Page 35 of Fire in My Heart

“What’s going on with your house?” I asked, curious about his life away from the farm.

“I have to check it out. It’s been slow going with the insurance company. They were airing it out first, then needed to decide if new floors were necessary, or if they could salvage the old. I’d rather put in new.”

My forehead creased. “That’s a pain, especially around the holidays. You just want to be in your own place, you know?”

“Why don’t you have your own place?”

“It made sense to just stay at the inn when I worked there.” Plus, I thought it would be harder for Rick to find me without a physical address. “But I’d love to buy something like this eventually.”

“It suits you.” Teddy’s gaze rested on me.

“It’s just enough space for me.”

“You ever think about starting a family?” Teddy asked, surprising me.

I shifted in my chair. “It would have to be with the right guy. My dad wasn’t the best, and I wouldn’t want to raise my kids by myself.”

“Cole said your dad was an alcoholic.”

“Still is, as far as we know. When Cole made things with Daphne and Izzy official, we went over there to tell my parents we didn’t want contact unless he’d completed rehab. Last I heard, he was going, but I’ll believe it when it happens.”

“Good for you for standing your ground. It’s hard to take that stance when it’s someone you love.”

“I have mixed feelings about my dad. He wasn’t there. My mom was always worried about him, and then Cole would disappear to our cousins’ farm. I was alone.”

“That must have been tough.”

“I learned how to make the best of things. I got through it.” And I was better for it. “I wouldn’t be who I was now without that experience, but I wonder who I could have been with a supportive father. My mother was so focused on him, I feel like we missed out on a normal childhood.”

“That sounds similar to my situation.”

“What about you? Do you think about starting a family”

“I’m busy with my job and the farm. I can’t imagine I’d have time for them, and I’d always worry that I’d get sick andhave to leave them. Not that it was my mom’s fault or anything.”

My heart cracked a little at this admission. “That’s understandable. But I’m not sure we can plan our futures by looking at our pasts. We don’t know what’s going to happen.”

“Aren’t you doing the same thing? Basing your future on your past?” Teddy shifted in his chair so that his legs were spread wide.

I smiled. “I’m not in the best place to give any advice.”

“Right now, I have enough on my plate with the home renovations, work, and the farm.”

I shook my head. “I have the farm handled. You can focus on your house and your other job.”

It was impossible for him to let go of his control over everything in his life. But I hoped he would eventually trust me to do a good job on the farm. “You’ve shown me everything. I know how things are run.”

“I like to keep an eye on things.” Teddy stood. “I’d better get home. I have an early day tomorrow. Make sure you monitor the fire until it goes out.”

I stood and mock saluted him. “Yes, sir.”

He didn’t even balk at my reaction. He must be used to his coworkers complying with his barked orders.

With an amused smile, I followed him to the front door.

Teddy turned to face me. “Thanks for dinner.”

“It was my pleasure.” I opened the door for him; the smell of the smoke lingered on my hair and clothes.

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