Dani smiled at him.“It looks like he shared your interest in vehicles.If you hadn’t been organizing your shop, you might never have found it.”
He nodded.“Makes me want to check every box, see if we can find more.We still don’t know what tore them apart.”
From the phone, Burke spoke.“Not yet.I bet you’ll keep finding more.Fox wasn’t sentimental about things, but he made notes and reminders just like Jay.There’s probably more there.”
Knox grinned at the phone.“And we’ll find more once you’re here, Burke.None of us wants to explore his room properly until we’re here together.”
Burke rolled his eyes.“You go ahead whenever you feel ready.Don’t wait for me.This is our busy season.”
Spring was always busy for accountants, so that was probably true.But it wasn’t the whole truth.Burke was reluctant to show up at the farm and no one knew exactly why.They’d have to keep working on him.This would give them all the incentive to figure out how to draw in their older brother.
Deciding to change the topic, Lawson looked at Amber and Gray.“Are you guys still looking for a cook?”
They blinked at the change of topic, but both nodded.Amber squeezed Gray’s hand.“We’re almost ready to open.We’ve interviewed a few people, but it’s difficult to find someone who wants to live in an isolated area like this.”
Lawson nodded.“I don’t know if he’s interested, but I’ve mentioned it to Babs.”
Gray’s face lit up.All the other men, including Burke, voiced their agreement.
Amber smiled.“The Babs you worked with overseas?”
Lawson smiled.“One and the same.He was injured and honorably discharged last year.I’m thinking he’d be a good fit for us here.”
The rest of the group approved his suggestion.It helped alleviate their sadness that Jay had wanted to reach out, but never had.
“Is Babs his name or his call sign?”Charlie wanted to know.
“His call sign.His real name is Seth.”
Charlie laughed.“Army guys are weird.”
Which had everyone laughing again.
Gray pushed back from the table.“Anyone up for dessert?I made tiramisu.”
Clamors ofyes pleasefilled the room, and Lawson grinned at Burke.“See what you’re missing?”
Burke sighed with a tired smile.“Enjoy everyone.I've gotta go.”
He signed off without waiting for a response.They really needed to figure out how to get Burke to join them.Then the farm would be complete with them all here together.
Fox would love to see them all working on the same project.Jay probably would too.
Which brought up more questions.But when Dani squeezed his hand, he shoved them all aside.He wasn’t making the mistakes of Fox and Lawson.He had most of his family here, and he would enjoy every minute.
Chapter22
The Birds And The Bees
Dani knew Lawson had been through an emotional roller coaster.It had been a big day, from getting his restoration space completed, to finding the box of Jay’s emotional memories, to Bonny, and the family chat.
At Amber’s request, Evelyn was spending the night at the B&B.She wanted her sister to test out the room’s amenities and experience.With Evelyn turning her attention to event planning, she and Amber had plenty to discuss.With a new friendship forming, her sister would have another reason to visit Vermont.Dani wondered if her sister might be ready to leave the city and her power suits behind one day.Not today or anytime soon, but maybe one day.
She squeezed Lawson’s hand as Bibi led the way through the trees toward their cottage.“Want to spend the night with Beatrice?”
His face lit up, and she knew she’d made the right call.“That sounds perfect.We can tell her all about Bonny.”
Dani laughed.“No trying to make her jealous that Bonny will get all of your attention now.”
