Before they checked that out, a bell clanged, and then Ford’s voice called out, “For you newbies, that’s our dinner bell.Come and get it while it’s hot.”
They both laughed and Charlie said.“This is a great place, Dad.We’re going to have a lot of fun here.”
Nash tugged him into a side hug as they moved down the hallway.He hoped like hell his kid was right.
Chapter4
Come And Go
Nash was pleased Charlie hadn’t had nightmares or enough worries to cross the hall and sneak into his bed.He never minded having his kid with him, but it was a good sign of Charlie’s comfort level that he’d stayed in his own room.
His son was growing up.
Something Charlotte would never see.The thought ached even as he’d spent at least part of the night dealing with the fact of his attraction to Olivia.
It had been over a decade since he’d lost Charlotte.He knew he’d never get over it.He figured you never got over the death of a loved one; you just learned how to deal with it.
Dealing with this new attraction made him feel guilty.That was probably dumb, but that didn’t change the feeling.
He showered and dressed, then knocked softly on Charlie’s door.The door flew open immediately and Charlie grinned at him.“I’m up.Had my shower already.It’s neat, having a bathroom right in my own room.They even had towels ready for us to use.What are we going to do today?”
Nash laughed.“Have you been sneaking in some caffeine while I was sleeping?”
Charlie grinned.“Who needs caffeine?I’m not old, so I can be wide awake on my own.”
Nash wrapped an arm around his neck.“Come on, spring chicken.Let’s go rustle up some breakfast.Or don’t you need food either?”
“I need food.All the food.What did we buy for breakfast?Can we have pancakes?Or waffles?Or breakfast enchiladas?Did we buy any sugary cereal?I need to keep my energy up.”
The night before, they’d learned the house rules.Everyone was on their own for breakfast and lunches, while the adults had a rotational system for suppers.The group tried to eat together every night to catch up, and connect like a family.
It was another reason Nash had decided to make the move.Neither he nor Charlotte had any family left.Charlie hadn’t grown up with grandparents or aunts and uncles.It had always been the two of them.He figured his son could use the bonus family Nash had found in the army.
Nash and Gray had worked together as strategists, and they’d both worked with a variety of other teams.They hadn’t been attached to a single team but had worked with many at a time.
He’d met a lot of great people in those years and had become close to the ones he spent the most time with.
He knew each of the Malssum brothers who owned the farm and had worked with them all on their separate units.The men were loyal and determined.Along with Gray and Ford, they were some of the best people Nash knew.
Of the three brothers, only Knox Malssum was currently living on the farm, but Nash didn’t doubt he’d see Lawson and Burke for at least visits.He’d spoken to all the male Malssums to ensure that he and Charlie weren’t imposing or taking advantage of Gray’s offer.
They’d all assured him that there was plenty of space, and that he and Charlie were welcome.They were happy that Nash was willing to work on creating an apple cider division for their product.
Not that Nash had any history with cider making.He did have a brewmaster license, so he knew the basics, and had been doing some research on cider making, both hard and soft.
It looked like fun, and something Charlie could help with.Nash had researched Vermont paperwork and laws around cider making, too.It wasn’t much of a stretch from brewing craft beer.He wasn’t sure if there was a compatible space on the farm already or if he’d have to build something.That would take more time, and they’d have to wait until the snow melted to build.
Hopefully, he could find a space to work—even a kitchen no one used to test out different recipes and methods.Gray said there were plenty of small buildings on the property, and he thought a few might work.
The main floor of the farmhouse smelled delicious, and Charlie’s stomach rumbled loudly.“Smells like pancakes.”
The whisper had Nash nodding.He didn’t know exactly how everything would work here, but he knew no one would mind that he hadn’t brought pans or a griddle.He’d brought ingredients, and he knew they could share what the others used.
The kitchen had one of those swinging doors, and when they pushed their way in, the scent was stronger.To his surprise, the other six people who lived on the property were all there, working around the kitchen in harmony.
Cooking bacon and pancakes, cutting up apples and plating other fruit, setting the table, and feeding the dogs.
Of course, Charlie aimed right for the dogs.They’d met Hemsworth and Boomer the previous night, and Charlie was in love.The Australian and German shepherds were friendly and well trained.
