Page 18 of Pick Yourself Up (Heroes to the Core #3)

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G ray parked in the lot alongside Phail Way Park. It was one thing to hear about the town and its quirky names. Seeing it in person was even better.

He turned to find Amber smiling, too. He leaned over to kiss her. “Wait there.”

She started to protest, but he hopped out and rounded his truck to open her door. He held out his hand for her and she laughed as she took it. “Thank you, kind sir.”

He leaned in and kissed her again. “You’re welcome, fair lady.”

Then he opened the truck’s rear door so Boomer could join them. The dog’s head swiveled to take in the new sites and scents. Amber gave the Explore command, letting him know he could check things out because they didn’t expect threats. Gray knew the dog would remain alert and nearby.

As they surveyed the part of town they could see, he had to laugh. “Epic knows how to run with a theme. Phail General, Phail Central, Phail Phoods, and the No Fail Diner.”

Amber leaned into his shoulder. “I love it all. Can we walk through the park first, see the other side of the street?”

“It’s our first date. Your wish is my command.” Instead of a simple date night, they’d decided to come early and explore the town for the day.

Holding her hand in his, they strolled along the tree-lined path, spotting a climbing wall and a kids’ playground.

Benches sat beside both, and more were scattered throughout the park, often in the shade of gorgeous maple trees.

Another street lined the other side of the park.

Doc’s, The Saloon, Yoganna Love It, and Phail Jail had them laughing again.

When they neared the end of the block, a man exited Phail Jail with a huge Great Dane at his side. Boomer’s tail wagged. The man waved and Gray realized it was Marcus, another army buddy and member of Epic’s special forces team.

Marcus crossed to where they stood. “I got word that two suspicious strangers were sizing up our town.”

Amber’s eyes widened at that, but Gray squeezed her hand. “Amber, I’d like you to meet another friend. This is Marcus Ramirez. He led Troy’s team overseas. Now, he’s the police chief here in Phail.”

Marcus held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Amber. I know your brothers from our work in the army, and I’ve met your sister. You’ve got a terrific family, and I know Knox and Jolie are thrilled you’ve joined them here.”

The Great Dane pushed his head forward to sniff at Boomer, who stood ready at Amber’s side.

Marcus smiled. “This is Finch, and he’s friendly.”

Amber’s cheeks flushed. “It’s nice to meet you both. This is my friend, Boomer. Friends, Boomer. Free.”

At the commands that were common with K-9 officers, Marcus shot a questioning glance at Gray. He nodded back, letting him know his assessment was correct. Marcus nodded, but didn’t ask questions. Gray wasn’t surprised. The man’s reputation in the forces was top tier.

Amber laughed when Finch butted her hand with his massive head. “You like having your head scratched, buddy?”

The Dane quivered in ecstasy when she found the right spot. Gray knew how he felt.

Refusing to be jealous of a dog, he turned back to Marcus. “We’ve got the compost buckets to exchange, but we’re hoping to check out the town while we’re here. Any suggestions?”

Marcus grinned. “Of course. Lunch at the No Fail Diner. You can’t go wrong with Manuel’s tacos or Ginny’s cinnamon buns.

Check out Phail General and Central. Piper added a tourism center to the back of Troy’s store.

She’s got displays showcasing many of our local artisans along with Phail merchandise.

There are walking trails with Phail Facts along the route that way.

Then head to the Saloon for supper. Branna’s stocked with all six beers from our Phail Brewery. ”

Gray grinned. “I hear they’re named after all of you. What’s your favorite?”

“The Straight Arrow Stout, but the others are almost as good.” Arrow had been Marcus’ callsign in the army, so the name was a perfect fit.

Marcus’ phone rang, so he waved them on their way and headed back to the station with Finch. Gray turned toward the diner. “Lunch?” They knew from the others that the diner was dog-friendly as long as the animals remained quiet and with their owners. Boomer wouldn’t be a problem.

She grinned. “Definitely. Can’t wait to try the tacos I’ve heard so much about.”

He opened the door for her, and they were hit by delicious, spicy scents. Amber’s soft laugh had him checking out the decor. The Mexican scents were at odds with the blue and green Scottish plaid covering the booths and stools, as well as the huge Phail crest covering the wall. “This is great.”

“Welcome to the No Fail Diner. I’m Ginny Phail and I’m guessing you’re Gray, Amber, and Boomer.”

They stared at her, and she shrugged. “Small town. Have a seat wherever you like.”

