She let go of Jackson instinctively and she felt him tense next to her.

"Well there's a couple of good lookin' young people," he called as he pulled the truck to a stop.

"Hi, Daddy." She walked around the front of the truck to the driver's side, climbed up on the runner and leaned in to plant a kiss on his cheek.

"Hi, Peanut. Jackson," he nodded in greeting to the passenger side where Jackson leaned against the open window.

"John," Jackson nodded back, smiling. "How's harvest lookin'?"

"Ohh," her Dad leaned back, tipping his hat and scratching at his hair line. "Fair, I spose. We should be ready to go later part of the week. Can I count on ya again this year?"

"Yes, sir. I'd be happy to help."

River glanced between them. "You've been working for Dad?"

"Jackson here's the hardest worker I could ask for. He's been helpin' out at harvest for a good ten years now."

"Nobody works harder than you, John. I learned from the best."

It dawned on River that there was a dozen years worth of history here that she knew nothing about.

"I'm glad I ran into ya. Your mom's been wonderin' if you're coming for dinner again Sunday evening."

"Oh. I hadn't heard from her."

"I think she was just workin' off old times."

River sighed. She wasn't sure if she was ready to hold a standing engagement with her mother again so soon, but the look on her dad's face was all she needed to answer. She smiled. "Sure, we'll be there. You want me to bring anything?"

"Naw. You know your mom. She's got it handled." He patted her hand. "Though if you showed up with some of those cookies, you know, the ones with the chocolate drop in the middle," he made a swirly motion with his finger and she laughed.

"Peanut butter blossoms?"

He pointed at her and winked. "Those. It would just be bad manners not to eat some if they showed up at the house."

"You got it," she chuckled.

"Welp, I won't keep you all any longer. Let you get back to your business." There was extra emphasis on the last word and he gave River a long grin.

Her cheeks grew hot. She rolled her eyes and hopped down from the truck.

"Jackson, why don't you come round too? Bring the kids and your mama. It's been a while since we've had you over."

Jackson glanced at her quickly as if for approval but she was too surprised by the impromptu invite to react appropriately. He eyed her for a second longer as she rounded the truck to rejoin him before directing his attention back to her dad. "Mom had a bit of an accident last night. Broke her ankle, so she's gonna need a few days to get her bearings back."

"I'm sorry to hear that. If you need anything be sure to call."

Jackson smiled. "Will do. We'd take a rain check on that dinner though. I'm sure the kids would love a visit."

Her dad nodded. "Anytime. I'll be in touch about next week. Kiss that lil' peanut for me," he directed at River as he pulled away from the curb.

They both watched him drive down the street. When he turned the corner, River turned to Jackson raising her eyebrows.

"What?" he laughed.

"Seems like you and my dad have quite the history."

"You could say that," he shrugged nonchalantly and turned to keep walking. "Is that a problem?"

"No, not at all." She took her spot next to him again. "I guess it just sank in exactly how long I've been away and how much I've missed."

"It's the same on this end too," he said, looking down at her then hesitated, looking ahead again, lips tight. "He missed you too, River. They both did, even if your mom will never admit it."

Her heart sank and a fresh batch of tears welled in her eyes, but she was grateful for his honesty. She had made such a mess of things. Without even thinking, she reached down for Jackson's hand again, and breathed a sigh as his fingers curled around hers and tightened.