Page 69 of All Inn Thyme
“Does she know yet?” I whisper to Beth.
She shakes her head and nudges Evan under the table.
He clears his throat. “Beth and I need your help picking out names,” he tells his mom.
“I thought you had a name picked out.”
“We do. We need another one.”
“Why do you need another…” She covers her mouth with her hand. “Oh.” She starts to cry. “Are there two?” she asks through happy tears.
Evan confirms proudly. “There are two.”
“Oh, honey.” She walks over and gathers them both in a hug.
Sasha smiles. “I’m so happy for you both. Lots of new life at the inn.”
As we finish enjoying our breakfast, Sasha asks me, “Are you ready for today?”
“I’m so ready. How about you? Are you excited for your seasoning blends to flavor every kitchen in Freedom Valley?” I say to Sasha.
“I am. Wouldn’t have them if your herbs hadn’t helped me make them all. So, thanks for that.” She gets up to clear some plates. “I set up a salad bar for an easy lunch for the guests today. I’m excited to get out there and see how my little business can do.”
“What blends did you decide on?”
“My maple bourbon, fried chicken, and barbeque seasonings. Those are my top three that people request.”
“Those are the best,” Evan agrees.
“Well, let’s head out and get set up. First annual farmers’ market in the books,” I say eagerly. “This is history in the making for the inn.”
As we head out, Evan pats me on the back. “Great job, Mellie. You did so good with all this.”
I’m happy knowing I contributed something here. I like working at the inn and being around all these people who have become like family to me, but I love growing food and feeding lots of people things that I grew from a seed. It’s like new life in a new place, something that is very close to my heart. These people accepted me into their community and gave me space to grow. It’s only fitting that I do the same to give back.
“Thanks,” I say. Nova jumps up into the truck next to Kase in the back. “You ready, guys?” I ask them.
Nova’s tongue hangs out the side of her mouth as usual and she takes a moment to slurp Kase’s cheek with an affectionate kiss. He giggles and says, “Ready.”
We head to the back lot to set up at our table where Evan and Logan help me unload everything. Beth helps with my signs, I put on my gardening apron, and then we’re in business. People begin to start trickling in. I see tables of fresh flowers, herbs, baked goods, plants, pottery, handmade crafts, early spring vegetables, and more.
Kase asks if he and Caleb can go with Beth to walk around, and I nod. “Have fun,” I call after them.
The farmers’ market is off to a great start, my vegetables and herbs halfway gone by the time I feel arms wrap around me, and I breathe in his familiar scent, the smell of home. I close my eyes and smile as I turn, wrapping my arms around him. “Ty,” I breathe.
“Miss me?”
“So much.” I smile, taking him in. I’m trying to play it cool, but I have zero chill in me right now. I’m grinning stupidly and I can’t stop looking at him. I stand on my tip toes and kiss him, pulling him closer.
“I missed you, too.” He stops and looks around. “Where’s Kase?”
I reach for his hand. “He’s shopping with Caleb and Beth.”
“This all turned out great,” he says, pulling up my hand and kissing the back of it, taking in the farmers’ market that is still in full swing, buzzing with activity.
“Thank you.” I smile as I turn to help a customer and bag up their produce for them.
“They’ll be so happy to see you.” I wrap my arms around him again. As much as I want this farmers’ market to happen, I’ll be glad when we can be alone and catch up on everything. “How’s your mom? I want to hear all about your trip.”
