Page 22 of Pick Yourself Up (Heroes to the Core #3)

How Does Your Garden Grow?

G ray whistled and smiled throughout the next few days. Constantly. He tried to keep the grin off his face when Knox was in the vicinity, but it was hard.

Amber was everything. They made love daily. Sometimes several times daily. She’d invited him into her room at night. Waking with her snuggled in his arms in the morning had him starting the day with a smile.

Ending it with another one.

He’d never had a relationship that had filled him with this bone-deep contentment. He couldn’t imagine loving anyone else. Couldn’t see a future without her at his side.

He was a goner. And it didn’t scare him.

His mamma would approve of Amber, from her work ethic to her kindness to her optimism.

Despite what she’d endured, she’d figured out a way to keep her positive outlook.

While she sometimes thought of it as a cowardly move, adding Boomer to her life had been smart.

Her dog allowed her to continue with her life the way she wanted.

Just as moving to Vermont had fulfilled her more than staying in Chicago. He’d been attracted to the strong woman who’d figured a way to stop the bastards hunting his client. Watching her bloom here at the farm had his heart falling at her feet.

She quietly did everything she could to make life easier for those around her. She also added simple touches that made the spaces more inviting.

Today, he was finishing the last steps of clearing out the field that would be his gardens while she and Boomer painted some of the rooms in her inn.

When she had help, she tackled the bigger projects. When she was on her own, she didn’t slow a bit.

Yup. He was in love.

Gray tied up another bag full of invasive species and set it out by the road.

They’d let the sun do its thing for a few days.

That would kill off most anything. When he had a full load for his truck, he’d take it to the local dump.

He’d been shocked at how well organized the place had been.

Spots for batteries, used tech, and recyclables.

Separate areas for wood, furniture, and household waste.

And a section devoted to eliminating invasive species.

Vermont was more ecologically friendly than any place he’d ever been.

A perfect place for the Malssum family and their regenerative farming ideas.

Everyone was ready to support the environmentally friendly attitude.

The people of Phail and other nearby towns were chipping in by keeping coffee grounds and veggie scraps for Thea and Knox to pick up.

He’d added himself into the pickup and drop-off routine as his gardens would benefit from the quality compost as well.

From the farm road, Gray stood and surveyed the massive field between the two farmhouses. Several apple trees provided shade, adding to the view and ambiance of the area. B watch it grow into his vision.

He couldn’t forget plants to attract both bees and butterflies. Ladybugs, too. They were excellent predators, and he’d want their help. They’d be good for the orchard as well. Marigolds, yarrow, and other flat-topped flowers. Dill and fennel in the kitchen gardens, too.

Gray pulled out his phone and jotted down a few things he wanted to check. He needed to know more about Vermont’s natural biome and what plants would support the orchard best.

“What’s put that happy grin on your face?”

He turned to find that Amber and Boomer had crept up on him while he stood in the middle of the field. Some special forces soldier he was.

Not finding it in himself to care, he leaned down to kiss Amber and ruffle Boomer’s fur. “I’m planning.”

Her face lit up. “That’s so much fun. Can you walk me through it?”

Her question wasn’t a polite one. He knew she really wanted to see his vision.

For the next hour, they walked around the field, Boomer on their heels sniffing everything he could find.

Amber slipped her arm through his and leaned into his shoulder. “Your sister would love the plans you’re making. I agree that blending it all into a complete sensory experience will be incredible. Your mamma would be so happy with your vision.”

He swallowed hard and leaned over to kiss her hair. “I think so. As I’ve been planning, I keep hearing her words of wisdom and her sarcastic comments if my plans get too big.”

Amber laughed. “I wish I’d been able to meet them both.”

He nodded, knowing she meant exactly that. “You would have made a formidable trio. Taking on the world one smile, one helping hand, one cuff to the head at a time.”

She laughed. “I don’t think I’ve ever cuffed anyone on the head.”

“Not a shock. But if Mamma thought I was being particularly stubborn or stupid, she didn’t hold back. I can still see her rolling her eyes and muttering idiota when she didn’t like my choices.”

The memory warmed him, and he hugged Amber tightly.

She smiled. “This place is going to be full of good memories for you. Even though it’s a new garden, it’s going to be full of Angelina and your mamma. It’s going to be beautiful.”

Emotion swamped him again as he nodded. He brushed his hand over her temple. “Just like you.”

Then he kissed her, because how could he not?

A mber had never been happier. Not since the crash that had taken her parents.

She figured they would love what the family was doing here on the farm. Mato and Halona had loved each other, their children, and the land. Amber had only been nine when they’d died, but she was sure of that.

Fox and her older siblings had always been happy to share memories of her parents with her. She and her siblings had been so lucky when Fox had jumped into the void and made room for them in his house and his heart.

