Page 4 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
Dustin spotted the large Shady Lane Orchard sign first, with glimpses of buildings through rows of maple trees lining both sides of the driveway.
Halfway in, DeeDee turned left again into a gravel parking lot.
A large maroon-colored barn, sturdy and freshly painted, sat next to a smaller new one—cherry red with white trim, and fitted with glass windows instead of rolling doors.
Dustin liked the charming structure immediately, and couldn’t wait to get inside for a look.
Beyond the buildings, he saw a circular lake, reflecting the summer sun.
As they got out of the vehicle, a bearded man came out of the big barn and headed their way—dressed in dusty work clothes and carrying a black and white tuxedo cat on his right shoulder.
While the feline was interesting, Dustin noticed that Cunningham was downright attractive, despite the longish beard and neutral expression.
It was only after he came to a stop that Dustin noticed the man’s scars at all. DeeDee began the introductions.
“Gruff, I’d like you to meet Dustin Mowry. Dustin, this is Shady Lane’s owner, Gruff Cunningham.”
Dustin reached out to shake, but wasn’t prepared for the skin-on-skin tingle of Gruff’s big, calloused hand.
After a few moments, Cunningham growled and leaned in to scent him.
Dustin broke out in goosebumps, holding still while watching the curious cat examine him with golden eyes.
DeeDee sharply cleared her throat and Gruff reluctantly pulled away.
A wordless exchange between the two preceded her summary of Dustin as a prospective manager.
“Mr. Mowry passed the first part of the interview with flying colors, and I wanted him to meet you and have a look at the place. I think a quick tour would be instructive.”
With a grunt, Gruff led the way back to the big old barn, explaining the ongoing blueberry harvest and all the other uses for this particular building.
Next, he pointed out the house at the end of the long drive, and then explained where the apples and berries were grown.
Most of the trees weren’t visible from where they stood, with others only a few yards away—interspersed with beehives.
Lastly, they took a stroll around the new building while Gruff explained what they were looking at.
“This will be called the Red Barn at Shady Lane. It’s almost complete, and the inside work will be finished soon.”
Gruff paused at the main entrance, slipped Baxter off his shoulder, and set him on the ground.
“Can’t come in here, boy. Go find a mouse.”
Baxter scolded him for a moment and then took off for the big old barn with his tail held high.
Dustin laughed at the sassy cat as they entered the freshly constructed building and was invited to explore and ask questions.
He checked out the weigh station for u-pick apples, the baked goods display cases, the drink preparation corner, and finally the gift shop, seating area, and public restrooms. Last, Gruff led them to a large, mostly empty space at the far end of the building.
The stoic man explained before Dustin or DeeDee could ask.
“This is the processing room for the apple press. We’ll make, bottle, and store the fresh cider in here.”
Gruff pulled a folded catalog page from his back pocket and showed them a strange-looking device that had yet to arrive.
He then pointed out the door to a large walk-in cooler, and the apple wash station in the corner.
Given the messy nature of cider making, the polished concrete floor and inset drains were designed for easy cleanup.
Dustin’s face lit up.
“This is so cool! I can’t wait to try it...that is, if I get the position. By the way, I noticed a staircase earlier and wondered what you had planned for the second floor.”
On the way up, Gruff explained.
“The crew is still finishing the loft. I’m putting in a commercial kitchen to make our baked goods, a party room to rent out, and a storage area for supplies.”
Dustin’s enthusiasm was obvious—eyes wide as he took in the details of the unfinished kitchen. An idea came to him that would make a huge difference to the person working up here.
“Oohhh, I really like this! I could bake up a storm in here, but you might want to install a dumbwaiter. It would be easier and more sanitary if the finished product went directly to the sales area instead of being carried down the steps and through the common hallway.”
Gruff considered the suggestion, growling softly.
“Hmm...hadn’t thought of that. Hang on.”
Gruff called the foreman over and asked Dustin to explain the idea. Once Dylan determined what was directly below the kitchen, he found an easy way to incorporate the change.
“That tall cupboard at the end of the countertop would be the perfect spot. You’d lose half the storage space up here, but the dumbwaiter ends up right where you need it downstairs.
It wouldn’t be difficult to install, though I’ll have to order one right away to get it operational before the grand opening. ”
Gruff approved the extra cost and thanked Mowry for the insightful idea on the way back down. When they reached the lower level, Dustin asked what types of baked goods were on the menu, and it was obvious that his experience from the Round Table would serve him well.
“I already have family recipes that could be tweaked to include fall spices or whatever specialties you want to sell. I love creating new things!”
DeeDee paused near the exit doors and made a suggestion.
“Dustin, why don’t you wait here while Gruff and I step outside for a moment? Take another look around and see if you come up with any more ideas.”
While Dustin snapped pictures and made notes on his phone, Gruff and DeeDee went around the corner of the building to stand in the shade while they talked. As usual, she got right to the point.
“I think he’s exactly what you need, but it’s your decision.”
DeeDee didn’t know that Gruff’s bear not only liked Dustin, but was making noises about getting horizontal with the human.
It must be the influence of mating season, which still had another seven weeks to go.
Even so, Gruff considered Dustin charming, intelligent, and so sweet-smelling he couldn’t get the man’s delectable scent out of his head.
He wasn’t, however, going to discuss any of that with Mayor Tillman.
“I like Dustin. If you think he’s the right one, go ahead and offer him the job. I need him here soon—do you know when he can start?”
DeeDee gave him a broad smile and patted his forearm.
“I don’t, but let’s go ask him. My instincts tell me this is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.”