“Tell me about it. She’s good at fooling me into things, though.”

“Apparently, she fooled me too,” Kelly said.

She took a bite of the potato salad. “This is good. Very different.”

“Thanks.” He set his plate aside. “Do you remember the day I carved our initials in that tree?”

“Of course I do. You broke the tip off the pocket knife I’d given you that Christmas.”

He’d forgotten that part. “It was after a ride along the creek like this morning.”

“I remember. Only it was cold as the dickens. We wore our winter coats.” She pulled her feet up under her. “The whole town was so mad about you defacing that tree.”

“Because no one can keep a secret around here.”

“You shouldn’t have told all your buddies.”

“They were blabber mouths.”

“It turned out to be front-page news,” Kelly said.

“Yeah, but in all fairness, even when Mrs. Jones made her husband sleep in the shed it was front-page news.”

“True. Besides, how were two teenagers supposed to know that tree was a registered landmark?” Kelly laughed. “There wasn’t even a sign next to it back then.”

“I kind of knew it was a big deal. That’s why it seemed like the perfect way to profess my love.”

She plucked a piece of grass and toyed with it.

“I did community service that whole summer because of that, and had to work for Dad part-time for six months to pay back the fine.” It had been worth it. “Man, that feels like a hundred years ago.”

“Feels like just yesterday to me,” she said quietly. “Lunch was really good. Not that I’m surprised. You always could whip up an amazing meal.” Kelly put her plate in the trash bag and tilted her chin to the sun. “I love winter days like this.”

“Me too. I’m sorry Dawn tricked you, but I’m glad we got to spend more time together.” He turned over on his side, watching her sitting there with her eyes closed.

“It’s been a nice break. I had some help last night, so I had some free time.”

He tossed a pebble into her lap. “Must’ve been a pretty awesome helper.”

The rock startled her. She looked at him, amused. “You could say that.” She flipped the pebble back toward him.

“I think I will.”

“You’re too much. Thanks for the lunch.”

“You’re welcome. It’s the least I could do after I ate half of your pot of chili.” He reached for her hand, and this time she didn’t pull back.

“I’ve got to head back.”

Andrew let his thumb graze the top of her hand. “Can’t you stay a little longer? It’s a gorgeous day.”

“I can’t.” She took in a deep breath, then withdrew her hand. “Do you remember the way back to your mom’s?”