“That must be wonderful. I’ve always wanted a garden.”
“You mean you’ve never had one? I would think you could grow lots of things in Oregon. Isn’t it really wet up there?”
“Yes, but I live in a condo. As a kid, my mom had a small garden with tomatoes and squash and lots of flowers. I always enjoyed helping with that.”
“Well, as much as I love my garden, it’s a lot of work. Garth helps some and I’m trying to get the kids more involved, but it can be overwhelming at times.”
“Do you need any help?” Brynna asked eagerly.
“Seriously?”
“Absolutely! I’d love to work in a garden. I mean after office hours, of course. But it would be nice to have something to fill my time. Do you live nearby? Could I walk there?”
“You could, but it’s a bit of a hike. How about if I loan you my old bike? It’s not like I’m using it these days.” She patted her belly.
“A bike!” Brynna felt like clapping. “Perfect.”
“I’ll have Garth put it in his truck bed and bring it with himtomorrow.” Sophie picked up the basket. “And if there’s anything else you need, just let me know.”
“I do have one concern.” Brynna pointed down to her slightly rumpled and not-too-clean T-shirt and shorts. “The clothes I brought with me, well, I didn’t bring a lot since I only expected to be camping, but most of what I have is dirty.”
“Oh, you can do laundry in the house. Just go through the side door on the left. It goes straight to the laundry room.”
“So I won’t be disturbing anyone?” Brynna cringed at the idea of bumping into Leroy while sorting her whites.
“I doubt it. Gina does her laundry late at night, and believe me, Dad rarely does any at all. But that’s because I do it for him.”
“Okay, but it looked like there might be houseguests.” Again, she felt like she was fishing. Sure she was curious, but more than that, she wanted to get her clothes washed without drawing attention to herself.
“Oh, that’s right. Gina invited her friends here. I just met them. They’re not really guests since they’re supposed to be working. It’s just Gina’s college roommate, Mara, and Mara’s sister and mom.” Sophie rolled her eyes. “I think my baby sister might be playing matchmaker with Dad.”
“Matchmaker?”
“Dad just told me that Judith—that’s Mara’s mom—is being awfully friendly.”
Brynna nodded, trying to think of a neutral response. “Oh.”
“But Dad’s not really into dating. He’s made it clear that he has no plans to remarry—ever.”
“Because he still loves your mother?” When Brynna saw Sophie’s brow crease, she wished she could retract those words.Stop being so nosy!
“Yeah, maybe that’s part of it. I don’t know. Dad would say it’s because he’s too busy—no time for a woman in his life. He used to say it was because of us girls. Now he just blames the vineyard.”
“Well, I can understand that.” Brynna was eager to change topics but came up blank.
“Although Judith might have figured out the way to get to him. Gina said she’s a really good cook and Dad doesn’t eat right most of the time. I have to admit, she does seem nice. And she’s really pretty.” She shrugged. “So, who knows, maybe Dad has finally met his match. To be honest, I’d be relieved if he found someone to look after him. Well, as long as she was therightsomeone.”
Brynna felt her cheeks grow warm. This conversation was getting more and more uncomfortable. “Well, back to the laundry situation. Maybe I should wait until Gina’s friends go before I try to do my laundry.”
“But they might be here two weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Brynna blinked.
“Yeah. It’s supposed to be a working vacation. They’re here to help spruce the place up. Right now Mara and her sister are painting trim on the barn and Judith is organizing the kitchen.”
“That’s nice.”
Sophie nodded. “Gina has a long to-do list. You must’ve noticed how neglected and run-down this place is.”
