“Where did you get them?” I ask, admiring the summer red fabric. “They’re pretty.”
“The pixie at the quilting store made them for us. We gave her the dimensions yesterday, and she called today to let us know they were ready.”
“That’s Tessalie,” I say.
“Very pleasant young pixie. I couldn’t figure out her season, though.”
“She’s a spring. She works hard to suppress her magic.”
“Ah, that explains it.” Dad leaves the patio. “Come on. This isn’t what I wanted to show you.”
We pass the small patch of lawn and venture deeper into the backyard, heading for the back-right corner. Dad has created ameandering path through the existing cottage garden, lining it with patio stones and giving it much-needed structure.
“I can’t believe how much you’ve accomplished in just a few days.” I nod to the ceramic pots he’s tucked between bushes and in flower beds. “I love the marigolds. They’re so cheerful.”
“Common gnomes are attracted to garden flowers and vegetables. You can’t have enough if you want to invite them to your home.”
“I should have you redo the whole yard,” I say, only partially joking.
“You used to enjoy gardening.” He looks back, his brow furrowed. “I thought you’d love having this huge space to putter in.”
“I’ve been so busy with the tea shop.”
His expression becomes solemn. “It’s a lot for one person.”
“Rowan does half the work.”
“It’s a lot for even two people.”
“Laverna did just fine.”
“She did,” Dad agrees. “And I’m sure you will too, as soon as you get into the routine. I would like to see you take off more than one day a week, though.”
I smile at the bright blue birdhouse Dad placed on a pole in the yard. “Nadine is thinking of staying and helping me run the place.”
“She’s going to stay here in Moss Hollow?” he asks, surprised. “For good?”
“Maybe. Hopefully. She hasn’t decided for sure yet, but she’s seriously thinking about it.” Trying not to be too obvious, I say, “What do you and Mom think of the town?”
Nice and subtle, Kit.
“I like it—I always have. Moss Hollow feels like home.”
“What about Mom?”
“She’s a bit out of sorts, but she’s enjoyed organizing the cottage.”
“I enjoy having her here to organize the cottage. I haven’t had a chance to go through things, and you know how bad I am at that anyway.”
“We summers are a bit chaotic in our personal space. It’s nice to have an autumn to tidy things up.”
“It is.” I draw in a bolstering breath, and then I say casually, “I wouldn’t mind if you stayed.”
“We talked about it today while we were in town. Your life is here now, and we like being close to you. There’s a lot to think about, though. We’d have to sell the house back home and find something here.”
“You could move in with me.”
“It’s fine for a visit, but if we stay too long, I suspect we’ll end up driving you crazy.”
