He placed a video call and grinned when Seth picked up.“Babs.Good to see you.”
Seth smiled in return.“Hey, Bobby.How are things going?”
“Couldn’t be better.Got engaged yesterday.”
Seth’s eyes widened.“Holy shit.Congratulations.I’m guessing it’s to the beekeeper you annoyed when you flew the drone over her yard.”
Lawson laughed.“Got it in one.She’s amazing, Seth.You’re going to like her.”
“You’ll have to call one day when she’s with you.”
Perfect segue.“I’ve got an even better plan.”
Seth’s eyebrows rose, but he didn’t ask.
“Come to Vermont.Come to our apple farm.You know we’re having a great time up here.Claus and my sister are running an inn on the property, and they could use a cook.”
Seth blinked twice, and his brow furrowed.“What?”
“An inn needs a cook.Or a chef.Someone who knows their way around a kitchen and isn’t afraid to experiment.The place is called the No Phailed Apples Inn, and we’re hoping to use apples as a focus for some dishes, but that would be up to the chef.You.”
Seth sat back, and Lawson could see he was in a tiny kitchen.Worn-out cabinets showed behind him.Maybe Lawson could use that.“The inn is newly renovated, and the kitchen is huge.My sister says there’s enough space for a chef and a sous chef or two to work without getting in each other’s way.You can stay at the farmhouse.Room and board come with the offer.”
Seth continued to stare at him, so Lawson pressed on.“My brother Knox is here.We’re working on Burke.You also know Ford Evans, Nash Cooper, and Gray.We want you to be part of our family here, Seth.Come up for a visit and see what you think.”
“I don’t know, Bobby.My leg’s still messed up.”
That hit Lawson.Seth hadn’t revealed much about his injury.“We’ve got a doc in Phail.That’s Epic Phail’s town, by the way.His entire team is here, and they’re only a short drive away.The doc has space for rotating professionals to use, including a physiotherapist.You could set your own hours and work at your own pace.If you’re up to it.”
He hadn’t meant it as a challenge, but Seth’s eyes flared.
Lawson held up his hands.“I meant if you’re up to traveling here for a visit.We’d love for you to check it out.What do you think?”
Seth shrugged.“I don’t know.I trained as a chef before I joined the army.Haven’t worked as one in years.”
Lawson laughed.“I’m betting it’s like riding a bike.And you’ll have Gray as a backup.The man can cook.His lasagna might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted.”
Seth laughed.“Setting up another challenge, Bobby?”
“Whatever it takes, man.”
Another laugh.“I’ve got an appointment and have to run.I’ll think about it.”
Lawson shoved his phone back in his pocket, satisfied.That was more than he’d expected.Moving to the middle of Vermont wasn’t for everyone.Lawson had already shown his friend around the property during a previous call.He’d mentioned the cook’s position before, but this was the first time he’d pushed.
He’d tell everyone at supper.Maybe get them to add their invitations.None of them knew the extent of Seth’s injuries, but they knew he’d be better off surrounded by friends and with a purpose.
Just like Lawson felt himself.
Leaving the city behind had been easier than he’d expected.He was almost used to the clean air and the lack of traffic.
He looked around his space and realized it was ready.Time to move Bonny inside.Without her engine working, he’d need some help to get her into the bay without banging up his newly painted walls.
With a grin, he put out a group text to the guys, knowing they’d all be happy to help.This was a great place.Adding Seth to the mix would only make it better.
Dani hugged her sister, and they both blinked back tears.“I’m so glad Lawson invited you for a visit.I was worried I’d sound too pushy if I suggested it.”
Evelyn laughed and hugged her again.“And I wanted to come but was too nervous to ask.We’d only just reconnected, and I didn’t want you to think I was forcing myself on you.”
