Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 274(@200wpm)___ 219(@250wpm)___ 183(@300wpm)
“See? Another plus for Vermont.” Finn laughed, but there was a new edge there. “Our kids and livestock get room to roam.”
“There’s lots of pluses.” I put extra warmth in my voice, so he’d know I meant him as a plus too. And it wasn’t false praise, either. I’d seldom been as happy as I had since the Fourth. However, I wasn’t entirely sure how to convince Finn that I didn’t hate country living, even if it was still unfamiliar to me. “Like knowing people’s names. Already, we’ve got some regulars, and they always greet us by name. It’s nice.”
“Yeah.” Finn nodded as he finished placing another screw. His gaze was more critical as he inspected the work, and he had the wrench back out even as he continued, “There are some restaurant owners who remember when Grandpa did the deliveries. Others that I’ve been servicing since high school when I really got into egg production.”
“Why chickens? I’m not sure you’ve ever said.”
Finn looked up from tightening a bolt. “I don’t have some big noble reason, sadly. Dairy farming had become uneconomical for a smaller operation when I was a teen. I needed a project for 4-H, and one sister was raising hogs, and the other, sheep.”
“The horror of copying one of the big sisters?” I laughed because I’d spent enough time around the family to know that Finn loved all three sisters, but he also bristled at their interference, especially the older two, both of whom were married with kids.
“Yup. I didn’t want to share, so chickens it was. Then I got super into the genetics part—getting egg quality up, changing colors and size, and so on. Because chickens have a relatively short life cycle, it’s easier to see results of my genetic tinkering.”
“Instant gratification.”
Finn joined me in chuckling, adding a sweeping appraisal of me that had my cheeks heating. “You of all people should know I’m not opposed to working for it, either.”
“Oh, I know.” I matched his flirty tone before sobering. I hadn’t truly considered before how much of a scientist Finn was, in addition to the other hats he wore with such competence. “And I might not fully understand the science, but I really respect what you do. You’re the backbone of that farm.”
In the last few weeks, I’d come to appreciate Finn’s relentless work ethic as well as the burdens he carried, the way he was the one to whom everyone brought their problems, the fixer and comforter and leader all in one. And he wore the mantle of responsibility so well too, never resentful, always shrugging off praise.
“It’s a team effort,” he said, predictably looking distinctly uncomfortable at my compliment. “We all do our part.”
“Yes, well, you’re very good at your part.” I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easily. He deserved recognition for all he did that few noticed. When he came over to trade the wrench for his drill, I rubbed his neck. “That’s all I’m saying. Everywhere we go to eat, people know you and know the farm. You’re well-liked.”
“I suppose that’s true.” He relaxed into my touch, some of his usual good cheer returning. “And good because we certainly need the business. This was our biggest year for Farm Camp, and that’s helped.”
“And the campers all love you too.”
I saw love for Finn all around—his family, the farm interns, other farmers, restaurant workers, and patrons. Everyone appreciated Finn. He was highly lovable and deserved every bit of affection. I might have been more than a little infatuated myself. The thought made my chest pinch.
“I’m rather fond of the farm kids too.” Oblivious to my inner quandary, Finn returned to the coop where the roof boards awaited us. “Okay, now the last part before we do the fencing. Can you hold this steady?”
“Sure.” The task shouldn’t have been that hard. The coop wasn’t tall enough to require a ladder, and like always, Finn was doing most of the work. But still, the board felt heavier than earlier, and the pull in my pectoral muscle remained. I didn’t like that sensation at all, but I also didn’t want to complain, not when Finn had devoted a whole afternoon to this project.
Besides, we were almost done. Another few boards placed then shingles stapled on top, and the chickens had a place they could be proud to call home. Mom would find it adorable, and, undoubtedly, she would end up painting the structure bright colors. If nothing else, it added interest to the backyard, and I had to admit to feeling proud of the result.
“There.” Finn slung an arm around my shoulders. “Think your mom will like it?”
“She’ll be thrilled.” I smiled at him before letting my head fall against his sturdy neck.
Finn held me a little closer. “I know I said we should eat at your place, but your mom’s been at the store all day. How about we pick her up, and we can grab food with her before running her back home?”