The two wandered off together, and Andrea called after them. “Don’t leave the yard, Hudson. I want to be able to see you when I come out here.”

He didn’t look back. “Okay, Momma.”

She looked to Zayne and rolled her eyes. “He’s four and he’s already discovered that whatever tone of a teenager. God help me.” Zayne followed her into the shop, and she shook her head. “I just need to pick up the last of the files. I promise not to steal anything in here if you want to finish your yardwork.”

“I’m not worried about you stealing. I’m just surprised you’re still on this. Aren’t you done yet?”

Yeah, she thought she’d be done by now, too. She’d taken on a little more than expected. But she gave him a bright smile.

“Almost. Which is good, because my deadline’s this week. I’m using an off-the-shelf bookkeeping program, but it will keep track of your scheduling, billing and even your inventory if you want. I’m doing most of the data entry at home—that’s the tedious part. All you’ll have to do is press a few buttons once I’m done, I promise. It’ll even calculate your taxes.”

She added that last sentence hurriedly, only because he looked so skeptical. She gathered up the last few folders of orders. These were the most recent and would bring the records up to date.

“I didn’t expect you to spend your own money...”

“I consider it my investment in the corn maze. That’s why I’m doing this.” Her face fell. “You get that, right? This is all about the maze. You promised.”

“I promised to think about it,” he answered.

“I’m going to knock your socks off, my friend.” She put as much confidence in her voice as she could muster. “You won’t be able to say no.”

“We’ll see.” Her stomach churned at the thought that he was just stringing her along. Or maybe it was churning because she’d only eaten a banana muffin so far today. Or maybe it was because she’d only slept three hours last night, between schoolwork, festival work and Zayne’s bookkeeping.

She headed for the door with her armful of folders, fighting her rising anger. “No, you’ll see. I don’t break my promises.”

She was outside before she heard his response behind her.

“I seem to recall you doing exactly that.”

He followed her to the door. Andrea dropped the folders on the hood of her car and pointed her finger at him. Would he ever get over that one awful mistake of hers? All these years, she didn’t think she cared one way or the other. But now that she’d spent time with him this week, it was important that he forgave her. That he was okay.