The others nodded, and she leaned into Seth as they watched the birds wander the space. None of them appeared stressed, and they quickly figured out the automatic feeder and watering system.
Kimi smiled. “Nicely done, everyone. I suggest Mara and Seth hand-feed them once or twice a day. That way, they’ll associate humans in general, and you in particular, with food and safety. You’ve got the emails I’ve sent you with more information, but for the most part, you’re all set. Call me if you need anything. Happy chicken farming.”
Seth squeezed her. “Chick Inn Time is open for business.”
The next morning, Mara headed out to Chick Inn Time after she finished the day’s apple fritters. The coop’s name made her smile every time. Their team had gathered for a meal after the guests had eaten, and the name was a hit with everyone. They also liked the idea of adding coordinating signs around the farm.
Having the farm’s family eat together after the guests finished continued the tradition started by Knox and Thea. Having everyone together for one meal kept them connected and up to date with what the others were doing.
The same way her dad had kept their family together. It was early, but her dad had always been an early riser, and she wanted to talk with him. As the owner of a large construction firm down in Miami, he started work most mornings no later than seven. Still, he’d been there for all of his kids and ensured they were also there for each other.
Her dad answered the video call on the first ring. “Good morning, Mara. How’s my favorite daughter?”
“Your only daughter is happy. How are you, Dad?”
His eyes studied hers. “Seeing that you mean that, I’m even better. Hard to believe my youngest rug rats are loving farm life.”
“We are. It’s a wonderful place, filled with people who work hard and care for each other. You’ll love it here when you come to visit.”
His big booming laugh filled her soul and had her giggling as she had as a tiny girl, when all her daddy had to do was smile at her to make the world right itself again. “I’ll take a week soon and come for a visit.”
Tears flooded her eyes. “Tell me when, and I’ll book you into the Toy Room at the inn. It’s all about the machinery people have used in apple farming over the years. You’ll love it.”
He nodded. “Sounds like. You ready to tell me what happened back in New York?”
When she didn’t answer right away, her dad rolled his eyes. “Did you really think we didn’t know, that we didn’t notice? I’ve held off the troops from coming to kick the jerk’s ass, but barely. Knowing you landed with Ford and the others stopped our cavalry from rushing in.”
“A cavalry armed with hammers and power tools?”
He grinned. “You got it. Spill, sweetheart. Tell me what happened.”
So, she did. In the rising sun, she told her dad about Anson and his increasing pressure for her to sleep with him and then how he’d touched her. “He fired me, Dad.”
Her dad leaned in. “You quit at the same time, sunshine girl. That counts for more than the asshole’s words.”
“I should have quit earlier, when he was putting pressure on me to sleep with him. I thought telling him no was enough.”
“It should have been. Assholes like that deserve to rot in prison with cellmates built like dump trucks.”
She managed a laugh at that.
“You’re good, Mara? I know you handle life and yourself just fine, but I need to know you’re good. Need you to know I’m here for you anytime. I can be there on the next flight anytime you need me.”
She blinked away more tears. “Thanks, Dad. I’m sorry it took so long to talk about it. I was so mad and ashamed, but I’m okay now. Happy and safe.”
He studied her. “With that twinkle in your eye, I’m betting there’s a man involved. Who is he, and do I need to roust up the power tools?”
Her laugh was too loud for the early hour. “No power tools needed, Dad. Seth is a really good man. You’ll like him.”
A throat cleared behind her, and she turned to find Seth watching her from a dozen feet away, and keeping an eye on her in the early morning. He raised an eyebrow, and she nodded, holding out her hand.
“He’s here. Dad, this is Seth Walters. Seth, this is the best dad in the world, James Evans.”
Seth nodded at the phone. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
Her dad nodded back. “You as well, son. Your name’s familiar. Babs? You worked a few times with Ford overseas?”
Seth smiled and nodded again. “Sure did. Your son’s one of the good ones. Your daughter’s one of the best.”
