Page 100 of Wish You Faith

Seeing Chevy now, Rosie wondered how much time the seventy-year-old botanist had. He’d worked for many decades in the field. Perhaps Rosie could learn a thing or two from him.

“What’s on the horizon? Why do you need a consultant now?” Rosie asked.

“We’re entering a spring competition, and I want our greenhouse to win best in class,” Chevy answered right away.

“Of course.”

“Last year, we didn’t even place. I talked to Roger about hiring a consultant to help us make this greenhouse a winning one.”

“I have no experience with competitions.”

“You have connections in the industry. You’re still in contact with your professors at UGA, yes?”

“Ah, yes.”

“So this year, I want us to win—or at least get placed.” Chevy put away the fish food. “Walk with me?”

They rounded the corner to a section where Chevy’s beloved orchids were housed. It was more humid there, and Rosie had to remove her jacket.

“We can’t pay much,” Chevy said.

Rosie felt bad that she had thought earlier about the extra income.

“But it’s a fulfilling job.” Chevy opened the door for Rosie to go through. She pushed the cart for him. On the cart were plant tags and markers, and a black felt tip pen. Even though Chevy could have printed them on the printer, he had chosen to handwrite them.

“I do love working with plants.” Rosie tied the jacket sleeves around her waist. “Sure, I could use the extra income, and Saturday is the only day I can stay at home and rest. However, if I could stop by here a couple of hours before or after lunch time, then I don’t think it would be a big deal.”

Chevy was about to say something when Mei and her assistant approached them.

“They’re putting you to work already?” she asked Rosie, who was still pushing the cart for Chevy.

“No. I volunteered.” Rosie smiled. “Mei, this is Chevy Farrell. He’s the horticulturist and head gardener at SSLR.”

Mei and Chevy shook hands.

“Would you like a tour?” Chevy asked.

“No, thanks, but someday when I return to town, maybe.” Mei looked around. “This is a big greenhouse.”

Chevy nodded. “It’s almost as big as the main building. The residents enjoy it, but at this moment, they’re busy at the community center.”

“Do you have bonsai here?” Mei asked.

“Are you a collector?” Chevy asked.

“My son bought me a bonsai for Christmas.” She turned to Rosie. “I think it was from Christmastown?”

“A dwarf pine?” Rosie asked.

Mei nodded. “Evan doesn’t know much about bonsai, but I was very moved by his gift.”

“That came from Chevy.” Rosie pointed to him. “He and his wife are bonsai experts.”

“I do the lectures, but my wife does a lot of the work at our nursery. In fact, she’s there now holding down the fort while I’m here feeding the fish.” Chevy sounded happy that he’d met yet another customer.

“I would love to meet your wife and get some pointers from her.” Mei stepped closer to Chevy. “Do you have a business card?”

“Not with me today, but you can go to my website.” Chevy gave Mei a web address.

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