Olivia’s eyes widened.“Ducks?In the winter?”
Jolie nodded.“Ford built them a nice warm coop, but they like playing outside as long as it’s not a blizzard.”
Predictably, Charlie’s eyes lit up.“The duck coop is called Duckington Palace and it’s awesome.They also have a Quack Mobile for the summer.They move it around and the duck poop fertilizes different areas of the farm every night.Do you want to see it?”
Olivia smiled.“I think Ella might like the ducks.Hang on and I’ll grab the carrier I use with her.”
She got it from her car and strapped it on like a backwards backpack.He’d used a similar one when Charlie was little.
Like his son, Ella appeared to enjoy the ride.She faced forward and waved her limbs and her smile lit up the forest.
The group walked through the orchard and Nash walked near Olivia, ready to catch her if she stumbled.Not that he thought she would, but he wanted to ensure the pair were safe and secure.
Which was normal, and not a further sign of his attraction for her.
Which was complete bullshit, but he pretended to believe it.
Olivia laughed as the duck named QuackerJack lost her flock yet again.Every time the duck turned around, she went into a minor panic thinking her friends had left her.
She flapped her wings and checked side to side.It never occurred to her that she’d turned while the flock remained where they were.
Her visible relief when she found them was charming, and she sent Charlie into fits of giggles.That had Ella joining in, although she probably didn’t see the humor in the duck’s behavior.
It didn’t matter where the joy was from, it was amazing to see and hear.The girl deserved nothing but joy and laughter for the rest of her life.
Totally unrealistic, but that didn’t stop Olivia from hoping it could be true.She’d do her best to make it happen.
Duckington Palace was a marvel.A ramp led from the ground to the door.Apparently, the coop needed to be off the ground to keep the birds safe from predators, and the slanted roof served the same purpose.
Watching ducks play in the snow and scrounge for food was fun.Kiddie ponds were filled with water that was changed out daily.Some days it iced over.
It made Olivia wonder about adding an avian race to her fantasy world of Norissamin.They could be a clueless species that unwittingly interfered with the battles.Or a superior race that didn’t waste time with the lesser sentient beings.
She’d have to let that simmer in her head for the next book.Book Four was almost complete and needed to be sent to her editor in a few weeks.Book Three would be on shelves in time for the Christmas rush.Her editor, Rika Yoshito said preorders were the highest they’d ever been.
Which meant finding a part-time job wasn’t an immediate necessity, but padding the bank account was never a bad idea.
Olivia had been able to write a few good chapters while Ella had slept at the B&B.The girl loved her toddler bed, and that made Olivia’s life easier.When they settled down somewhere, she’d have to set one up for her.
Could she settle somewhere here in Phail or near the apple farm?The people were amazing, and she felt safe.
Not only because of Nash, although he would be a big factor in her decision.The man was compelling.He was a terrific dad and a good man.
Her body was attuned to his.She reacted every time he looked her way.Even when those looks were normal conversational interactions.
A few times, she was sure she saw returning interest from him, but he was always quick to blank his face.She knew enough about him to know there was no woman in his life.And it didn’t sound as if there’d been a recent breakup.She was pretty sure Charlie would have spilled that much.
He was such a fun kid.She hoped she’d be half the parent to Ella that Nash was to his son.
When the lead duck turned to move closer to Ella, who sat giggling on the ground, the Australian shepherd leapt into action.Hemsworth gently herded the ducks to an area a bit further away.
Olivia patted his head.“Thanks Hemsworth.Good job.”
Then Ella yawned wide enough to have Charlie laughing.“I think she’s tired, Olivia.”
When the little girl started to tumble to the side, Charlie stopped her.“You can’t nap here, silly.We can head back to the farmhouse if you want.You can nap on my bed.”
Her heart warmed at his words.“Thanks, Charlie.I’m not sure if she’ll want to be alone but we’ll see.”
