Page 75 of Follow My Heart

Sure.

I video called her, and when her smiling face came into view, I relaxed for the first time all night. “I’m sorry about tonight.”

“It’s okay.” But the way she looked away from me told me she was disappointed, and I couldn’t blame her. I was too.

“It’s not okay. I thought it was Stacy who wanted me to take Faith, but I think it was Faith making the demands.”

Her forehead creased. “Oh?”

“I spoke to Stacy about how important it is for us to stick to the schedule to make this transition easier for Faith.”

Violet’s expression lightened. “What did she say?”

“She agreed with me. Faith doesn’t like Phil’s kids. But if she gave them a chance, she might like them. Either way, it’s her new reality. She needs to expect that when it’s her mother’s weekend, she’s with her.”

“Sounds like you figured out a lot tonight.”

“I hope I’m making the right decision. Because I’d love more time with Faith. It’s not doing any good to give into her demands. I can’t come running because she doesn’t like her potential new stepdad’s kids.” I never thought those words would come out of my mouth.

“I think you made the right decision. Even though it means less time for you.”

“I have her this weekend, then the next one because it’s my regular weekend.”

“Next week is the holiday festival at the farm,” Violet said excitedly.

I smiled. “I’ll bring Faith. She’ll enjoy it. Although I’m not so sure Teddy will.”

“What changed your dad’s mind about Charlotte?” Violet propped her phone up on something and gathered her hair in a bun on top of her head. I watched transfixed as she wrapped a hair tie around it.

“I’m not that involved with the farm, even though I’ve been living here. I think my family doesn’t trust that I won’t pick up and go back to Virginia.”

Something crossed Violet’s expression. Was it hurt?

“Would you do that?” Violet asked quietly.

“If it would be good for Faith.” Faith was my priority.

“Right,” Violet said, but it didn’t sound like she understood. It was more of a confirmation of something she already knew in her head.

I wanted to rewind a few seconds and say something different. But I couldn’t. It was the truth. If Faith needed me, I’d be there for her. “I’d like to be more involved in the farm. Or at least be in the loop. Working there is almost impossible with my current schedule. I want to spend my weekends with Faith, and I have to work hard every other spare minute to make that happen.”

“Your job isn’t family friendly.”

I laughed without any humor. “We’re expected to transfer when the department decides it’s necessary. We can choose our top three places to live, but there’s no guarantees will get one. It’s a tough job if you have kids. Not to say that people don’t have them. But it means missing out on a lot of stuff, and you have to have some kind of help, whether it’s a stay-at-home spouse, reliable sitter, or involved grandparents.”

Violet’s nose wrinkled. “That’s unfortunate. I’m hoping I’ll be able to hire more employees by the time I’m ready for kids.”

That was a good reminder that Violet hadn’t been married or had kids yet. She’d want them soon. The biological clock was ticking for her in a way it wasn’t for me. I could have kids later, but she’d be limited.

I enjoyed her company, but it might not work out in the end. I should guard my heart, but I was a little worried it was too late for that.

The next day, I spent the day on the farm, spending time with my family and getting an idea of how the business was doing.

Charlotte was a bright light, flitting from one station to another, rattling off facts about Douglas Firs and Frasier Firs to the customers with ease. She must have done her homework. Teddy had made himself scarce, and I wondered if that was intentional.

“Teddy has a water leak at the house,” Dad said as way of explanation.

“Does he need any help?” I asked, pleased I was able to offer it for once.

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