He’d been a stellar grandfather before. Always ready to take them on adventures and have them for visits. Afterward, he’d shown what a truly spectacular man he’d been.

Gruff but affectionate. Loving but determined to help them grow into self-sufficient, hard-working adults.

Yes, he would love this farm.

Again, Amber considered spending some time in Jay’s room. The answers to the rift between the brothers might be in there. But she wasn’t ready to face the sadness that would engulf her when she looked through his possessions.

What could have torn them apart? What could have turned two men who’d valued family into strangers?

When Boomer woofed softly, she blew out the sadness that came with those questions. “I’m good, Boomer. Just too much introspection. Back to work.”

She dipped the roller into the paint tray again.

The green was deep and soft. It soothed her, and she hoped it would be the same for her guests.

Painting all the rooms the same color made sense.

She could differentiate them all with linens, window coverings, and knick-knacks she’d find for each room.

Bits and pieces of history and the farm.

Items that would entertain and teach while looking good.

She hadn’t spent any time in the basement or the attic yet, but she hoped they both held some treasures for her to use.

She should probably venture out and talk to more people in the area. Ask if they knew where she could find some of the things she looked for. Maybe when the B&B was further along. And maybe not. That required more of an extroverted nature than hers. But maybe she could do it for the B&B.

Smiling, she looked at Boomer, who contented himself with watching her and exploring the nearby rooms as she worked.

He was smart enough to avoid tools and fresh paint, so she didn’t worry when he moved away.

He was always on alert to threats and prevented her from ever feeling nervous alone in the huge house.

On rainy days, she had more help and tackled some of the bigger issues.

She’d removed toilets and sinks on her own but needed help with the tubs that were cracked.

And to take the bigger items down the stairs.

At least a few of the tubs were huge clawfoot deals.

That would be a draw once the B&B was a reality.

The upgraded fixtures would take another chunk out of her savings, but that didn’t matter. Seeing the building grow was worth it. It wouldn’t be ready to function as an inn for a long while, but working on it was pure pleasure.

She hadn’t tackled the kitchen or owner’s suite yet, but she’d almost finished painting the second-floor rooms. Without the need for structural changes, she hadn’t needed to do more than freshen up these rooms and choose new fixtures.

No way was she leaving toilets that had been around for half a century.

Boomer returned to the doorway and woofed. Someone was coming, but the person wasn’t a threat.

Sure enough, she heard whistling. A tune from the musical Annie, which meant it was her brother alerting her to his presence.

She finished the wall as he popped into the room. “Hey, Amber. It’s looking good in here. I can’t believe how much painting you’ve done.”

She grinned. “It’s going well. I’m going to use a softer version of this color in the hallways and in the rooms downstairs, but I think I’ll wait until we’re done hauling bathroom fixtures up and down before I tackle those.”

“Good plan. Doesn’t look like it’ll be long before you’re ready for that.”

She grinned. “Not long at all.”

“I have a favor to ask.”

“Anything.”

His smile softened. “You always say that before you know what we need.”

She laughed. “It doesn’t matter what it is. If it’s in my power, you’ve got it.”

He crossed the few steps and hugged her. “Same. Anything you need.”

She swallowed hard and hugged him back. “I know.”

He squeezed her. “This one requires your muscles for a few days, starting in the morning.”

“Okay.”

He laughed. “Still not asking. Okay, I’ll tell you, anyway. It’s time to pick some apples.”

Her heart leapt with happiness. “That’s amazing. Your first harvest.”

Knox grinned. “ Our first harvest, not just mine.”

She laughed. “It’s going to be amazing. Any idea how we do it? Do we have enough ladders for all of us to use?”

He shrugged. “Probably, but I’ve been working on figuring out more efficient methods. We’re going to use the multi-bin trucks in the barn. I’d like everyone to review the details tonight, so we’re ready to go first thing. Do you want to see?”

She nodded. “Let me just clean up my brushes, then I’m all yours.”

He grinned. “I’ve got Claus and the rest meeting us there in twenty minutes. I’ll give you a hand.”

Hearing Gray’s callsign made her smile. It always sounded like Claws , which was a lot more intimidating than Santa’s second name.

When they locked up the B&B, Boomer barked a hello to the group that waited for them down the farm road. Gray walked toward them and leaned down to kiss her, making her brother mumble about PDA in front of the family. Which just made Gray laugh and kiss her harder.

When they approached, Hemsworth bounded over to greet Boomer. The whole family vibe filled Amber and had her blinking back the rush of emotion.

Family. A growing one. One that might lure her remaining brothers to the property.

A family filled with new friends. New love.

Maybe the home she dreamed of wasn’t so far out of reach after all.