“Twenty minutes tops.” Sweat beaded on his forehead, a sign he’d been working hard to fix the issue.
“Why didn’t we have a backup?” The question came out before she could stop it despite the fact she’d promised herself she’d wait until later to ask.
“We did, but Josh noticed the hitch had broken. It’s not safe to use as is, but Statter’s Supply has one on hold for us.” He twisted his lips. “Didn’t think it would be an issue to wait until Monday.”
All the negative feelings toward her brothers faded away when she realized she’d been wrong about them. “I owe you and Josh an apology for all the bad thoughts I’ve had in the last ten minutes.”
Mark laughed and tilted his head toward the tractor. “Anything else before I get back to this?”
“No. I brought apple cider and snacks to hand out. Hopefully, that will keep everyone happy.” She slapped a hand to her cheek. “What about our guests already at the patch?”
“Josh is on it. He drove down on a cart and announced there would be a delay, offered to bring back anyone in a hurry on the cart.” Mark gave a pointed look to the walkie-talkie clipped to his pocket. “I heard from him right before you came over, and he said everyone’s content wandering through the fields and climbing the haystacks.”
“Good.” Relief flooded her. So far, the breakdown hadn’t been the catastrophe she’d first imagined.Thank you, Lord, for understanding guests.
She returned to the line and helped Missy hand out the treats. The cider and apple chips were a hit among the patrons. Many thanked Paige after she handed them each a sample, and only one person complained—a tired-looking mom with two small children.
Understanding the customer’s frustration, Paige apologized profusely. “If you’d like to enjoy the other activities we offer while you wait, I’d be happy to gift you a pass that allows you first access to the next ride.”
The woman’s face softened. “I’ll wait here, but thank you.”
“What is your name, ma’am?”
“Becky Davis.” The mom pointed to the tallest child, then the other. “These are my daughters, Haleigh and Shana.”
Paige smiled at them and knelt. “Do you like ponies?”
“Yes.” Haleigh’s head bobbed with enthusiasm. “Shana and I love them.”
“Did you know we have pony rides here?”
Shana’s eyes turned to saucers. “Really?”
“If it’s okay with your mom, you can each have a ride, compliments of the farm.” Paige stood to her feet, amused by the wonder on the girls’ faces. She’d never forget the thrill of riding on a pony as a young child.
“Can we, Mom?” Haleigh clasped her hands together in a plea.
Becky nodded. “We’ll do that after we choose our pumpkins.”
Satisfaction spilled into Paige. Although she’d rather not have any unhappy customers, she found pleasure in reversing any negativity. “I’ll leave your name at the ticket booth. Whenever you’re ready, stop by there and they’ll have tokens waiting for you.”
“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” Becky’s smile contradicted the sadness in her eyes. “I’m sorry for snapping a few minutes ago. The girls miss their daddy who’s deployed, and they were up all night. I’m exhausted, but I shouldn’t have taken it out on you.”
“No apology needed. We want all our guests to have a good time in an efficient manner.” She nodded her head in the direction of the tractor. “It shouldn’t be much longer.”
Paige moved toward the end of the line until she found the next customer who hadn’t been served yet. While she’d been talking to Becky, Missy had taken care of most of the other guests. She saw a little girl with dark chestnut hair that matched that of the man standing next to her, but he faced away. The girl’s dad? A middle-aged woman also stood with them.
“Would you care for a sample of cider and apple chips?” She extended the plastic plate she used for a tray.
The lady took a set of samples and handed them to the girl, then took a set for herself. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Would you like some, sir?” she asked the man as he turned around. Her mouth gaped when she saw his face and recognized him. “It’s you.”
He squinted his eyes and stared at her. “Who?”
Inhaling a gulp of fresh air, she felt all the anger from that day two weeks ago rush back into her being. She hadn’t realized that day how attractive he was. His hair color nearly matched hers and was cropped short. Soulful brown eyes peered at her, as though trying to remember how he could know her, while his cupid’s bow mouth twisted into confusion.
Stop thinking he’s cute. He’s a jerk, and that takes precedence over any good genes he inherited.Besides, that girl is likely his daughter which means he’s probably married which means you have no business noticing him.For a split-second, she contemplated tossing the rest of the cider in small cups at him, payback for what he’d caused to spill on her, but she regrouped. “You couldn’t get off your precious phone at the walking path in town and ran into me, knocking my drink from my hands. My new boots are ruined from a stain on them, thanks to you, and you couldn’t even bother to make sure I was okay.”