Ginny took their orders and brought Boomer a treat with their lunch.

When she set down their food, she smiled.

“Piper is over at Phail Central and hoping you’re heading her way.

She’s so excited that you’re opening another B&B.

She’s a sweetheart with a head full of ideas.

Don’t have a clue how she comes up with things.

She loves talking business and is always happy to help. ”

Then Ginny left them to their meal. Gray reached across the booth to squeeze Amber’s hand. “Small towns have better gossip chains than the army. I didn’t think that was possible.”

She grinned. “It’s so weird.”

He nodded. “We don’t have to go.”

That earned him a soft smile. “Oh, I think we do. No disappointing Piper and the rest of the town that we didn’t see all the sights.”

The tacos were everything he’d heard about and he ended up chatting with Manuel about the differences between Italian and Mexican cuisine. He couldn’t wait to try some of Manuel’s suggestions on his next turn to cook.

After they stored the cinnamon buns they’d bought for the gang in his truck, he took her hand and they strolled to Phail General.

Troy grinned when they entered the store. “Welcome to Phail. So glad you finally made it to town.”

Gray grinned. “It’s great to be here. You’ve got a weird town, Epic.”

Troy laughed. “Thank you. We aim to please—or at least to make you laugh.”

Piper appeared from the back of the store. “You came. I’m so glad I didn’t scare you away.”

Gray laughed. “We don’t scare that easy.”

A small black and white bulldog trotted out from the back room and arrowed straight to Boomer.

Piper smiled. “Speaking of not scaring easily, this is Oreo.” Oreo circled Boomer, where he sat at Amber’s side and then plopped on his butt in front of the bigger dog with a happy yip and a grin.

Boomer checked with Amber. “Friends, Boomer. Free.”

When Boomer lowered his head, Oreo licked his nose and then bounced in place with excitement.

Piper turned to Amber. “He’s besties with Moose and Finch. They’re even larger than Boomer here. Oreo’s never met anyone he can’t befriend.”

A chime sounded behind them, and Piper grinned. “That’s the back door to Phail Central. Hopefully, another tourist. Come on and I’ll show you around. You’re going to love it.”

Amber sent him a bemused look, and they followed Piper into the back.

A mber released Gray’s hand with a squeeze and followed Piper into Phail Central. Her steps faltered as she took in the incredible space.

Gorgeous photographs, paintings, and other art covered the walls. Phail Fact cards below each item included information on the artisan and their work. She was drawn to an incredible fall landscape of a lake surrounded by trees showcasing golds, reds, and oranges.

The feel was similar to a few of the paintings she’d bought for The Sidderlight.

Shock rippled through her when she realized it was the same artist. Josie Ellis.

Amber turned to Piper. “Does Josie Ellis live in Phail? I decorated a conference room of a hotel I worked at in Chicago with her paintings. She’s incredibly talented. ”

Piper beamed. “Josie’s an even better human than she is an artist. She lives out at Midnight Lake with her husband, Nico.”

Such a small world. “When I’m closer to opening the inn, I’ll be back for some art for the walls. I’m hoping to showcase the area and its history. Each room will have its own apple-related theme, but I need more information about the process and the history before I decide.”

Piper grinned. “That sounds amazing. Like apple blossom time or the history of the farm?”

She nodded. “Exactly like that.”

Piper pointed at a shelf displaying mugs filled with Phail sayings. C ome to Phail to succeed. No one fails in Phail. You’ve Phailed. Phail Better. So many more. Many of them showcased Fancy Firefly and Phil Phail the Fox. Town mascots.

Amber wondered if she could create similar items of her own for the inn once it had a name. There was certainly enough inspiration for her in the store.

She could even include a small gift shop in the inn's lobby, including items about the inn and showcasing the Phail merchandise as well.

It was too early in the process to arrange for that now, but she’d see if she could figure it out once she was closer to having a functional building.

Amber stopped to caress the moccasin in the next display.

At the farm, they each had their own pair to wear inside.

She wanted to get a new pair for her and Gray to wear when they were at the inn.

She could do the same for her guests. Have a selection of moccasins to choose from.

With an option to purchase at the end. She turned to Piper.

“I love the ones we have at the farm and I’d like to get some for the inn.

I’m wondering if the artisan would make me a few dozen pairs for my guests.

And maybe have an option to purchase. I’d have to figure out the process for that, but I definitely want the option for the guests. ”