Leave it to Fate (Fate Series - Book #1)

Chapter Fifteen - Thanksgiving

As New England changed into Autumn, Colson and I did what couples do in the Fall, when they're not in the spotlight. We enjoyed the leaves changing colors, cider donuts, and apple picking. 

Lorelei had decided to keep seeing Christopher for the holidays so she invited him to join us at the orchard. "I'll reevaluate by summer," she explained. 

I rolled my eyes at her candor. A commitment was not on the forefront for Lorelei.

Brooksby farm was well-known in New England for their organic apples and fresh baked pies. We arrived separately, pulling into the dirt parking lot and finding spots by the animal farm. Lorelei stepped out of the car in a white lace bodysuit with high waisted jeans. At least she's not in heels. Paul appeared at her side in a white polo shirt that showed off his deep tan, even though beach weather had long since been over. I had to admit though, they looked good together.

Colson and Christopher nodded toward each other in a silent greeting, while Lorelei and I joined arms and half-ran over to the animals.

"Hey sis!" she greeted.

"Look at us on a double date! Never thought I'd see the day!" I teased.

She shoved her elbow into my side playfully, "Don't get used to it." 

She turned to take a peek at Paul and something told me not to count him out.

"It's just like I remembered," Lorelei said amazed, as we reached the animal pen. "Couple of alpacas and a donkey."

I chuckled at the memory of visiting the farm when we were kids with our Mom. Free entertainment was the perfect getaway for a low income family. There was a playground attached with equipment that still needed updating, but as kids you don't care. It's a new place to explore. Behind the barn was a pumpkin patch we used to play hide and seek in. We were much too big now to hide behind them. We continued walking, leading the boys to the orchard off to the right of the farm's shop.

"$20 to pick apples?" Colson asked as we approached a small wooden stand with just enough room for a cash register and bags for sale.

"It's the experience, Colson," Lorelei explained, rolling her eyes as Christopher purchased their bag.

He nodded his head, "Whatever you say!"

Colson handed over the 20 before putting on his large framed sunglasses. I tugged on his hand playfully, excited to be holding him and my overpriced apple-picking bag.

"You love this don't you?" he said, reading my smile.

"I really do!" I replied and began my hunt for the juiciest apples I could find.

We followed behind Lorelei and Christopher as they held hands, walking. Lorelei would never admit it, but she looked happy, laughing and smiling as he spoke. He tickled her playfully and she tried to squirm away. The sun was high in the sky, warming the day to feel more like early Summer.

"Hey Colson, can your skinny ass do this?" Christopher called, lifting Lorelei over his head and onto his shoulders. Lorelei squealed and commanded he put her down, but he ignored her.

"Grab the good apples at the top, babe!" he called, walking toward a tree. 

I took the opportunity to snap a photo on my phone. It was a sweet moment.

"What the hell did he mean by that?" Colson whispered in my ear.

I turned toward him, "What do you mean?

"You heard him call me 'skinny ass'". Colson stated.

"Oh, he's just joking," I replied but Colson's eyes narrowed, "I love that skinny ass." I joked, slapping his behind playfully.