He grinned.“Like Frannie B’s Honey.”
Her smile widened.“I like it.It’s not as unique as Phail, but it makes me think of wonderful memories whenever I say it or see my labels.”
“If I can figure out a business here, you’ll need to help me come up with a name.”Hell, he hadn’t meant to say that aloud.
But he couldn’t regret it when Dani’s face lit up even more.“You’re really thinking of moving here permanently?Setting up your own shop and business?”
He nodded slowly.“I have things to look into.I have to ensure it’s viable before I decide.Because I’ve always worked for someone else, I have no idea how to run a business, let alone create one.Don’t have a clue what’s involved.”
“I can help with that.It’s not my forté either, but I’ve had to learn a lot over the past few years.I’d love to help.”
Unable to stop himself, Lawson leaned down and kissed her.Even without her offer to help, Dani Richards was a hell of an incentive for him to stay.
Dani couldn’t get over the size of the barn and the amount of machinery inside it.
Lawson showed her every machine and explained its purpose.He might not have known much about apple farming before arriving in Vermont, but his knowledge of machinery was vast.As she listened to him talk, she realized he knew a ton about the farming process as well.
His voice was confident and happy.She wondered if he knew he’d fallen in love with the idea of staying at the apple farm with his family.It was evident in his tone of voice and the pride shining in his words.
Workbenches and toolboxes lined the sides of the barn, with all the vehicles parked in the middle.It was an enormous space, but she wondered if there was a way to improve efficiency.
Lawson’s rumbly voice broke into her thoughts.“What are you thinking?I can see ideas brewing.”
She grinned.“Trying to devise a way to organize the space so it’s more efficient for you.How many types of jobs do you want to do?”
He turned to survey the space with her.“If we’re delving into my wildest dream realm, I’d need a few separate work areas.The first would be a mechanic’s bay for fixing and maintaining the farm’s vehicles.Then, I’d need storage for spare parts and tools.If I’m doing this, I’m not sending out for parts every week.I’d like to have my own stockroom.”
“That makes sense.I’ve done the same in both my garage and my home office.Having what you need on hand makes everything more efficient.”
He nodded.“And less frustrating.I hate having to stop working on something when I’m in the groove, but I don’t have the parts.”
“What else do you need?”
He waggled his eyebrows at her, making her laugh even as tingles ran through her.They’d made love only hours before, but her body craved him again.
“In my dream garage, I’d also have a welding area.One for sanding and painting.Like your setup in some ways, but large enough for the vehicles and the bigger tools they require.”
She looked over the area again.“Instead of keeping the setup as is, you could make your storage section along the back wall.Instead of taking up valuable floor space, you could add deep shelves.Maybe a rolling ladder that helps you reach the upper shelves.Like the library in Beauty and the Beast.”
He laughed as he looked at the space with that idea in mind.“I haven’t seen that movie, but I get the idea.I need access to the front doors for the mechanical bays and the restoration work.Keeping the back area for storage and tools makes the most sense.”
“If you built your bays along the outer edges of the big door, the center aisle could be open for vehicle storage and make it easier to get them in and out of the barn.It would also give you room for workbenches along the edges with specific tools for the work area.”
He slung his arm over her shoulder.“Good vision.I’ll have to sketch it out and show it to Ford.With his background in carpentry and construction, I’m sure he’ll have ideas to help.”
Bibi returned from the depths of the barn and walked back into the sunshine.
Lawson took Dani’s hand.“That’s enough for now.I’m starving.Let’s go see about some breakfast.”
In the kitchen, Knox and Thea were making oatmeal.“What?No pancakes from the pancake master this morning?”
Knox laughed.“Only on special occasions.Too much to do, but there’s plenty of oatmeal and fruit if you want some.”
Dani knew she should feel awkward.From the early hour, and the fact that Lawson was wearing yesterday’s clothes, it was obvious they’d spent the night together.
While it was weird having people know her business, she couldn’t bring herself to mind.In fact, she wouldn’t mind shouting to the world that this incredible man found her interesting enough that he wanted to sleep with her and spend time together.
Lawson squeezed her hand.“Do you like oatmeal?It was a staple in our grandfather’s house, and we all love it.”
