Page 54 of Summer Escape
When we took a break, Marshall asked Shep, "How's Grandma's house coming?"
"Eh. It's slow going. I only work on the weekend, and then I'm just tearing things out."
"When do you plan to put it back together?" Marshall asked.
"I don't know what to pick for design. I asked Kinsley to help me, but she's been busy. Something to do with her landlord. Things are constantly breaking, and he won't fix them."
"Kinsley's the admin at the office now that Luna left?" Marshall asked.
Shep nodded. "That's right. She's a single mom."
"She good with design?" I asked.
Shep put a toothpick in his mouth, chewing it. "She says she is. She's always researching things and suggesting options to the team."
"Why isn't she working in that field then?" I asked.
Shep's forehead creased. "She said the admin job is steadier for her and her daughter."
"Well, if she'll help you out, that would be good," Marshall said, drinking the rest of his water and dropping the bottle into the bag we'd brought to collect our garbage.
He nodded. "Yeah, we'll see."
"Let me know if you need help with the house. I have some free time," Marshall offered, his shoulders tight.
"That would be great actually. Everyone else is busy with their significant others or, in Dalton's case, his baby." Shep threw the toothpick aside and opened a bag of chips, shoving a few in his mouth.
"I'm happy to help. I've missed a lot over the years."
"You're here now. That's all that matters."
Shep's comment was nice.
Marshall stretched his neck. "I''d love to show Hayden the house. It's her history too."
"Come by anytime."
I liked that Shep was so accepting of Marshall's return. But then again, he was younger when Marshall took off. He probably didn't have the same expectations that Hudson did. He didn't feel betrayed when he left.
A woman pulled up in an older-model truck, the lettering indicating she was from the local gardening shop. When she reached us with a tray of flowers, she said, "These are sure to draw the butterflies to your garden."
"You work at the garden shop?" Shep asked the woman as he grabbed the cardboard container from her, setting it on the ground.
She wiped her hands on her jeans. "Actually, I'm the owner. Willow Flynns."
His brow raised. "I didn't realize a woman owned it."
Willow nodded. "Flynns' Gardens has been in my family for generations."
Shep inclined his head. "You know what you're doing with these plants then? This is supposed to be a butterfly garden when we’re done."
Willow nodded. “These plants provide everything the butterflies need throughout their life cycle. You need sun, a water source, nectar plants for the adults, and host plants for the caterpillars. You’ll want to avoid pesticides and provide shelter from wind.
Shep blinked at her. “You’re hired.”
The ends of Willow’s lips curled up. "I can stick around and help you with placement if you have the plans."
"I have the design." Shep pulled a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.
