Moonlight Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page A

normal circumstances Reid would have laughed.
    “Well, try this number on for size: Every week about three hundred and thirty family farmers leave their land for good. Every week, Sara.”
    “Don’t you see? It’s not just about producing the crops. It’s about saving the beauty of the land.” Sara swung her arm in an arc once more. “Do you want our farm to become a subdivision? A shopping mall? If we can’t survive on farming alone, then let’s at least save the beauty of the land and use it for the greater good.” She lifted her chin a notch. “And my Old MacDonald business that you scoffed at? My teaching degree that you claim I’m not using?” When her voice cracked Reid’s anger dissipated like summer rain on a hot sidewalk. “It’s helping. I’m helping.”
    “Sara, I wasn’t scoffing. Listen—”
    “No, you listen! When I taught third grade, the field trip that my students liked the most was the visit to our farm. And Dad loved showing them around. I happen to believe that it’s an important learning experience to know where food in the grocery store comes from and to appreciate the land. When other classes expressed interest, I printed up pamphlets and soon got requests from schools in neighboring counties. We have programs for kindergarten through fourth grade, and last year, the year I quit to do this full-time, we were sold out with a waiting list. Mom jumped on board and created the October pumpkin-patch fall festival. She’s been providing homemade jams and jellies to Wine and Diner up in town with great feedback. With my help, she’s going to teach some gardening and canning classes through the county-outreach program.”
    “All good ideas, but I looked at the books and it’s still not enough, Sara.”
    “I know that!” She raised her hands skyward. “That’s why I want to do the barn weddings, starting with my own as a prototype. We can take pictures and print up brochures. I’m going to talk to Jessica at Wine and Diner about doing some catering for more formal receptions, and Dad wants to do pig roasts.”
    “Formal receptions?” Reid pointed at the metal building. “Who would want to get married in there?”
    “Dear Lord.” Sara rolled her eyes. “Not in
there
. I want to redo the old wooden barn down by the lake. Since we don’t raise cattle anymore, that whole area is up for grabs.”
    “And who would do the renovation?”
    “I’ve talked to Jason Craig about it.”
    “Jason Craig?”
    Sara nodded. “He went to school with Jeff. He did the addition and gazebo over at Wine and Diner. They do outdoor weddings in their courtyard but it’s seasonal and only fits more intimate receptions. And having Wedding Row certainly helps.”
    “What in the world is Wedding Row?”
    “That new strip of really pretty shops down by the stadium. Grammar’s Bakery just put in a bakery specializing in cakes. I think Mabel’s niece is going to run it. There’s a jewelry store, a tuxedo shop, a florist, and soon there will be a photographer. All we need is a bridal boutique, and Cricket Creek will be poised not only for local weddings but for couples looking for a destination wedding as well.”
    “Right . . . In a
barn
?”
    “A beautiful renovated barn. I’ll show you pictures. Some of them are just exquisite.” Sara sighed. “There’s just something wonderful about an earthy, rustic barn that’s transformed into elegance. Then a lovely, romantic honeymoon in a bed-and-breakfast in town. Baseball games! We have shopping, theater . . . boating!”
    “How could you manage to plan weddings along with everything else you’re already doing? Sara, I know your heart is in the right place, but you’re biting off more than you can chew.” Reid wasn’t one bit sold on the idea. “And the money for the renovation? Where will it come from? Will Jeff loan it to you after he becomes a rich superstar?”
    “Don’t be an ass.”
    “It’s called being a realist. Doing the