Page 12 of All Inn Thyme
“Yeah, well, some of them get pretty big. And you have… what, over ninety tomato plants? Do you realize how much space ninety tomato plants will take up?”
I cover my mouth.Oof.To be honest, I didn’t think about that. Holy crap.And the tomatoes are just some of the starters. I have cucumbers, various herbs, and other plants strategically taking up every bit of precious real estate out here in the garden shed. And honestly? I wish I could do even more. This is kind of amazing. It’s the coolest thing I’ve ever done, other than become a mom.
“Why don’t you head out to the bunkhouse tomorrow and take a look, see what you think.”
I think this is a great idea already. When we first got here, I felt safe being close to everyone, centrally located here in the loft of the shed. But now that we’ve been here a while and are settled in, I’m feeling braver. I could make the bunkhouse work. Evan’s just a short distance away.
“I wouldn’t mind having a little more room to grow.” I can’t help but smile at the thought of that.
“This makes you happy, and it’s good to finally see you happy, Mel.”
I punch him softly in the arm. “Don’t make me get all sappy, Evan.”
“You’re doing great. Seriously. I’m proud of you. Beth is excited for you, too.”
I take a deep breath and realize I am happy. For the first time in a very long time, it just feels so good to finally be content. It’s been a hell of a year. Things are looking up, and we’re in a good place. There’s so much to be grateful for.
“Thanks, Ev. For everything.”
* * *
“Alright, buddy, put your shoes on so we can go see the bunkhouse,” I tell Kase, and he quickly scrambles, as excited as I am to explore our new potential home.
“What’s it like?” he asks eagerly.
“I don’t know. I’ve never been inside. We’ll get to see it for the first time together.”
“Can I have my own room?”
“Probably.”
“Can I bring my toys?” he asks. We had to leave everything behind and start over once already, and I’m sure he’s worried we’ll have to do that again. I want to reassure him that this isn’t like when we had to up and run suddenly.
“Of course. And you’ll be closer to Caleb’s house so you guys can play more. He can come to our new house, too.”
“Yes!” he says excitedly. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go, Momma.”
“Hold onto the railing,” I call as we head down the stairs.
I buckle Kase in and slide into my seat. We ride slowly, taking in the new colorful buds starting to pop in on the trees. Everything is starting to bloom. I can’t wait to see how the gardens will look. I’ve planted so many bulbs and seeds around with the help of Pete, our handyman. It’s so exciting to see everything come vibrantly to life. The inn has truly transformed even more into a luxurious property that has beauty in every corner. Being in this environment never gets old. If I could camp out here, I probably would. I love being outside, planting something new or thinking of something to landscape. Pete loves it too, so I can usually dream up a vision and he’ll help me make it come to life.
We pull up to the bunkhouse to find a truck I don’t recognize out front. Evan didn’t mention that anyone would be working on it today. “Stay here, buddy. Let me go check first.”
I walk over to the truck and look in. There’s a Snap On Tools ball cap on the middle armrest and the back is full of tools and a large toolbox. I head to the bunkhouse and knock. A dog barks, making me jump. I knock again, a little harder this time, which makes the dog yap even louder. Maybe Logan had someone come out and do some work to get the bunkhouse ready for us?
I peer inside. A grey Pitbull lunges against the window, still barking, making me jump and almost fall off the small front porch.
Is that…? No. It can’t be.
Just then, the front door jerks open, and Ty stands there shirtless with black sweatpants hung low on his waist. His hair is messy, like he just woke up. He blinks and steps back, confused when he sees me. “Mellie. What are you doing here?”
“What areyoudoing here?” I ask, just as confused.
“I live here,” he says slowly. Nova yips in recognition of me, her tail wagging now that she’s deemed there’s no official threat. He bends down and lays his hand on her head. The dog looks at him sideways.
“Since when? Evan said we could stay here and use the pole barn. He didn’t mention anyone else living here.”
He just stares at me sleepily, like he’s trying to wake up or figure out what to say or both. “Logan rented it to me a week ago.”
