and later the dirt road that allowed cars up, I knew I’d found it. It reminded me of hiking the valleys and coves back home, letting me look out over the city and water, feeling like I was alone even with a mass of people around me.

“That’s true. I guess if you didn’t go hiking, you wouldn’t be showing me this place.”

I put the truck in park once we reach the end of the road, leaving it running. “Just give me a minute.”

Grabbing my items from the back, I jump out and make my way to the clearing, letting my headlights guide me as I set everything up.

I may have messed up the start of the night, but I know it’s only going to get better from here.

12

RACHEL

“Mitch, it’s beautiful.”

I can’t take my eyes off of the scenery in front of me. Now that he’s turned his truck off and it’s just us in the pitch black, I can see everything below us.

Sitting on the blanket Mitch placed on the cold dirt beneath us, I look out at the city lights below us shining like a jewel box in the pitch black of the night. The moonlight gives a hint of the silhouettes of the mountain range before us. I feel like we’re at the top of the world here, alone in the dark. I can’t believe I’ve lived here my whole life and never knew a view like this existed.

“Sure is,” he whispers. I peek over at him to see him looking at me.

I bite back a smile as he reaches up and tucks my hair behind my ear.