His brother didn’t like to admit he had a lot to learn and Clay was more than willing to make sure Ford stayed safe. As well as everyone else in his inner circle.
Even the cute wedding planner he’d just hired.
She was an employee now, so that meant she fell into the tiny group he socialized with.
He just hoped to hell he didn’t have to touch her every time they crossed paths. There was only so much he could take.
3
A LOT HAS CHANGED
“Meri, is that you?”
Meredith turned her head from where she was standing behind the bar and looking out toward the open barn. She was envisioning all the ideas she had.
“Mrs. Ridgeway. It is.” She walked quickly toward Gale’s mother, who had her arms open for a hug. “I’m so happy to see you. I was hoping I would.”
“That son of mine. He didn’t tell me it was you. And please, call me, Brooke.” Brooke hugged her tight, then stepped back to look her over. “Haven’t you turned into such a lovely young woman?”
“Aww,” she said. “Thank you. You haven’t changed a bit. Nor aged.”
Brooke still had long hair pulled back in a ponytail, jeans and sneakers on her feet, a red Ridgeway Orchard T-shirt tucked into the waist and looking as if she could conquer the world.
She’d always felt that way on this farm.
Everyone was strong, confident, and willing to do anything they had to.
Meredith? She screeched at flies. And bees. Ants. Any insect really.
Clay told her she was soft once when she was younger. She’d thought he was complimenting her.
Nope. It was his way of saying she was weak.
And what did she do again in front of him? Trip, have to be caught, then wave her arms like a lunatic over a stupid fly that grossed her out.
If he hadn’t walked behind the bar to wash his hands quickly before he left, she might have lectured him to do it.
Yeah, that would have gone over well.
“Work keeps me young and happy,” Brooke said.
“Me too,” she said. “I love my job. Now I’ve got two of them.”
“You’re a teacher, right? Gale mentioned it months ago when she told Clay to hire a wedding planner.”
“I am. I teach kindergarten in Lake George. I don’t live that far from here. Has Clay interviewed many for this position?”
“No,” Brooke said, shaking her head. “He’s a stubborn one. I handled the first two weddings and all the other events we’ve had here. Most times it’s easy enough. Reenie helps too.”
“Reenie?”
“Ford’s girlfriend. She works with me in the cafe, does the marketing and promotions for Clay in the cider mill.”
“I thought he made hard cider. Is it still called a mill?”
Brooke laughed. “You’ve always had so many questions. It’s not really a brewery, but hard cider undergoes fermentation. I call it whatever I want and he won’t correct me.”
She laughed. “He said you would help me or inform me about the other weddings and the plans?”
