Page 58 of Traces Of You

He knew that about Clay. It wasn’t something they talked about often, but his brother had been on a Special Forces team that dealt in extractions. He went in and got their targets or men at any cost.

“Those days are behind you.”

“They never are,” Clay said.

“What are you two gabbing about?” his father asked.

“Just talking about the first event in two weeks and how Clay is putting me to work on Saturday.”

“We are all hands on deck,” his father said. “This is big. More expansion that we need.”

“Are you sure it’s not too much for you and Mom?” Ford asked.

“To be honest,” his father said. “It’s less physical work than I’m used to.”

“Good,” Clay said. “That’s the point. Work smarter, not harder.”

His brother was turning their family legacy into much more than he’d ever thought it’d be.

“Speaking of work, what do you have us doing on Saturday?”

“You, me and Ash will finish the fence around the property. I want to make sure it’s set aside from the rest, so that when events are going on, no one that is here for the cafe or hay rides, pumpkin picking, or whatever else is going on, will sneak into a private event.”

“I didn’t think of that,” he said.

“It’s my job to think of it,” Clay said. His father cleared his throat. “Fine. Dad thought of it.”

He laughed. “Good job, Dad.”

“I’m good to have around for a few things. I know how the land works better than your brother, but I’m listening to him on the other things.”

It was good to see his brother and father getting along so well. There were times they butted heads when Clay was a teen.

“I can work this weekend,” Lexi said, moving over. “I heard you talking. Do you need an extra hand?”

“There is a signup sheet in the locker room,” Clay said. “Just put your name on it. I need all the help I can get.”

“Sweet,” Lexi said. “I love everything that is changing here. Rod and Pete were talking about it.” She waved them over. “Clay said we can sign up to work this weekend.”

“Nice,” Pete said. “Do we get an invite to the first event too?”

“Sure,” Clay said. “But it’s a first come first serve. If I hit the quota, people have to wait for others to come in or I’ll be shutting the doors. It’s more like an open house.”

“I’ll be there bright and early and even help set up. How about you, Ford?” Lexi asked, shoving at his arm just like she’d done since they were kids.

He nudged her back. “Clay told me I had to be here.”

Lexi then bumped her shoulder into Clay’s, which only got a grunt out of his brother and an eye roll.

“We’ve got company from a pretty girl,” his father said. “Bringing food.”

“Food makes everyone seem prettier,” Reenie said. “Your wife told me you’ve been saying that for years.”

“She’s got you there, Callum,” Rod said. “But in this case, the delivery woman is just as good looking as the box in her hands.”

Ford whipped his head in Rod’s direction and shot him a glare. Rod threw his hands up and took a step back and snickered. “Don’t you have some work to do?” he asked one of Clay’s workers.

“Yep, getting right back to it. Come on, Pete and Lexi.”