by Jodi Vaughn
She nodded. “I set the alarm early so I could get organized as to what needs to be done to harvest.” She picked up her list.
“You always make lists?”
“I like to know what needs to get done. I don’t want to forget anything. There are steps and I need to know what comes next. I’ve never harvested before.”
“I wouldn’t stress about it. Just make sure you wear your boots.”
“Boots?” She straightened and looked at him.
“Yeah. It’s going to be muddy, and you need to wear rubber boots.”
She racked her mind, trying to think if she’d seen any rubber boots in the closet.
“I think Elizabeth has an extra pair in the barn. I’m sure you can use those.”
She nodded, feeling her anxiety resolve.
“Just be sure to dump them out before you put your foot in them. Never know what kind of critter you’ll find.”
“Critter? Like what?”
“Like a spider or frog or a bat.”
“A bat? They live out here?” She pulled her T-shirt up over neck and looked skyward.
He let out a laugh.
She cut her eyes at him.
“Sorry. I forget you’re a city girl. Besides, a bat is going to be more scared of you than you are of it.”
“I doubt that. I’m not the one trying to bite him.”
He laughed.
She relaxed a little and set the wicker rocker in motion. “Have you always done this?”
“Helped with the harvest? Yes. Ever since Elizabeth started planting flowers.” A slight smile crossed his lips. “She didn’t ask for help. She’s too proud for that. But I got around that by explaining that Olivia needed a big shipment and wanted me there to make sure I got her the best of the best of the flowers. After that, she didn’t complain about the help.”
“Olivia’s really good at her job. How did she know that’s what she always wanted to do?” Heather sipped on her coffee.
“She didn’t. In fact, she went to school for nursing. Worked at the hospital about a year. Then quit. She wanted to do something different. Said that she couldn’t handle nursing.” Grayson shrugged.
“Really? I would have thought she would make a great nurse. She’s very intuitive when it comes to people. The way she knew what kind of arrangements to make with just a few basic instructions was genius.” She frowned. Why couldn’t she have a talent that would turn into a job and a future?
“I was just as surprised as you when she said she was giving up nursing. She seemed to be depressed about it for a while.” Grayson frowned and looked out into the yard. “I wonder if it wasn’t something else…”
“Something else what?” She looked over at him.
“Never mind.” He shook his head. “What matters is she is good at what she does.”
“I can’t argue with you on that.”
“So what are your plans after Ms. Elizabeth is all better? You moving on to bigger things?”
She looked down into her coffee. “I don’t know. I haven’t given it much thought.”
“I’m sure you’ll want to get back to your family and friends.”
She glanced away. “I don’t have family.”
“Well, I’m sure your friends miss you.”
She stood and gathered her notebook and coffee cup. “I need to get changed and fix breakfast for Ms. Elizabeth before we get started.”
When he didn’t move, she grimaced. “You are welcome to have breakfast with us. It’s just basic eggs and toast. Nothing fancy.”
“I ate before I came over here.”
“You did? That’s pretty early for breakfast.”
“I’m used to it. I get up with chickens.”
“You have chickens?”
He laughed.
She blinked.
He sobered. “Actually, yes, I have some chickens and cows and just got a couple of baby goats.”
“Baby goats!” She spun around.
“Do you have much experience with baby goats?” He frowned slightly.
“No. But I’ve seen so many pictures of baby goats online. They look so sweet.”
“They are when they’re not trying to jump on my truck.”
“Maybe you should build them something to climb on.” She smiled. “Like a playground.”
“Would a couple of old tractor tires do?”
“It would be better than them jumping on your truck.” She grinned.
“I agree. You’ll have to come see them. Olivia brought them some daisies. Which they promptly ate, of course.” He rolled his eyes.
“Maybe I’ll do that.” She glanced into the house. “I better get breakfast started. I see Ms. Elizabeth’s light on in her room.”
