Laverne grinned. “My daughter and I are planning to take a trip out to see. I’m always on the lookout for new artists.”
Tate touched one of the stained glass sun catchers. “Actually, Billie Preston was one of the first artists to take one of our spots.”
Laverne’s eyes widened. “Oh, this place must be something special. It’s hard to get Billie out of her workshop.”
“I’m luring the best artists in the tri-state area with low rental costs to make this a success.”
“That’s the way to do it.”Someone called Laverne’s name and she sighed. “My usual store manager is sick, so I’m in charge. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Mrs. Ronson.”
She wrinkled her nose. “Laverne, please. I’m looking forward to your village of stores even more now.” She patted my arm. “Best put those sunglasses back on. We’ve got a lot of kids here today.”
I slid them back down. “Good plan.”
“Want to help me pick out a few items? Sounds like we’re going on a hayride.”
“We can skip it.”
“Why?”
“Pretty sure a bunch of kids will recognize you. Especially since I saw a bunch of preteens in the mix.”
“I love kids.”
“Are you sure?”
I nodded. “Thank you for thinking of me though.” I tugged on his ever present flannel shirt, and he lowered his head for a light kiss.
“Then let’s spend your money.”
“Bet that’s a change of pace for you.”
His ears reddened, but he didn’t say anything.
I knew what it felt like to have everyone assume you’d pay. And since I did want to support all the artists Tate was bringing into Haven, I behaved myself. If a triple digit total at the registers was behaving myself.
The staff was patient with wrapping all of the breakables, but when I mentioned we were going to the hayride and they could finish up while we were gone—there was an obvious relief on their faces.
Tate left his number for them to text him when it was ready.
“How comfortable are those boots?”
“Twenty blocks in an hour in Manhattan comfortable.”
He laughed. “I’m not sure what that means, but you up for a walk to the orchard?”
“Definitely. I need to walk off those cider donuts.”
When leaving the gift shop there were cute signs to tell people which trail led where. We followed the one to the hayride. Not that we could really miss it. The kids were at max volume. There was a playground in a field and a massive truck with carts strung behind it parked at the edge of the trees.
He caught my hand and we decided to cut across the winding path to get there faster. When we cleared the hill, a converted school bus painted white declared itself the Cocoa Bus II. There was an awning over the middle windows, and they’d replaced the little kid safe windows with a huge slider.
Two women and a guy were passing out drinks to the already hyped-up children.
“That is very cool.”
“Yeah, it really is.” Tate grinned down at me. “Think I’m going to have to get creative for a spot to fit that bad boy.”
