Page 66 of All Inn Thyme
“Do I have to decide right now?” I stare at the folder on his desk, feeling overwhelmed. “Because I kind of like pretending he doesn’t exist and not having to deal with him at the current moment.”
“Nope, you don’t have to decide right now. We have all the information we need. We can just sit tight for a while. I see no reason to make a move until you feel right about everything.”
“Yeah.” I sigh deeply, digesting this heavy information. “Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it.”
“Hey, it’s no problem. I hear everyone in town talking about your farmers’ market and how excited they are for it. Great job getting that all going, by the way.”
“Thanks, I’m having fun with it all.” I look around at his office in disarray. “You still haven’t hired an office manager?”
“No, I’ve been swamped. But I’ll find someone soon hopefully.”
“I bet you will. Maybe put a sign up on the community board at Allie’s bakery?”
He taps his pen toward me. “Now that’s a good idea.”
“Sometimes I have those,” I tease as I stand. “I better get back to the inn, but thanks for everything. See you, Preston.”
21. ty
One more thing…
I’m relievedmy mom’s going to be okay, but I’m still coming down from the big shock and scare she gave us this week with her heart. She’s been overweight and struggling with her health for a long time. She’s agreed to make some health changes, and her heart stuff is stabilized for now with medication. I’m worried about her, but I’m hopeful she’s going to start doing better. She’s a fighter, and she’s determined to get healthy.
I don’t like being away as much as I have this past year, and it sucks not being able to get home as much as I’d like to see my parents. What will I do when the job wraps up? Being here in Alabama has made me realize that this doesn’t feel like home anymore. Home feels like it’s back in Freedom Valley, with Mellie and Kase. After I’m done with this assignment, I’m hoping to come back home more often and have my parents come see us, too.
I bring my mom flowers and a card to the hospital. I take a seat beside her bed in the chair that we’ve all taken turns sleeping in on and off for the past few days.
“Momma, I love you. I’m so glad you’re okay.”
“Thank you, honey. I’m just ready to get this surgery over with. Take care of your body and don’t do like I did.”
“You’re going to be just fine.”
“I want to be strong and healthy and live a long life so I can be a grandma for your babies,” she says, looking hopefully at me.
I sigh, taking her hand in mine. She has been after me for years to make her a grandma. She and my dad have always wanted me to settle down. I never tell her anything about my assignments, but I do want to tell her about Mellie and Kase.
“I did meet someone, actually. I love her.”
Her face softens. “Tell me about her. I need a good distraction.”
“I can’t say much just yet, but she has a little boy. He’s four.”
Her eyes light up. “A little boy?”
“Yeah. Nova’s with them right now. Keeping an eye on them for me.”
“Oh, I miss my Nova girl.”
“This assignment will be wrapping up soon. It’s been a long one. I’m at a point where I have to decide whether I’m going to take on a new commitment or get out.”
“What do you want to do?”
“I want to settle down. I want a wife and a family. I don’t think I can have that with the ATF.”
“What’s stopping you? There are a lot of jobs out there. You can come back and work with Dad anytime. He wants to retire and leave the shop to you.”
“I know, but I like it up there. I don’t like that it’s so far from you guys, though. I want you to be near me when I have a family.”
