“Have you considered planting an orchard of some kind?” Zoey took a bite of her chicken thigh—so tender—then wiped her mouth with a paper napkin. “Carroll Family Farms has been looking to expand. That way we can sell fruit directly out of Virginia, say cherries or something, which are super popular here, and Allie and Jo could set up hives. It could be a win-win.” And then their family would have more excuses to spend time in both places—together. Win-win-win.
“Well, we have raspberry blossom hives at the farm now,” Allie said with a grin. “And since we only have forty acres, if we planted fruit trees, it’d contaminate that honey.”
“Where are the rest of your hives? Other people’s land?” Zoey asked. “Isn’t that a risky way to run a business? Wouldn’t acquiring more land be the smart move?”
Jo shrugged. “It might be risky in other places, but not in Harvest Ranch. Though we were worried when Brandon first bought the property. That turned out all right, though.”
Brandon grinned at Jo. “Plus,” he added, “we’d need … at least a hundred more acres to consider planting an orchard that would work for Carroll Family Farms. Anything less wouldn’t produce the kind of volume we’d need to make a venture like that profitable.”
Zoey furrowed her brow in thought.
“But if you can find a hundred acres for us to buy,” Brandon said, “I’d consider it.”
“A hundred acres is all?” Zoey cocked her head. “I don’t see a problem.”
Brandon laughed. “You live in a different world, little sis.”
Zoey scowled. “Where you see obstacles, I see possibilities.”
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Brandon said, amused. “While you’re at it, can you figure out how to build me an arena too?”
She perked up. “You want one?”
He nodded. “I miss working the horses like I did. I think it’s time I get back into it, but there just isn’t time.”
Zoey thought of the scorch marks on the barn and the lumber sitting outside to replace burned-out boards. If he’d had time, it would’ve been long since taken care of. He hated—hated—leaving things unfinished.
Allie leaned into him. “I think that’s a great idea. You’ve spent so much time helping me and Jo make our dreams come true, taking care of your family business and the farm. I’d love to see you follow yours.”
Zoey grinned. She’d take care of the arena for him … She just had to wait for a day when Brandon wasn’t around, because he’d surely protest her methods or try and take over as he was prone to do.
“Enough shop talk,” Cash said. He grabbed another bag, shook it thoroughly, then opened it and held it out for everyone. “Try my beignets.”
Zoey grabbed one of the fried pastries covered in powdered sugar.
“I thought we weren’t doing shop talk,” Allie said. “Donuts are shop talk for you, Cash.”
“Not donuts,beignets,” Cash said in mock horror, eyes bugging.
“It’s a donut,” Allie and Jo said at the same time. They burst into laughter at the stricken look on Cash's face.
With a chuckle, Zoey bit into the pastry, her eyes widening, then closing as she savored the mouthwatering treat. “Cheese and rice! This is delicious.”
Cash smiled at her. “At least someone appreciates my cooking.”
Zoey grabbed another. She’d appreciate these suckers until they were gone!
