“Son, if you were to come back and wanted to open a restaurant, you could build one here. Remodel that old barn. There’s plenty of room to expand.”
His jaw dropped. “A lot of room.”
“As much parking as you want. You could probably run some grass-fed cattle on the rest of it. There’s eighty acres in total. I know all that farm-to-table stuff is popular here. Not sure how things are in your part of the world.”
“Farm-to-table is popular everywhere. Dad, I—”
“Don’t answer.” He raised his hand. “Good or bad, don’t say a word. I just wanted to plant the seed today before you leave. While you’re here in town and can really consider it.” He pointed down the road. “We’re sitting just a mile and a half from the new industrial park. Plenty of lunch traffic could come from there. And we’re only a short distance from just about anyone in Bailey’s Fork. It used to be out in the sticks, but now…it’s a pretty good location. You could probably turn this into something special.”
“I’m—”
“Nope. Not a word. Just keep it under your hat for a while. We’ll talk about it another time. There’s no expiration date on the offer. It’s sitting there. Ready if you ever want it.”
Andrew swallowed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He turned and opened the door of the truck. “Are you ready to roll?”
He stopped and looked back out over the property and where the barn sat. The roll of the land against the clear blue sky seemed like a promise of a bountiful harvest. “Yeah, I’m coming.”
They rode back to Dad’s shop in silence.
Andrew was overwhelmed by the afternoon. By his whole trip home, in fact. Nothing had gone as he’d thought it would. Had he become so hardened and cynical in such a short time away that he’d lost the hope in his heart?
You reap what you sow. Don’t tire of doing good, because in time you’ll be rewarded. The words his mother had said so many times when they were young had been her answer to everything, and at the time he’d thought it silly. For the first time in his life he truly understood what she meant. Those words he could have recited now finally resonated with him.
This morning, after being up all night, he’d left to meet his father but hadn’t steadied himself for a battle. Instead, for the first time he’d come expecting, and hoping, for the best.
For the first time in nearly ten years, they’d had a pleasant day and both of them were giving a little to make it all work.
He’d hoped to dodge Kelly, but letting that opportunity happen when it was presented had turned out to be an incredible part of the visit too.
Today seemed like the best day of his life.
Andrew hoped he had enough good fortune left to win the Four Square Valentine’s Day Bake-Off like he’d hoped. He’d do his best and let the right thing come his way, but he’d already be going home better than he’d arrived.
Chapter Twelve
Kelly wasn’t sure how Gray knew the days of the week, but that little pig always knew that on Friday they’d take a long walk since she probably wouldn’t come home at lunchtime. That meant she’d take a right off their street and go back into the neighborhood. Being a social guy, he seemed to like these days best of all, raising his snout with an air of confidence, looking for whoever might offer him a hello or a snack. The next morning, Kelly was walking Gray when Mr. Crews hailed her from his front porch.
“Good morning, young lady.” He took his porch steps two at a time. He had to be in his seventies, but you’d never know it the way he moved. “TGIF.”
Does anyone even use that acronym anymore?
Gray tipped his nose in the air and oinked a greeting.
“Good morning to you,” Kelly called out. “How are things going?”
“Can’t complain.” He shoved his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “Bought your tickets for the Valentine’s steak dinner yet?”
She should’ve known that overzealous greeting came with an ulterior motive. “You know I wouldn’t miss it. Dad already got tickets for us.”
“Perfect.” He leaned in, lowering his voice. “Does this mean you’ve got a date this year?”
“No. I—”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I just assumed with Andrew being back in town that the two of you—”
There wasn’t a body in this town that hadn’t heard about that. “You assumed incorrectly.” The words came out a little more abrupt than she’d meant. Then she wondered. Did Mr. Crews know something she didn’t know? Is Andrew coming back for the Valentine’s Day dinner? Sweat dampened her palms. “He and I are just friends,” she said, trying to soften her tone.
“Well, that works out quite nicely, actually. My grandson will be here. I’ll introduce you.” Mr. Crews beamed. “You’ll like him. Smart. Handsome too. Works for Bank of America in Charlotte.”
“You must be very proud.” She had no doubt he was nice, but she wasn’t interested in being fixed up. She wasn’t interested in seeing Andrew at the Valentine’s Day dinner, either. That would be just a little too much. So far she’d been able to resist falling back into his charms. Maybe she’d just get Dad to get her steak to go this year.
Gray tugged on his leash. “Well, I’d better get moving. Gray doesn’t like to get slowed down on his morning walk. I’ll see you soon.” She waved and let the pig set the pace. He took off in a scamper down the sidewalk as if he was in a hurry to make sure no one else stopped them all the way home.
Once she got Gray settled in for the day, she hopped in her SUV and drove over to The Cake Factory. Usually she’d walk or ride her bike when the weather was pretty like it was today, but she had a cake she needed
