Page 77 of If You Give a Grump a Christmas Tree Farm
“Yeah, but we could just keep doing that until we get to this year’s crop. We can plant double the amount this year, and then we’ll get back to normal. I think it’s the best plan we’ve got to keep us from taking a hit other than the extra seedlings we’ll buy at planting season.”
“I suppose you’re right.” She nods, seeming to come to the same conclusion. “We’re going to make it through this after all.”
“Did you ever doubt it?” I nudge her with my shoulder.
“Do you want me to lie?” She smiles at me sweetly.
The guys all burst into laughter.
“Yup, I like her.” Griz chuckles, leaning in his chair.
“All right, back to work. I want this place ready to rock and roll on Saturday.” Rebecca rises from her chair and starts collecting the empty dishes.
“Okay, a little less now,” Griz grumbles.
“Hey, be nice.” She raises her brows at him. “I’m making pot roast for dinner and warm apple pie for dessert.”
“And just like that, she’s back in my good graces.” Griz winks at her and follows the rest of the men out the door.
She returns to collect more dishes, but I grab her hand and tug her to me. “Thank you for this.” I gesture to the table.
“I know keeping you boys fed is probably a better use of my time. I’ll just be in the way for most of the work that needs to be done outside. But I will be out to pick up debris as soon as I get the crock-pot going.”
“Damn, how’d I get so lucky?” I tilt her chin up and kiss her before she has the chance to answer. I don’t know what we are officially, but whatever this is, it feels right.
By dusk, a light snow is falling, and we call it quits for the night.
We all troop inside and wash up at the kitchen sink.
“How’s it looking out there?” Rebecca asks, dishing meat and potatoes into a bowl.
“Not too bad. Need any help, darlin’?” Hammer offers.
She serves him up a helping, then passes him a platter of biscuits. “Thanks. You can take these to the table with you.”
“I’d say we’re about eighty percent done,” Brayden answers as he steps forward to receive his bowl.
“Yeah, we really just have the roof repairs and some of the larger debris to move. Should be finished by lunch tomorrow,” I agree.
We all gather around the table with our bowls of food, and Rebecca glances to the window, watching the snow fall. She bites her bottom lip in worry, a frown line creasing her brow. “Will the snow cause any problems?”
“It shoudna, no.” Cajun forks a potato.
“We checked the radar, looks like just a light dusting tonight,” Hammer elaborates.
“Oh, good.” Rebecca leans back in her chair, seeming to relax. “So, tell me something about you boys.”
Everyone immediately goes quiet.
“What, you guys can’t share something about yourself? I don’t really know you all that well,” she pushes.
“If we don’t, does that mean we don’t get pie?” Griz asks.
Rebecca chuckles. “You still get pie. I’m just trying to get to know you guys.”
Griz narrows his eyes, studying her. “How about a game instead?”
“Oh, here we go,” Hammer grumbles, dropping his spoon into his bowl with a clatter.