“I’ll gather the buckets and get things ready. No rush on you two getting out here. Enjoy your breakfast. Might be the only meal for the day.” He jogged down the front porch steps and headed toward the old barn.
Chapter 16
Heather swiped a dirty hand across her forehead and forced an escaped tendril behind her ear. She and ten other workers, including Grayson, had been harvesting the tulips for over five hours now. She’d been surprised to see some familiar faces. Olivia had come around eight to help. She had left Amy in charge of the flower shop. She said she wanted to make sure she got the best tulips before her competition did. A friend of Olivia’s also showed up. Her name was Tabitha and she was stunning. Agnes had gotten there early and had said her niece from New York had arrived unexpectedly late last night. She hoped Gabriela would be there but was sleeping when she left the house. George was sixteen and it was his first time to harvest. His dad was deployed overseas, and he was helping his mom with the bills so he needed the work. Michael, another high schooler, along with his buddy Walker arrived around seven, both more eager for a paycheck than doing a good job. After some stern words from Grayson, the two boys got their act together and were doing their fair share.
The cooler truck had arrived right after they’d finished breakfast.
She helped Grayson fill the buckets in the barn halfway with water. She got the harvesting system down after Elizabeth had gathered everyone and reviewed how the process worked.
They would cut the tulips at a forty-five-degree angle and strip any leaves that might fall below the water line. Once the bucket was filled with tulips, the runner, Georgie, would take the tulips to the cooler truck and bring back an empty bucket with water. By eleven o’clock that morning, the truck was overflowing with tulips of every color.
“Olivia, did you get the tulips you needed for the shop?” Elizabeth eased onto the tailgate of Grayson’s truck.
“For this week. I also have orders from all the churches in Harland Creek to provide flowers for Easter. The country club also needs tulips for their spring luncheon.” Olivia pointed to the numerous white buckets of tulips under the shade of the large oak tree. “This will get me through this week. I’ll come back this evening and help. Right now, I’ve got to get back and make sure Amy got those deliveries out instead of flirting with the delivery guy.”
“If you can’t come back this evening, I understand.” Elizabeth gave her a tired smile and rubbed her hip.
“Are you kidding? You couldn’t keep me away.” Olivia smiled and looked over at Heather. “You’re a pretty good worker. I think you even made up for Tabitha’s lack of work.”
“Hey, I can’t help it if I get distracted easily.” Tabitha ran her hand through her long red hair. “Plus, I’m starving. I can’t concentrate when I’m hungry.”
Agnes snorted.
“Well, would you look at that.” Tabitha shaded her hands as a young woman walked out between the line of parked cars.
“Is that?” Olivia cocked her head.
“It’s Gabriela.” Agnes scowled.
Heather watched, fascinated with how beautiful the woman was. She had long dark hair, almost black, and wore no makeup. She didn’t need it. She had on jeans and a white T-shirt that was too s
mall and showed her slender midriff. She was tall and walked like she owned the world.
“Well, missy. I see you finally rolled out of bed,” Agnes snarled.
“I’m not much of an early bird.” Gabriela sighed.
“Hi, Gabriela. Welcome back to Harland Creek.” Olivia smiled.
“Thanks, Olivia. Although I’m not sure how long I’ll be staying.” Gabriela’s gaze zeroed in on Heather. Heather looked away.
“You look like a million bucks, honey.” Elizabeth nodded. “Come give me a hug.”
Gabriela grinned and wrapped her arms around her. “You’re very kind. How are you doing? Aunt Agnes said you had hip surgery. Feel up to going out dancing?”
Elizabeth barked out a laugh. “Not even when I was young. Gabriela, this is Heather Smith. She’s staying with me while I recover fully from hip surgery.” Elizabeth introduced her.
“Hi,” Heather said quietly. Something about Gabriela’s gaze made her think the woman could uncover every secret.
“Nice to meet you.” Gabriela held out her hand.
Heather was surprised at her grip. She may look like a lithe model, but she was obviously strong.
