Page 96 of Hometown Girl

“So, tell me about this big barn sale you’re going to have.” He hoped the change of subject would lighten her mood.

Thankfully, she smiled. That smile he’d started to dream of.

They started walking, Roxie between them. She told him about the old days when the Fairwind Farm Market was the biggest event in town.

“They did it in late spring, but I think we can get away with doing it in the summer,” she said.

“So it’s like a big rummage sale?”

She stopped walking and glared at him. “Seriously?”

He shrugged. “This whole thing sounds really girly to me.”

She shoved him in the shoulder, and he held up his hands in mock surrender.

“Molly’s done a really good job securing vendors,” she said.

“What kind of vendors?”

“All kinds. Art, jewelry, handmade signs. Like the stuff you see here. One couple makes and sells organic dog biscuits. You should get some for Roxie.”

“And how do we make money on this?” He realized his mistake as soon as he said it. “Sorry, I meant you. How doyoumake money on this?”

“I actually like the way you talk about the farm, like you’re a part of it. My dad always said the best employees are those who take ownership of their work.”

“Sounds like my kind of guy.”

“You would’ve liked him.” She smiled. “He would’ve liked you.”

Why did he feel like he’d just passed a test he didn’t know he was taking?

“To answer your question, all vendors pay a fee to be part of the event, and then we charge admission. Plus, we’ll sell what we can from the farmhouse.”

“And you think it’ll be profitable?”

“I think it could be amazing.”

With her in charge, he had no doubt.

“Maybe next year I’ll even be able to sell my own vegetables there. I mean, I haven’t managed to kill anything yet.”

No, but it had been close. She’d nearly flooded the raised beds twice.

“I appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me. I’ve never had much of a green thumb.”

He glanced at her. “Or maybe you don’t like dirt under your fingernails?”

Her eyes went wide. “Are you saying I’m prissy?”

“I’m not saying a word.” He couldn’t help but smile.

“Someday maybe we’ll clear out that whole section of land and turn it into a big garden,” Beth said. “Don’t tell Molly or she’ll rent one of those Bobcat things by Monday just because she thinks it’d be fun to drive.”

“Speaking of Molly.”

Beth followed Drew’s gaze to the end of the row, near Dickerson’s Produce, where a black Lab lumbered toward them, dragging Molly behind.

“Twenty bucks says she asks you to train that dog,” Beth said, keeping an eye on Roxie, who sat at attention as Molly and the other dog approached.

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