Page 79 of Pick Yourself Up
Sam nodded as his phone buzzed, and he smiled. “Looks like the women are ready to head to the sawmill to check for more goodies there. And it sounds like we’re needed as pack mules.”
That made Gray laugh. He was thrilled Amber and Tansy were having fun. It didn’t sound like she’d had a lot of close friends in her life, and he hoped she was finding more here.
With their similar personalities, he wouldn’t be surprised if Amber and Tansy clicked into an easy friendship.
Full of contentment, Gray walked back to the lodge with Sam.
While much of it had been a nightmare, he was glad he’d been on duty that night at The Sidderlight because it had brought him everything he’d ever wanted. And more.
Chapter 22
Fix It Upper
Gray hefted another sugar maple into the hole he’d prepared. The trees had gone dormant, and their leaves had dropped, making it the perfect time to transplant them into their new homes.
He wanted to have a small grove of maples in this corner. They co-habited well with apple trees and he thought it would be fun to tap them for maple syrup down the road. To that end, he’d bought fully mature trees. Hard on the wallet, but he didn’t want the entire garden to look new. He wanted it to be welcoming and friendly. He also wanted to tap those trees soon rather than a decade down the road. It would be fun for them and their guests to give it a shot.
Eventually, the maple syrup could be another theme for Amber’s guest rooms if she ever expanded to the third floor. And another income stream that would please Boss Man and maybe lure him to the farm. Although he couldn’t imagine Burke being content with a job that only lasted a few months in the spring. Maybe it would be a good hobby to lure him here for that time of year, though.
Gray’s eyes drifted to the inn where Amber worked, Boomer at her side. It had been a few weeks, but neither he nor the dog were ready to leave her alone, even for a moment.
At least Allard and Spade were in prison and likely to stay there for a good long time.
Marcus kept in touch with his contacts at the FBI and Chicago. Gray kept in touch with Norm Cassidy, who had his own connections. Through them all, they’d learned that the Lauzon family had indeed cut all ties with the assholes. They’d acted on their own and no longer had the protection of the family. Gray didn’t expect prison would be easy for them, but he couldn’t find it within himself to care. They’d get what they deserved.
Amber still woke from nightmares, and they should pay for that.
Hell, he had nightmares, too. Feelings of hopelessness because he couldn’t find her. Couldn’t save her.
Boomer was good for them both. The dog seemed to sense the bad dreams early. He’d nuzzle them awake, so they didn’t get trapped there.
Hell of a dog.
Gray checked the time. Another hour before he would see her for lunch. Sure, he could go into the inn and check on her, but she wanted to spend time on her own without panicking. He wasn’t interfering with anything that built her confidence.
She was brave and deserved to believe it.
Satisfied with the placement of the maples, Gray turned to the perennial bushes and spring bulbs he wanted to install along the paths. Tulips, daffodils, and the rest would brighten the space while the bushes recovered from winter.
He’d laid out the paths with stakes and strings. Wide enough for wheelchairs and people to walk side by side. Lots of twists and turns, romantic nooks.
The veggie and herb gardens would mostly wait until spring, but he had them spaced out, and he’d planted berry bushes and a bunch of garlic. If the inn was going to thrive, they’d want a cook, and any chef would appreciate fresh garlic and produce.
If Amber wasn’t ready to hire a cook or provide meals at the inn, they’d use it all themselves, giving extras to their friends. It wouldn’t go to waste.
That made him smile. Not much went to waste on this farm. Not with the Worminator and the other composting area Thea organized.
The compost he’d added to his gardens was good stuff. Rich and healthy. His plants were going to thrive.
His mamma and Angelina would have loved it here. His heart filled with memories. Regrets about losing them, but no regrets at how much time they’d all spent together. They’d been a good family.
Which had him thinking about creating a family with Amber. He wanted that. A few bambinos running through these garden paths and helping with the orchard and whatever else might be happening on the farm.
Deciding to follow up on the idea that had been percolating in his brain for the past few weeks, Gray finished planting a stand of lilacs, then pulled out his phone. He scrolled through his contacts and placed a video call to his buddy, Nash.
When his friend picked up the call, he grinned. “Hey, Claus, how’s it going up in Bumfuck Nowhere?”
Gray laughed. “Hey, Alice. We’re good up here. Real good.”
