Page 53 of Pick Yourself Up
He wanted to keep the features natural, but having a bit of a splash pad for visiting kids would be fun. Add a few fountains made of stone natural to the area. Water plants and mosses.
The area available to him wasn’t the size of a football field, but it was close. He could play to his heart’s content.
Gray had stored his treasures on the other side of the farm road, but he kept them in mind as he walked and imagined. Keeping plants that had already proved comfortable here would help the garden grow more quickly. They’d already shown they could handle the climate and the soil.
It would also save the budget a bit. His dream garden would cost significantly more than the funds he had available, but not everything needed to be done immediately.
It would be fun to watch it develop over the years; watch it grow into his vision.
He couldn’t forget plants to attract both bees and butterflies. Ladybugs, too. They were excellent predators, and he’d want their help. They’d be good for the orchard as well. Marigolds, yarrow, and other flat-topped flowers. Dill and fennel in the kitchen gardens, too.
Gray pulled out his phone and jotted down a few things he wanted to check. He needed to know more about Vermont’s natural biome and what plants would support the orchard best.
“What’s put that happy grin on your face?”
He turned to find that Amber and Boomer had crept up on him while he stood in the middle of the field. Some special forces soldier he was.
Not finding it in himself to care, he leaned down to kiss Amber and ruffle Boomer’s fur. “I’m planning.”
Her face lit up. “That’s so much fun. Can you walk me through it?”
Her question wasn’t a polite one. He knew she really wanted to see his vision.
For the next hour, they walked around the field, Boomer on their heels sniffing everything he could find.
Amber slipped her arm through his and leaned into his shoulder. “Your sister would love the plans you’re making. I agree that blending it all into a complete sensory experience will be incredible. Your mamma would be so happy with your vision.”
He swallowed hard and leaned over to kiss her hair. “I think so. As I’ve been planning, I keep hearing her words of wisdom and her sarcastic comments if my plans get too big.”
Amber laughed. “I wish I’d been able to meet them both.”
He nodded, knowing she meant exactly that. “You would have made a formidable trio. Taking on the world one smile, one helping hand, one cuff to the head at a time.”
She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever cuffed anyone on the head.”
“Not a shock. But if Mamma thought I was being particularly stubborn or stupid, she didn’t hold back. I can still see her rolling her eyes and muttering idiota when she didn’t like my choices.”
The memory warmed him, and he hugged Amber tightly.
She smiled. “This place is going to be full of good memories for you. Even though it’s a new garden, it’s going to be full of Angelina and your mamma. It’s going to be beautiful.”
Emotion swamped him again as he nodded. He brushed his hand over her temple. “Just like you.”
Then he kissed her, because how could he not?
Amber had never been happier. Not since the crash that had taken her parents.
She figured they would love what the family was doing here on the farm. Mato and Halona had loved each other, their children, and the land. Amber had only been nine when they’d died, but she was sure of that.
Fox and her older siblings had always been happy to share memories of her parents with her. She and her siblings had been so lucky when Fox had jumped into the void and made room for them in his house and his heart.
He’d been a stellar grandfather before. Always ready to take them on adventures and have them for visits. Afterward, he’d shown what a truly spectacular man he’d been.
Gruff but affectionate. Loving but determined to help them grow into self-sufficient, hard-working adults.
Yes, he would love this farm.
Again, Amber considered spending some time in Jay’s room. The answers to the rift between the brothers might be in there. But she wasn’t ready to face the sadness that would engulf her when she looked through his possessions.
