Page 20 of Pick Yourself Up
Jolie was living her fairy tale ending.
Amber couldn’t be happier for her even as she wondered if she would ever feel that level of contentment for herself.
Could she get it here?
Was the other farmhouse her place? The potential and peace she craved?
After the tour, she’d retreated to her bedroom to regroup. Her emotions had been running at full tilt and she’d needed some space.
She sat on her bed and patted the mattress for Boomer to jump up. He did, snuggling beside her with his eyes facing the door. “Thanks, Boomer. You’re a good friend.”
From her window, she could see the apple leaves turning from green to yellow to gold. Each tree appeared to have its own opinion of when it should shift to a new shade.
Fox would have loved it here. He’d always taken them for drives and walks when autumn was in her most gorgeous phases. They’d raked up piles of the gorgeous leaves and jumped into them with cheers and laughter.
He’d helped Amber press her favorite leaves so they’d dry and she could use them in art. They’d even made frames together, so the artwork was all theirs.
So many good memories. She wasn’t sure if it was the place triggering them all or if it was being with her brother and sister.
Or if the way Gray exuded safety had her brain relaxing enough to let the memories surface.
Whatever it was, it was wonderful and powerful. For so long, she’d only looked to the next task, the next shift. Not having a schedule was weird. Not having a boss was weirder. Even as the manager of the hotel, Amber had worked for others.
She’d never worked for herself, never set her own schedule. While she’d given every job her very best, she wondered if she’d work even harder for herself.
Could she do it? Could she be the one to make the decisions? Hold all the responsibilities?
If she did, she would be the one to enjoy the rewards of her efforts. That was a powerful lure.
The breather in her room had done its job. Now, Amber’s curiosity was simmering. “What do you think, Boomer? Want to check out the other farmhouse with me?”
She didn’t have to worry about clocks and alarms. There was no uniform to put on. Her jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts would do. In fact, she might need to order more. Her personal wardrobe was embarrassingly small.
It hadn’t mattered before. Here, she was going to make different choices. Follow her questionable fashion sense and expand her boundaries. Maybe order a few shirts that weren’t navy or black.
She laughed at herself and stood. “Okay, Boomer, let’s go explore.”
She’d have to check out the farmhouse where everyone in the group lived soon. Boomer needed to know all the nooks and crannies and the potential threats and exits.
Not now, though. She wanted a peek at the farmhouse Knox had been teasing her with since the day he’d arrived at the farm in the spring.
She hadn’t seen the farmhouse during the first few calls because she’d blocked the video on her phone. She didn’t lie often, but she’d lied to her family then. Bruises had covered her swollen face for a long time after the attack, and she hadn’t wanted them to worry.
Now, she was here and would see the building for herself. Knox had loved the farm from that first moment. Maybe from the moment he’d read the lawyer’s letter informing them of the inheritance.
Her mind turned to Jay Malssum. Fox’s brother. It was so weird that Fox had never mentioned Jay, not to any of them. Fox had been all about the strength and importance of family. What could have ruined that brotherly bond?
She couldn’t imagine not having her siblings. While she hadn’t lived in the same state with any of them for years, they all kept in touch. Knox was often the impetus, but if she’d been too quiet, Lawson and Burke would check in on her. She and Jolie rarely went a week without talking.
They were all close. Knox wanted them closer still. Physically closer, as in sharing their lives on this farm.
But Amber needed a way to contribute. A way that made her heart happy. She’d enjoyed working in hotels over the years. Was Knox right? Could she really turn the other farmhouse into a B&B?
The idea sent a shiver of excitement through her, and she was smiling as she and Boomer walked up the road. She told Boomer he was Free, knowing the dog would stay close and that he’d return to her side with a single word. Or if her nerves soared.
Boomer was intuitive and knew she wasn’t comfortable if he was out of sight.
She rubbed his head as they walked up the road. “You’re a good friend, Boomer.”
