Page 24 of Fire in My Heart

“Thanks for letting me talk to the drivers.” I waved at him as I walked away.

He didn’t respond, just watched me go. Today, I wore jeans and a holiday sweater under my red puffy jacket. I was dressed for warmth and holiday spirit, not sex appeal.

Then again, Teddy wore his standard farm uniform of a flannel, jeans, and work boots, and I was a quivering mess around him.

I focused on greeting each guest, welcoming them to the farm, and asking if they’d been here before, where they were from, and what they were looking for. I jotted down their answers after I directed them.

I was getting the information I needed. I hoped my personality was helping win over the customers, and they’d come back again next year.

My biggest challenge was to get customers to return more than once a year. Right now, the farm was a one-stop shop for trees. Customers didn’t need to return once they’d gotten their tree for the year. I wanted to change that.

The Monroes had the light display and several events throughout the year, like movie night, to draw them back. I wanted the same for the Calloways, but I was positive Teddy wouldn’t agree to year-round activities.

There had to be something we could do to bring customers back. My number one idea was Santa photos. Right now, arearesidents had to go to the mall. The Monroes weren’t offering that service.

What if I combined photos with a winter festival? My body hummed with anticipation. I couldn’t wait to get back to my cottage and write out my ideas. Then I’d talk to Al and Teddy.

I surveyed the customers until lunch, then went to the main house to snag a sub. This time, I pulled out soda and chips, then took everything out on the deck to eat. Normally, I preferred to observe the activity on the farm. But today, I wanted a bit of a break from it.

When I stepped outside, I startled when I realized Teddy was already sitting in one of the chairs, a beer bottle resting against his inner thigh.

I turned to go. “I didn’t realize you were out here. I’ll just sit on the porch.”

Teddy held up his hand. “You can stay.”

I turned back, still hesitant. “Are you sure?”

Teddy nodded. “It’s fine.”

I sat in one of the other chairs, setting my drink on the floor, then slowly unwrapped the sub. “Did you eat?”

“Not yet. I just wanted some quiet.”

“I’m sorry that I disturbed you.”

“The employees walk in and out all morning to grab food. It’s not a big deal.”

But I had a feeling no one came out here. They ate in the kitchen or on the porch. There were a few picnic tables scattered over the fields near the barn too.

We were quiet for a few seconds while I ate. I checked my phone for any messages, but there were none.

“How was your research?”

I was eager to share it with someone. “Most of your customers are loyal, coming back every year. Although a few said you were closer than the Monroes.”

“What we already knew,” Teddy murmured as he rested his head back and closed his eyes.

I wasn’t sure if he was still listening to me. “My challenge is to bring them back again this season.”

Teddy shifted, opening his eyes. “How would you do that?”

“We have to create an event worth coming back for. We don’t have anyone who can build the light displays that the Monroes have, so it has to be something else.”

His gaze narrowed on me. “You have something in mind.”

My knees were bouncing with energy. “The Santa photos. If we tied it to a festival, it would be perfect. Customers could buy holiday items and get their photos in one day. If they haven’t bought a tree yet, they could get one.”

Teddy shook his head. “That sounds like a big undertaking.”

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