Page 39 of Pick Your Spot

Next they walked to the harvest barn. “This is where we bring the apples once they’re harvested.”

Knox grinned as he opened the doors. “It’s huge.”

It was. She walked to where the conveyor belts started. “I’ve only been through one season, and we didn’t have a large crop of apples, but I can walk you through what we did.”

Knox nodded, and she grinned at the excitement emanating from him.

“Jay was in charge, and I just followed orders. I backed the multi-bin truck to this area. We moved the apples from the bin to one of the belts. Perfect apples go on this one. Any with blemishes but were still good for cooking or baking go here.”

“I was thinking about baking with them earlier today. Did Jay hire anyone to do that?”

She shook her head. “That was in hisone-dayplans. Instead, he sold those apples at a discount to anyone who wanted them for baking and cooking. Are any of your siblings interested in baking or cooking?”

He shook his head. “I wish. That would really help to sell it. My buddy’s sister was in culinary school last I heard but I don’t know anyone else who would want the job.”

She sighed. “It’s a good idea. And there are still plenty of apples in the cold room that could be used if you find someone.”

“Cold room?”

She grinned. He had so much to learn, but she doubted it would take him long.

The climate-controlled room was at the back with good ventilation and temperature control, keeping apples fresh for months. She grabbed a couple and tossed one to Knox. “Here. It seems like if you want to own the farm, you should at least try the apples.”

He laughed and turned the apple around, inspecting it from all sides. “This is from the harvest back in the fall? It looks like it was picked yesterday.”

“Tastes like it, too. As long as they’re cared for, apples have a long life span.”

“Let’s have a toast.” He held his apple out to her and she bumped it lightly with her own.

“To apples. To the farm. To family. And to us. Cheers.”

Heart full, she lifted her apple in salute. “Cheers.”

Chapter12

Knox It Off

Afew days later, Knox spread his resources across the table. He had several files uploaded and ready to share. Lots of photos, too.

Using a technique taught him by a sergeant in the army, he fisted his hands tightly and focused his eyes in the middle distance. Inside, he gathered the nerves and the worries and shoved them into a knotted ball. Drew in a deep breath and kicked the ball hard enough to knock it into next month.

Or at least until the phone call was done. Settled, he sat at the kitchen table and started up the call. Jolie signed in first with her bright smile. Lawson grinned. Burke nodded. And they didn’t have a clue what Amber did because her square was still black.

Before any of them could inquire, she spoke. “I know, I know. It’s still black. I hardly ever use my own phone and I forgot about the glitch until right now.”

Jolie laughed. “Why don’t you log on with a hotel computer?”

His sister’s laugh was immediate. “And get myself fired for misuse of company property? No thanks.”

Sensing an opening, Knox spoke. “Wouldn’t it be great to be your own boss?”

Amber laughed wryly. “I’m not at that rung on the ladder yet. Nor am I likely to be.”

“How about running your own B&B? Would you like that?”

Another laugh that didn’t hold a lot of humor. “What’s going on, Knox?”

He wished he could see her face. “I’ve got an idea. Actually, I’ve got plenty of them. A whole spreadsheet full.”

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