Page 35 of Pick Yourself Up (Heroes to the Core #3)

There was still a lot to do, but she hoped she would have the majority of tasks completed by spring. Having the grand opening during apple blossom season would be perfect. Probably not do-able though. Maybe she’d aim for harvest time.

She’d have to get the online booking system set up well before then, as she’d have to advertise. Figure out a marketing strategy.

Would anyone come? Would anyone want to stay in an inn on an apple farm where the closest town was named Phail?

Even the question had her smiling. There was only one way to find out. And that would be to take a deep breath and pull up her big girl panties.

Time to update the spreadsheets and the extensive To-Do lists. She could lean into the quirky side with some advertising, keep others more serious.

First, she wanted to play with one more room.

She headed to the room at the other end of the hall, the one where she and Gray had first made love.

It would always have a special place in her heart, and she wanted the decor to stand out.

After Apple-y Ever After, it was the biggest room and had another great tub.

This room would be the Pie Shop. Or Apple Pie. She really needed to finalize the names so that she could order name plaques for the room.

And a sign for the inn.

And maybe fact plaques for each room showcasing the history and procedures of apple farming. Should each plaque be in the shape of apples, or should each room have its own specific design? That would cost more, but it would also be more fun.

“Any ideas, Boomer? I could use some help in deciding.”

Boomer didn’t have an opinion, but his soft woof alerted her to someone approaching from the first floor—a friend, as his tail was wagging.

Sure enough, Jolie turned into the hallway, a huge smile on her face. She patted the dog. “Hey Boomer. Are you having fun?”

“No greeting for me?”

Jolie laughed. “I know you’re having fun. And I’ve got a surprise that will make your day even better.”

“What is it, Joles?”

Jolie grabbed her hand and tugged her toward the stairs, Boomer on their heels. “You’ve got a visitor waiting downstairs.”

“Who is it? Should I prepare Boomer?”

Jolie’s steps halted. “I forgot about that. Yes, it’s a stranger, but he’s friendly and a friend of Knox and Thea’s. He’s Troy and Ginny Phail’s great uncle Stan. He’s been out to the farm a few times, but not since you arrived.”

Amber nodded, wondering about the purpose of the man’s visit. Instead of asking, she ruffled Boomer’s head. “We’re going to meet Stan. Friend. Stan is a friend.”

Without the context of an actual human, he tilted his head, but followed close to her side, ready to protect her if Amber’s assessment was off.

They found Stan in the front room that would serve as a lounge for the guests. The large fireplace and windows overlooking the gardens would provide excellent ambiance. She’d finished painting it the other day, and the color was perfect for framing the windows as if they were photographs.

Amber kept her hand on Boomer’s head while Jolie moved forward. “Amber and Boomer, I’d like to introduce you to Stan Phail. Stan, this is my sister Amber and her friend Boomer.”

The man’s face split into a huge smile. “Hello Amber, Boomer. It’s nice to meet you both.”

Amber patted Boomer. “Boomer. Friend. Mr. Phail. This is our friend, Mr. Phail.”

The dog hadn’t been on high alert, but he was always careful when meeting new people, preferring to judge their friendship status for himself.

Boomer tilted his head and moved in front of Amber. Instead of stopping in his protection stance, he took the next few steps and sniffed Stan’s outstretched hand.

After a moment, he licked the man and then sat to check over his shoulder at Amber.

Stan laughed. “I’m glad Boomer approves. And it’s Stan, not Mr. Phail.”

After shaking hands, Stan gestured at the room. “This is a beautiful old building. I love how you’re making the upgrades without losing any of the charm.”

That filled her heart. “You’ve just made my day, Stan. That’s exactly what we’re hoping for.”

“I love seeing things get refurbished rather than torn down and replaced. I’ve chatted with Thea about the farm. The regenerative farming approach is a smart one. Nice to see you young folks moving things in the right direction.”

Amber smiled. “I think we are, although I haven’t contributed much to the farm area.”

He laughed. “No one can do it all. We have to play to our strengths.”

Jolie grinned. “And Amber’s strengths include making any house into a cozy, welcoming home.”

Amber had to blink away the mist at her sister’s words.

Stan patted her arm. “From what I’ve seen, I agree with your sister.”

She swallowed hard. “Would you like a tour of the house?”

His eyes lit up. “I would, but not today. I have another reason for popping in on you today.”

He waved them to follow to where he’d set a box on a chair. “When I was younger, I ran a small apple farm on the outskirts of Phail. Troy’s wife Piper told me you’ve been looking for some things to add to the decor of your inn. I dug through the garage and found a few things that might fit.”

Excitement thrummed through Amber’s blood and a quick look showed Jolie felt the same.

Boomer too, as he stuck his nose in the box as soon as Stan opened the flaps.

“Now, don’t you be feeling any pressure to take any of it.

I’m not easily offended and I’m not sure my ideas of what might work are the same as you young folks. ”

Amber laughed. “I have a feeling we might be closer in our preferences than you think.”

Stan cracked out a laugh. “If not, I’ll shove them back into the garage, so no problem.”

Amber looked into the box and gasped in delight.

A large framed picture sat on the top and covered most of the other items in the box.

The photo showed five people using ladders to pick apples from a tree.

Most of the people were focused on the task, but a young boy peeked around a ladder to wave at the camera.

The clothing told her the photo was probably at least seventy years old, but the quality was crisp, and only a few sections showed much age.

Reverently, she traced her finger over the edge of the wooden frame. “This is perfection. It’s exactly the kind of thing I was hoping to find, showcasing the history of apple farming in Vermont. Are you sure you want to part with this? It’s amazing.”

Stan rocked on his toes and grinned. “I am absolutely sure, especially after seeing your reaction. I don’t think history should be shoved in a box in the garage. If you can give this photo a home and a place to breathe, you’re more than welcome to it. My folks would be pleased.”

“Your folks?” She turned her attention back to the photo and studied the people. The man had enough similarities to Stan to have her looking at the boy again. “Is this you? Are you the boy with the mischief in his eye?”

His laugh filled the room. “I am. Good eye. I was a bit of a handful back then. Always looking for an adventure around every corner.”

Amber smiled. “I don’t imagine much has changed since then.”

He slapped his leg, making Boomer tilt his head. “I like you, young lady. See what else you like in the box, and then tell me what else you’re looking for. I’ll pester my friends into checking their attics for you.”

Amber blinked back the tears gathering. “Thank you, Stan. That means so much.”

He patted her arm gently. “My Troy tells me you’re good people, like everyone else here on the farm. Here in Phail, we have each other’s backs. You’re part of us, now.”

Her heart overflowed.

Stan’s eyes twinkled. “Here in Phail, we don’t fail. I know your inn is going to be another example of how well we don’t fail.”

Amber laughed even as the puzzle pieces clicked in her brain.

Welcome to the No Phailed Apples Inn, the most a-peeling inn in Vermont.

Perfect. It was going to be perfect.