After watching for a moment, Lilian looked away with a faint smile. “Something like that.”
Lilian and Eric chatted with their friend for a bit longer, and after seeing her off, the two of them finally got into the car. 1
Once seated, both Lilian and Erin felt they’d probably overreacted just now.
Just because they saw Trevor and Celeste getting along a little better, they’d immediately jumped to conclusions -assuming maybe something was going on between them, or that Trevor hadn’t finalized the divorce because of her. 1
But thinking about it now, Jordyn was older already. So, it was perfectly normal for Trevor to be a little more polite to Celeste, for the child’s sake.
They’d probably let their imagination run a bit too wild. 4
Meanwhile, after leaving the restaurant, Trevor drove Celeste and Jordyn to a private orchard to enjoy a fruit- picking activity and have a small “harvest experience“. 1
He had called ahead, so the moment they arrived, the manager came out to greet them. 2
“Mr. Fleming, Ms. Jordyn.”
After greeting the two of them, the man looked toward Celeste and smiled politely, as he did not recognize her.” And may I know how to address this lady?” 3
It seemed Trevor and Jordyn had come here often before. 2
Before Celeste could reply, Jordyn had already tugged her forward, bubbling with excitement.
“Mom, the peaches and pomegranates here are huge and super sweet! Dad said they even have rare kinds you can’t find in the market! You’ll love them! Let’s go pick pomegranates first, okay?”
Celeste smiled. “Alright.” Then she turned to the orchard’s manager and added politely, “My family name’s Rodriguez.” 3
The manager’s eyes flickered slightly in surprise when he heard Jordyn call her “Mom,” but he hid it well, smiling warmly. “Ah, Ms. Rodriguez, welcome.”
Jordyn dragged Celeste happily up the hill, while Trevor followed at an easy pace behind them.
The manager stayed close, giving quiet instructions for refreshments and fruit baskets to be brought over.
The orchard was vast–trees heavy with ripe fruit, the air rich with sweetness. It was hard not to smile just looking around.
Still, Celeste couldn’t help noticing something.
Despite how big the orchard was, there didn’t seem to be any other guests around, just staff here and there.
1/3
Trevor must’ve caught the same thing, or maybe he noticed her hesitation because he asked the manager, Pretty quiet today, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir,” the manager nodded quickly. “We had guests earlier, but once we got word you were coming, we cleared the area. Not many people are left in the orchard now.” 2
Trevor simply hummed in acknowledgment, not asking further.
11
A little later, Jordyn spotted what she swore was the biggest pomegranate in the entire orchard. She stretched for it but couldn’t reach the fruit. However, before she could call for help, Trevor came over, lifted her up with one arm, and picked it easily.
Beaming, Jordyn ran back to Celeste, clutching the fruit in both arms. “Mom! This one’s the biggest and the prettiest! I’ll ask Dad to open it for us, okay?”
Before Celeste could respond, Trevor had already taken it, walked over to a shaded pavilion, and began cutting it open. 1
He slipped on gloves and worked with calm, practiced movements. It was clearly not his first time doing this.
Watching him, Celeste remembered that he and Jordyn often came here together before. So, she quietly looked away. 3
A few minutes later, Trevor placed a bowl of ruby–red pomegranate seeds in front of her and Jordyn.
“Thanks,” she said politely, taking it.
Maybe it was because of the special varieties or the way they were cultivated, but the fruit here really did taste better than the ones sold outside. It was juicier and more fragrant.
Afterward, Jordyn ran all over the orchard, pulling Celeste along, picking basket after basket of fruit. 1
The flavor really was exceptional. Just as Celeste was wondering if they were allowed to take some home, Trevor glanced at her and said matter–of–factly, “You can take them home.” 4
2/3
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
