Page 19 of Gabriel & Skye

“I think so too.”. I have to agree with Gray when I say he’s been pretty loved up lately.

The Bake’ n’ Shake is usually a big annual fundraising event in town. Anyone who is anyone will be there. It’s not usually my thing, but I promised Georgia I’d make an appearance, and it’s for a good cause.

The stalls are all set up in the town square; they close the street off and everything. I’m able to get part way through the barricade in my truck before I have to park on the side street. Sliding out, I collect my daughter from the back as she waits on the sidewalk. I unload the boxes onto a pulley in the back to cart the merch to the girls’ stall. I take Trinity’s hand as we cross the road.

“Holey moley, you girls were busy yesterday,” I say when we find the gazebo. The girls have already set it up with the fruits of their labor; cupcakes and cookies galore. It makes my mouth water.

“Uncle B-B!” Trinity grabs onto Brooklyn’s leg and he carries her around while she laughs.

“There’s every cupcake known to mankind.” Brooklyn grins. When Trinity finally lets go, he scoops her up in the air. “How is my favorite little firecracker?”

She giggles, “Good!” and tries to grab his cowboy hat. Settling her down, he helps me unload the merch from the trolley.

“You did good,” I say to Georgia.

“Thanks, glad you like it.” Georgia smiles. “We spent the better half of yesterday getting it all finished. I’m so exhausted.”

The bake-a-thon took place in Mom’s kitchen, but I wasn’t there long enough to test any samples.

“Hope you brought spares!” I holler as Trinity runs over to Blake. She’s standing with her mom, Eden, and their little dog Noodle. She’s helping Mom and Aunt Patti unload the cupcakes from the cooler.

“Maybe.” Georgia waggles her eyebrows.

“She might actually charge you for them,” Trudy jokes. “All in the name of charity.”

I smile because I wouldn’t put it past my little sister. “Trin, you stay with Blake and Aunty Eden while I unload the rest of the truck, okay?”

“Okay, Daddy.” My mom picks her up for a hug and she wraps her arms and legs around her like a koala, hanging onto Bunnykins’ ears all the while.

Brooklyn walks with me to the truck to get the rest of the merchandise.

“Haven’t seen Eden around for a while,” I say as we walk.

“Yeah, she’s been busy,” he sighs. “She’s just been getting through the wedding season.”

“Have you talked to her yet about the event planning for next year?”

I’m talking about the old barn on our property that Mom and Georgia-Blue decided to renovate this year. They designed everything, but Callan has done most of the work; replacing beams, sanding back and restraining the old floorboards, putting in new windows — that kind of thing.

Eden worked for an events business for many years, but branched out running her own show and organizes weddings, parties and events. Georgia, with the help of Brooklyn, has been trying to get her to come work for us.

Our plan is to cater for weddings and functions onsite. We will install a huge commercial kitchen this fall, ready for the spring. Everyone is excited about it, but it also means finding a chef and more staff.

Georgia is currently working on advertising on social media so we’re ready for next season, and I don’t think it’s a bad idea. We’ll have everything ironed out by then.

The barn has been on the property for over a hundred years. It was just a little weather-beaten and decrepit, but Georgia got the inspiration from watching one of those southern renovating shows she likes, and nothing could stop her after that.

I do love the idea. I think rustic weddings on the family farm are going to be really popular. It’s unique, and there’s nothing else like it in Stoney Creek — or the surrounding towns. Callan custom crafted some large, round oak tables that can be folded away when they aren't needed, along with a long head table for the bridal party. Of course, there’s still a lot to do. The place has been a money pit thus far, but we’re hoping that the venue will attract new clientele.

Mom and Georgia have already agreed to handle all the bookings and deal with all the clients — curating their special day to perfection. I’m not opposed to any of it. It will be another massive income stream for BBB.

The surrounding tree line of oaks stretch for miles, along with the Stoney Creek, which runs through the property, making it the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The sunsets here are second to none.

“I talked to her a couple of times and she was interested,” Brooklyn says. “I’m sure it can only help her expand her business even more. She has a great reputation for putting events together. I know she’ll be perfect.”

I scratch my chin. “I know it’s seasonal, but there’s so much planning that goes into these things. I’m sure she’d have enough to do during the off season. Plus, she would still be planning events outside our venue and doing her own thing,” I say. “Some guests may even go for a winter wedding extravaganza. Or we could offer winter retreats.”

“I’m sure they do those in Europe,” Brooklyn chortles. “Why not Stoney Creek?”

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