Page 19 of Follow My Heart

“I can understand that. Violet mentioned she was going to show Faith how she makes ice cream.”

“On Monday when the shop’s closed. Faith’s excited about it.”

George leveled me with a look. “Violet’s a nice girl.”

I slowly nodded, not sure where this was going. “She is.”

George sighed heavily. “She tends to date guys who take advantage of her big heart.”

I held up my hands. “We’re not dating.”

George shook his head. “I didn’t say you were. But I can see how you look at her. You’re interested.”

I nodded. “She’s lucky to have someone like you looking after her.”

George snorted. “She’d be pissed if she found out I’d talked to you about her. She’s an independent one.”

“That she is.” A lot like her grandfather.

“I don’t want her to get hurt again.”

I wondered who’d hurt her before, but it wasn’t my business. George was right. Violet deserved someone who didn’t have the baggage I came with, the ex, and the kid. Even if she seemed to enjoy our company. “I don’t intend to hurt Violet.” Mainly because I had no intention of getting involved with her, past our friendship.

“That’s good. She might not like me looking out for her, but that’s what family’s for.”

I nodded. “My family’s close too. I get that.”

“Your family is the one that owns that tree farm?”

“That’s right. Pine Valley Farms.”

His brow furrowed. “You involved with the business?”

“Not since I’ve been home, but the rest of the family is. I’m invited to business meetings but don’t run the day-to-day. I’m too busy with work.”

“Make sure you don’t work so much that you forget to enjoy your life.”

“It’s hard to fill my time now that I don’t have a family to come home to.” My chest ached to admit that.

But George nodded, respect shining in his eyes. “You’re welcome to stop by any evening. I’m usually sitting on the porch talking to whoever walks by.”

“That sounds nice. Thank you.”

He waved me off impatiently. “Now get on with your run. I’ve got mowing to do.”

“Are you sure you don’t want help with that?”

George shot me a disgruntled look. “I’m not too old that I can’t mow my lawn. Now get out of here.”

I chuckled as I walked in the direction of home. George was the best, and I loved that he was looking out for Violet.

Talking to George was a good reminder that I didn’t have anything to offer Violet. I was broken after my divorce. I couldn’t make it work with Stacy. Why would I think it could work with someone else?

At home, I jumped in the shower, then called Faith before it was too late.

“Can I say good night to Faith?” I asked Stacy.

“She’s talking with a friend online.” Stacy sounded distracted, as if she was reading something on her phone at the same time.

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