Page 20 of All Inn Thyme
“Maybe it was Ty.” Beth wiggles her eyebrows up and down dramatically. “I can think of a few ways you can thank him.”
I roll my eyes but shake my head with a smile.
“Maybe this is his way of thankingyoufor giving him a show in your granny panties,” Allie teases.
“We don’t know if Ty did this. And why would he?” I groan.
I look around and take it all in as the sun is getting ready to set. It’s gorgeous out here. The gardens will be perfect.
8. ty
Time is running out for me here in Freedom Valley.
“I’mglad you set this up,” Evan says, scanning the workout equipment in Logan’s barn.
“Thanks. This used to be the cow milk room,” Logan replies as he finishes a set on one of the benches and switches places with Evan.
“What are you going to do with the rest of the space?” Evan asks, looking up at the high beams.
“Host your wedding this fall,” Logan responds with a grin, wiping sweat off his forehead with a towel.
Evan laughs. “And then what?”
“I don’t know, whatever your sister wants. The bakery’s almost done. That’s been taking up most of our time, but it’s all coming together. Then I’m not sure what.”
“Well, I like getting away from the inn for a while and getting a workout where not too many people are around,” Evan says.
“You’re welcome any time.” He looks at me. “I’ll give you the code to the door too, so you can use it whenever you want.”
“Thanks, man, I’d take you up on that.” I take a swig of water before heading to the pull-up bar.
“So, how’s it going over at Sam’s?” Evan asks.
Evan misses nothing, and I know I need to earn his approval still. What I’ve learned about Evan is that he’s a former Marine and he is fiercely protective of his family, the inn and their staff, and this town. He’s a pillar of the community, and to have his approval goes a long way around here. Plus, he seems like a good guy, one I’d like to be friends with.
I answer cautiously, “I like it.”
“Where were you staying before the bunkhouse?” Evan adds weights onto one of the bars.
“I rented the apartment above Sam Sr.’s shop, but he needed it back for his son. That’s when Logan offered up the bunkhouse.”
Evan pauses his lifting. “Wait, so Sam Jr. is back?”
“Yeah, he’s working mostly at night at the shop.”
“Interesting,” Evan mutters.
I wonder if they are old friends. I’ve only ran into Sam Jr. a few times, but he seems friendly yet quiet, and I get the impression he likes to keep to himself.
I glance over at Logan who is adding weight to his rack. It’s been hard to make friends in town, being the new guy can get lonely and work keeps me busy, so I’ve decided that I want to get to know these guys better. It can’t hurt to learn more about people in this town and make new friends while I’m at it. Plus, Mellie’s usually around, so that’s a perk.
“You’re new here, too. How do you like it?” I ask Logan, relieved to switch the focus.
“It’s been great. I don’t really feel new, though. Beth and I work together and have been friends for a long time. Allie and I just got married a few months back, and I love being Caleb’s stepdad. Everything’s really come together for us.”
I don’t miss the way Evan smiles at this. He spots Logan as he lifts without saying anything. That approval is what I’m aiming for, because if I have it, I might have an easier time with Mellie. Those two are best friends it seems.
“You guys have a great family here. You’re very lucky.” I set my water down to do more pull ups.
