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He shook his head. “Never thought to ask about it.”

The forest was another dozen yards from the back of the pond. There were some paths through the weeds and plants, probably made by animals coming to drink and bathe. Again, she needed to know more about the native species in the area. She didn’t want her work to negatively impact the nature around them. She wanted to lure some of the natural species in closer to the pond and the rest of the farm.

Leaving the pond behind, they walked along the tree line as they moved to the far side of the property. They found a couple of cabins and a few more sheds, some barely holding together.

Between the apple trees, the ground was overgrown and choked with weeds. “I’m guessing this section of the farm hasn’t been tended in a decade or three.”

Ford nodded. “Everything here feels a little more wild, a little less tamed.”

She nodded. “I wonder if Knox plans on touching this area for a while. It might be better to start closer to the Worminator and Thea’s magic compost.”

Ford grinned. “It was a bitch to put together, but I’m excited to see what Thea has planned for all the compost she’s making.”

“Same. I used to have a garden as a kid. This place is like a huge play area. It’s going to be fun to bring out its potential.”

Ford laughed. “I’ve been waiting for that word to come up.”

Jolie grinned. Her family loved to tease her about how she always saw the potential in things. But that was the best part of life. Well, second best. Bringing that potential to life was the best.

And she couldn’t wait to dive in.

Chapter3

Battle Ready

Ford pulled a tray of enchiladas out of the oven and set them on the stove to rest. He, Knox, and Thea had set up a rotational cooking schedule, and it was his night to cook. Because of the size of his family growing up, everyone had taken turns cooking.

Ford didn’t remember his mom or if she had cooked before cancer had taken her, but his dad had made sure they could all make the basics. He couldn’t imagine cooking for nine kids, especially when they were all big eaters. All the boys had gone through growth spurts as they’d entered high school. Now they all stood over six feet and were bottomless pits, himself included.

At least this bunch at the farm wouldn’t require four trays of anything.

He wondered if Jolie liked to cook and what her specialities would be once she jumped into the rotation. Ford like easy and filling. Spicy didn’t hurt, but he wasn’t fussy. If someone else was cooking, he’d gladly eat and do the cleanup.

He rang the triangle Knox had found somewhere and hung up near the door in the kitchen. It was a blast from the past that made Ford grin. far easier than texting everyone.

Sure enough, Thea and Jolie came in together from outside. Knox thumped down the stairs.

Jolie’s eyes lit up. “That smells delicious.”

Ridiculous pride filled him up. “My dad’s secret recipe.”

Knox raised an eyebrow and pointed to the empty jar Ford had cleaned out and put in the recycling pile. Ford laughed. “Yep. Dad always said that companies hired real chefs to make their stuff. No sense in competing with chefs.”

Jolie grinned. “And that’s the secret?”

He nodded. “Sure is. Along with always chopping meat and vegetables the same size, so they cook better.”

While they were eating, Knox turned to his sister. “How do you like the farm now that you’ve seen it in real life?”

Jolie’s face brightened. “It’s amazing. I tagged along on Ford’s tour of the property. Now I have a much better idea of the whole setup. It’s a wonderful place.”

Thea grinned. “I’m so glad to hear that. Do you have any ideas yet about how to increase the biodiversity of the farm?”

“Only a million or so, but I need to know more about the species that are native to the area.”

Ford grinned at Knox as the two women started talking about plant species and naming things that Ford couldn’t have identified if his life depended on it. Hell, he wasn’t sure if they were talking about plants, insects, or micro-organisms half the time.

After they’d eaten and cleaned up, the four of them headed to the back porch. Knox and Thea had set up a few old rockers and chairs along the porch. It faced into the orchard and was as peaceful a spot as he’d ever seen.