Page 76 of Follow My Heart

“He said he didn’t. You know him. He’s got it handled,” Dad said dryly.

Ever since Mom died, Teddy had been tightly wound. It was as if he let go, everything would unravel. I didn’t blame him. He had to hold it together for us. But when was he going to ease up a bit, let someone in? He never let us help him. But if we needed something, he’d be there.

“Is he going to be around for the festival next weekend?” I asked Dad as we stood at the area where people brought their cut trees to be prepped for delivery.

“He said he would be.”

“But he’s not happy about it,” I said without any question in my tone.

Dad’s eyes held a tinge of amusement. “How’d you guess?”

“He’s not happy about much these days.” I wondered if he got worse the more of our siblings paired off with their significant others. “How did you break the news to him?”

Dad rocked back on his heels. “I was hoping to talk to him before Charlotte moved into the cottage, but time got away from me. He apparently ran into her moving her things, and from what it sounded like, they had an unpleasant confrontation.”

I ran a hand through my hair. “I would have loved to be a fly on the wall for that.”

“Tell me about it. But I have a feeling Charlotte can handle herself.” Dad gestured in her direction.

Her hair was braided into several complicated looking braids that should have made her look younger but on her, lent an air of sophistication. Teddy would say the style was fussy, and she was high maintenance.

I knew better. All women deserved to be treated a certain way. They shouldn’t feel guilty for taking care of themselves, whether that was going to a spa or joining a health club.

Charlotte saw us talking, and her eyes lit up. She crossed the grass to talk to us. “Mr. Calloway.”

“It’s Al. I feel old when you call me that.” His voice was gruff.

“You are old,” I teased.

Charlotte’s lips twitched, but she didn’t let out a laugh. “You’re Ryder, right? Faith’s dad?”

“That’s right.” I shook her hand.

“Will you be helping out around the farm for the festival next week?” Charlotte asked hopefully.

“I was hoping to spend time with Faith. But I can help out if you need it.”

“Teddy said he’s got a water leak at his place.” Dad’s tone indicated that it might be an excuse.

Her expression turned to concerned. “That’s too bad. Should I check on him later?”

I coughed to cover my surprise. Charlotte was a genuinely nice person who didn’t care that Teddy would hate that, or maybe she just enjoyed getting to him.

“I’m sure he’s got it covered. I wouldn’t worry about him,” Dad said.

Everyone knew Teddy wasn’t happy about Charlotte working here. She couldn’t be in the dark about that.

“Let us know what we need to do,” Dad said.

“We’ll have the vendors set up in front of the barn, almost like a farmer’s market with tents. We’ll leave space between each one for people to meander and puruse the wares available. The food vendors will all be down at this end. She pointed toward the barn. I’m hoping to move some picnic tables over here so people have a place to sit and eat.”

“Violet’s planning on offering holiday flavors, like peppermint stick and hot chocolate.”

Charlotte clapped her hands together. “That will be perfect. I’m hoping all the vendors will dress for the holiday, and I’ve got Santa hats for everyone.”

I wasn’t sure I could see Dad or Teddy in a Santa hat. I wasn’t going to miss this.

“Teddy will help you get the tables from the barn.”

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