Page 52 of Pick Yourself Up
Hell, yeah.
Chapter 14
How Does Your Garden Grow?
Gray whistled and smiled throughout the next few days. Constantly. He tried to keep the grin off his face when Knox was in the vicinity, but it was hard.
Amber was everything. They made love daily. Sometimes several times daily. She’d invited him into her room at night. Waking with her snuggled in his arms in the morning had him starting the day with a smile.
Ending it with another one.
He’d never had a relationship that had filled him with this bone-deep contentment. He couldn’t imagine loving anyone else. Couldn’t see a future without her at his side.
He was a goner. And it didn’t scare him.
His mamma would approve of Amber, from her work ethic to her kindness to her optimism. Despite what she’d endured, she’d figured out a way to keep her positive outlook. While she sometimes thought of it as a cowardly move, adding Boomer to her life had been smart. Her dog allowed her to continue with her life the way she wanted.
Just as moving to Vermont had fulfilled her more than staying in Chicago. He’d been attracted to the strong woman who’d figured a way to stop the bastards hunting his client. Watching her bloom here at the farm had his heart falling at her feet.
She quietly did everything she could to make life easier for those around her. She also added simple touches that made the spaces more inviting.
Today, he was finishing the last steps of clearing out the field that would be his gardens while she and Boomer painted some of the rooms in her inn.
When she had help, she tackled the bigger projects. When she was on her own, she didn’t slow a bit.
Yup. He was in love.
Gray tied up another bag full of invasive species and set it out by the road. They’d let the sun do its thing for a few days. That would kill off most anything. When he had a full load for his truck, he’d take it to the local dump. He’d been shocked at how well organized the place had been. Spots for batteries, used tech, and recyclables. Separate areas for wood, furniture, and household waste. And a section devoted to eliminating invasive species. Vermont was more ecologically friendly than any place he’d ever been.
A perfect place for the Malssum family and their regenerative farming ideas. Everyone was ready to support the environmentally friendly attitude. The people of Phail and other nearby towns were chipping in by keeping coffee grounds and veggie scraps for Thea and Knox to pick up. He’d added himself into the pickup and drop-off routine as his gardens would benefit from the quality compost as well.
From the farm road, Gray stood and surveyed the massive field between the two farmhouses. Several apple trees provided shade, adding to the view and ambiance of the area. B&B guests would love the mature trees as they rocked on the porch with their morning coffee.
Now to design the space around them.
Excitement filled him at the prospects. Ideas had been flowing through his brain for weeks now. It was time to start putting them into a plan.
Overview first. Details second.
He wanted several paths leading through the gardens. Places for guests and owners alike to wander and let nature do her thing to soothe their souls.
Angelina had been at her happiest in the garden, surrounded by the various textures, visuals, and scents.
Did he want a separate sensory garden in her honor, or would it be better to treat the entire field as a sensory extravaganza?
When he realized he was grinning, he knew he had his answer. Extravaganza it was.
The paths would be wide and smooth enough to accommodate wheelchairs and people using mobility devices. Lots of benches and seating areas. Tree stumps and rocks would be fun for some, but he’d add fancy, smooth benches as well.
A kid-friendly play space where they could climb and explore. Sturdy plants around those.
He could use lilacs and other tall bushes to create romantic nooks. What was a garden without places to sneak in kisses?
He’d include borders along the pathways. Plants with white and silvery foliage to light the way at night. Angelina’s moon garden with lamb’s ear and moonflowers. Sweet alyssum and evening primrose.
Beyond the farmhouse itself, he’d add a kitchen garden. Once the B&B was up and running, they’d need a cook. He’d never met a single cook who didn’t appreciate fresh herbs and veggies. Were deer plentiful in Vermont? He hadn’t seen any yet, but if there were, he’d need to get some fencing around those that would keep the gardens safe without looking like a jail yard.
He walked the space slowly, feeling the natural changes in elevation and looking for the best places to add some water features. Jolie might be a big help there.
