Charlie raced around the space while he and Olivia stood near the entry.
It was far larger than Thea’s cabin.Inside the door was a closet along with a row of hooks and a bench beneath.
Past that, the room opened up with a living space to the right and a large kitchen to the left.A huge farmhouse table separated the two spaces.
Olivia smiled.“So far, so good.That table would make a good prep space, and there’s a long counter along the entire wall.”
Nash nodded.“The stove looks in decent shape.And we could add some induction elements for extra cooking space if we want.”
Charlie popped back in from the door on the other side.“There are two bedrooms and a bathroom back here.It’s got a tub with a shower in the bathroom.And the bedrooms have big beds.It would be perfect if Ella needs a nap.Everything looks clean.”
Olivia smiled.“That sounds great.”
Nash pointed at the living space.“We could put another table there for the production end of things.”
Charlie frowned.“What’s that mean?”
“Once the cider is made, we have to bottle it.”
Olivia chimed in.“We have to figure out a label and branding, too, but that can wait for a while.First, we have to learn to make really good cider.”
Charlie was nearly bouncing.“It’s going to be so much fun.It’ll count as some of my science and math courses, right?”
Nash nodded.They’d decided on homeschooling for the rest of the school year.Charlie was a bright kid and had no trouble keeping up with all the subjects.He was way ahead in his reading and understanding of what he read.His math skills were strong, too.A semester where they could figure out life on the farm wouldn’t hurt him.
Nash had already contacted the Vermont school system and had the information he needed.They’d reevaluate for the fall.Nash hoped his kid wanted to attend regular school.He needed friends his age, but for now, this would work.He’d have to talk to Troy to see if any kids in Phail might be potential friends for Charlie.
Olivia put Ella down and the girl held Charlie’s hand as they explored the space.The two chattered away as his son tried to teach her the words for everything.
Olivia moved to Nash’s side.“He’s endlessly patient and enthusiastic with her.”
Nash nodded.“He’s having fun.”
“I wonder if he might want to be a teacher when he’s older.He’s got the instincts.”
That was a warm thought.“He changes his mind on his big dreams all the time.I don’t know if he’s thought of teaching, but you’re right.He’s got the personality for it.”
And the thought of his kid being a grown-up and choosing a career was a hit to the heart.“I’m not ready for him to grow up yet.”
Olivia leaned into his side and patted his arm.“I feel the same.Ella is just starting to blossom, and I feel time slipping away.”
He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and hugged her as they watched the kids.It all felt so right.
Which had his nerves singing.He’d had the feeling when Charlotte had gone into labor.He’d seen the future so clearly then.
He saw it clearly now, with him and Olivia together in the picture.
Guilt gnawed at him and he pushed it down.He’d been through enough therapy to know he had no reason to feel guilty.He’d loved Charlotte with his entire being.Always would.
But he thought he might be able to love Olivia in the same way.
It both thrilled and terrified him.
What if something happened to her as well?Was loving her worth the risk of losing her?
His heart ached at the thought.He didn’t want to go through that again.
Chapter11
