Page 56 of Fire in My Heart

“You’re stubborn.”

I raised a brow. “You insisted on keeping the farm when everyone encouraged you to sell.”

“You disagree with that decision?” Dad asked, considering me.

I thought about how I worked with family members like Wes and Jameson most days, and events like the festival brought all of us together. “It was the right thing for our family. It’s extra work, but it also means family time.”

Dad nodded. “Even Faith and Ryder were here today.”

“It’s nice to have them living close by and participating on the farm.” The business forced us to work together. The farm was the glue that held us together after Mom died. We had a common purpose outside of our grief and personal ambitions. No matter what we did, we always came back. Even Ryder. It took his wife asking for a separation for it to happen, but it did, and I hoped he was here to stay. “Speaking of family coming home, Axel was discharged.”

Dad’s eyes lit up. “When’s he coming home?”

“He’s already here. He bought a cabin and is staying there for a bit to acclimate before he meets up with everyone.”

A flash of pain crossed Dad’s face. “He didn’t want to see us?”

I cleared my throat, hoping I was handling this correctly. “Not at all. He just needed time to decompress. He was planning on being here for Christmas.”

Dad nodded. “I can understand needing some time before he’s subjected to our family. We can be a lot.”

“And you shouldn’t worry about us. We’ll be okay.”

Dad raised a brow. “And trust that you’ll make the right decisions when it comes to love.”

I reared back from the shock of those words. “Who said anything about love?”

“The purpose of life is to eventually fall in love, share your life with someone.”

I pressed my lips into a straight line. “I’m content with how things are.”

Dad shook his head. “I hope you don’t pass over something that could be good for you.”

The image of Charlotte in her elf costume popped into my head. She possessed all the qualities that I admired. She was strong, hardworking, and determined. She’d defied my initial impression of her as flighty and spoiled. I didn’t think she’d work hard for our farm, but she had, and she was invested in the outcome.

But that didn’t mean she’d make a good partner. I just needed to get out of this conversation. “Let me get out of this Santa suit. I’m hot and sweaty.”

Dad waved me away. “I bet.”

I breathed a sigh of relief as I ducked into the small bathroom off the kitchen. I took off the suit that I’d resisted wearing. I’d actually enjoyed spending time with the kids and Charlotte. We made a good team.

I was eager to get back to where we were this morning. I’d been thinking about all the things I wanted to do to her when I got her home. Maybe I could join her in her after-work bath. The thought had me rushing through washing my face and running a hand through my hair. I needed a shower or even a bath.

I dumped the suit in Dad’s hall closet. I’d tell Charlotte where it was later. Maybe Dad could play Santa next time. Satisfied with my decision, I slipped out when I realized Dad had gone upstairs. He probably needed to rest after a long day working the festival.

Tonight, my thoughts were centered around Charlotte and our recent physical connection. I wouldn’t think about the implications on our work relationship.

I headed back to the barn to help my brothers tear down the vendor tables. Inside the barn, Charlotte was disassembling the photo setup. We worked until everything was cleared away. Then we gathered outside the barn.

“I’ll work the numbers and let you know how it was, but I think it was amazing, judging by the amount of people in line for Santa photos.”

Daphne nodded. “There was a crowd by the vendor tables all day, and I saw people making purchases.”

“I just hope they left with a smile and memories of a great day on the farm.” Charlotte clasped her hands together. “Next year, they’re going to think of the Calloway family’s Pine Valley Farm when they think of buying a tree.”

“I hope you’re right,” Knox said cautiously.

It was hard to remain even-keeled around Charlotte. She tended to sweep everyone up in her enthusiasm. I should know. I’d been resisting her vortex for the better part of a year. But I was done with that.

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