Page 82 of Pick Yourself Up
Sure enough, Jolie turned into the hallway, a huge smile on her face. She patted the dog. “Hey Boomer. Are you having fun?”
“No greeting for me?”
Jolie laughed. “I know you’re having fun. And I’ve got a surprise that will make your day even better.”
“What is it, Joles?”
Jolie grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the stairs, Boomer on their heels. “You’ve got a visitor waiting downstairs.”
“Who is it? Should I prepare Boomer?”
Jolie’s steps halted. “I forgot about that. Yes, it’s a stranger, but he’s friendly and a friend of Knox and Thea’s. He’s Troy and Ginny Phail’s great uncle Stan. He’s been out to the farm a few times, but not since you arrived.”
Amber nodded, wondering about the purpose of the man’s visit. Instead of asking, she ruffled Boomer’s head. “We’re going to meet Stan. Friend. Stan is a friend.”
Without the context of an actual human, he tilted his head, but followed close to her side, ready to protect her if Amber’s assessment was off.
They found Stan in the front room that would serve as a lounge for the guests. The large fireplace and windows overlooking the gardens would provide excellent ambiance. She’d finished painting it the other day, and the color was perfect for framing the windows as if they were photographs.
Amber kept her hand on Boomer’s head while Jolie moved forward. “Amber and Boomer, I’d like to introduce you to Stan Phail. Stan, this is my sister Amber and her friend Boomer.”
The man’s face split into a huge smile. “Hello Amber, Boomer. It’s nice to meet you both.”
Amber patted Boomer. “Boomer. Friend. Mr. Phail. This is our friend, Mr. Phail.”
The dog hadn’t been on high alert, but he was always careful when meeting new people, preferring to judge their friendship status for himself.
Boomer tilted his head and moved in front of Amber. Instead of stopping in his protection stance, he took the next few steps and sniffed Stan’s outstretched hand.
After a moment, he licked the man and then sat to check over his shoulder at Amber.
Stan laughed. “I’m glad Boomer approves. And it’s Stan, not Mr. Phail.”
After shaking hands, Stan gestured at the room. “This is a beautiful old building. I love how you’re making the upgrades without losing any of the charm.”
That filled her heart. “You’ve just made my day, Stan. That’s exactly what we’re hoping for.”
“I love seeing things get refurbished rather than torn down and replaced. I’ve chatted with Thea about the farm. The regenerative farming approach is a smart one. Nice to see you young folks moving things in the right direction.”
Amber smiled. “I think we are, although I haven’t contributed much to the farm area.”
He laughed. “No one can do it all. We have to play to our strengths.”
Jolie grinned. “And Amber’s strengths include making any house into a cozy, welcoming home.”
Amber had to blink away the mist at her sister’s words.
Stan patted her arm. “From what I’ve seen, I agree with your sister.”
She swallowed hard. “Would you like a tour of the house?”
His eyes lit up. “I would, but not today. I have another reason for popping in on you today.”
He waved them to follow to where he’d set a box on a chair. “When I was younger, I ran a small apple farm on the outskirts of Phail. Troy’s wife Piper told me you’ve been looking for some things to add to the decor of your inn. I dug through the garage and found a few things that might fit.”
Excitement thrummed through Amber’s blood and a quick look showed Jolie felt the same. Boomer too, as he stuck his nose in the box as soon as Stan opened the flaps. “Now, don’t you be feeling any pressure to take any of it. I’m not easily offended and I’m not sure my ideas of what might work are the same as you young folks.”
Amber laughed. “I have a feeling we might be closer in our preferences than you think.”
