I never said a word when Stella started messing around with her best friend’s brother. Or when her best friend got swept up into a relationship with the man who gave her her first kiss—and also happened to be engaged when they first reunited. What about Sarah falling into a relationship with the rich, slightly kinky Jared Gaines? And then Eleanor hooking up with the football player?

I could go on and on about their relationship antics. They can’t judge me. They’ve all done some pretty wild stuff. Deep down, I know they would never judge me.

They’re my friends. We support each other, no questions asked.

“He’s over there.” Charlie waves toward the far side of the farm. “In the field where we’re growing the new trees. He likes it over there.”

“Why is that?” I ask with a slight frown.

“Because it’s a spot where he can find some peace and quiet for a few minutes. It’s a favorite place of mine too. I’m the one who told him about it,” Charlie says, watching me carefully. “Be easy on my boy, okay?”

“What, like I’m going to attack him? You know me better than that, Charlie,” I say.

“Uh huh. Just—he’s a good guy. Whatever he might’ve done, he didn’t mean it,” he continues.

I start to laugh. “Men. You’re all the same. You automatically assume he did something wrong.”

“Well, he did, right?”

“Maybe. Maybe not,” I say, purposely vague. And with that…

I offer up a quick wave and walk away, heading in the direction Charlie pointed out to me. I’m going to find out what’s up with Isaac.

And ask him why he’s been avoiding me.

I’m not one to chase after a man, but I make quick work of speeding across the farm, bypassing groups of children and the occasional family. I think about slipping into the store and checking out the pretty décor Victoria has inside, but I tell myself I can wait.

I need to talk to Isaac first.

The grove of new trees is in the farthest back corner of the farm, and that’s exactly where I find him. He’s clad in jeans and a blue-and-green checked flannel shirt, a navy cap on his head as he paces through the rows of tiny sprouting trees, his expression one of intense concentration. I come to a stop and watch him walk up and down the rows slowly. Patiently. His mouth is moving and I swear he’s talking to either himself or the trees.

My heart squeezes as I continue watching him. He’s so handsome. And patient. Rugged and strong and dependable.

Well. Maybe not so dependable right now, considering that he’s avoiding me.

Deciding I don’t want to scare him, I head closer to the grove, walking a little louder than normal to gain his attention. He glances up, his gaze snagging on me as he does a double take. His eyes are wide, but he doesn’t smile when he sees me.