Heather looked at Elizabeth who was favoring her hip. “I think you need to go sit down. I’ll make you something to eat.”
Elizabeth tried to wave her off, but Agnes came to Heather’s defense.
“She’s right, Elizabeth. You’ve been out there right along with us. You don’t want to hurt yourself and delay your recovery time. Come on, I’ll help you inside. I’ll make you a cup of tea before I leave.”
“Fine, fine.” Elizabeth shook her head. She looked at everyone. “Thank you for all the help today. We’ll start harvesting again in the evening. I’ll be passing out paychecks after that.”
She let Agnes lead her back to the house.
“You’re not from here, are you?” Gabriela cocked her head.
Heather turned around and realized everyone was heading for their cars. Except Gabriela.
“No. I’m not.” She started for the house.
“Where are you from?”
Heather forced a smile. “Georgia.”
“That’s a long way from home. How’d you manage to get way down here in Mississippi?”
“I found an ad in the paper about a caregiver. I wanted a change. I thought the idea of living in the country sounded ideal.”
“Not much of a city girl, are you?” Gabriela snorted. “I don’t blame you. The city will eat someone like you up and spit you out.”
Heather lifted her chin. “Is that why you’re not in New York anymore?”
Gabriela’s eyebrows raised.
Heather regretted her choice of words. She didn’t need to make any enemies here. She just needed a chance for everyone to get to know her.
“Pretty much. Or maybe I spit the city out.” She shrugged. “Aunt Agnes said you didn’t have any proper clothes for church.”
Heather felt her face heat with embarrassment. “I’ve not gotten around to shopping…”
“She said she let you take one of the blouses I sent back for the auction.”
“Yes. I have it in my room. I have been meaning to give it back…”
“Don’t bother. When you have time, come over and go through my clothes. I’ve got too many clothes, and I’m trying to thin it out before I leave.”
“You aren’t staying?” Heather frowned.
“This isn’t my town anymore. But you wouldn’t understand that.” Gabriela looked away.
“I might understand better than you think,” she blurted out.
Gabriela studied her for a second. “I guess you’ve heard about me.”
“I heard you got a modeling contract and left for New York after graduating high school. Sounds like you are living the dream.”
Gabriela’s eyes grew sad. She wrapped her arms around her thin chest.
“You’re staying with Ms. Agnes? What about your parents?”
“My parents retired early and moved to Boca Raton. My mom always liked our vacations in Florida so after retirement, that’s where they landed.”
“You don’t look old enough to have parents old enough to retire.”
“I was actually a surprise baby. My mom had me later in life.” She gave a ghost of a grin. Heather could see why the modeling agency hired her. She was beautiful when she was sad, but stunning when she smiled. “I’m an only child to older parents. My father and Agnes are brother and sister.”
“I see.” Heather nodded.
“What about you? Where are your parents? In Georgia?”
She shook her head. “No. They are gone.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry.”
“It’s okay. I’m hoping to find some work here in Harland Creek after Ms. Elizabeth is well. I’m not exactly sure where to start.” She looked at the ground. “I didn’t go to college after high school. Just went straight to work to make ends meet.”
Oddly enough, she found herself opening up to the beautiful stranger.
“Like me. I personally think college is overrated, but what do I know.” She tossed her hair across her shoulder.
Heather glanced over at the three high school students mulling around their trucks, trying their best not to be caught staring at Gabriela.
“I think your fan club is waiting on you.” Heather nodded toward the boys.
Gabriela glanced over at the boys. All three perked up and smiled big. “Ugh. I’d rather go to one of Aunt Agnes’ quilting bees than entertain men.”
“Well, they’re not exactly men. But why don’t you come inside and have some tea while I fix lunch?”
“I’ll take you up on it.”
Chapter 17
The evening harvest didn’t go as smoothly as the morning.
Elizabeth had been hurting and Heather insisted she take a pain pill and stay inside and rest. She’d been hard to convince, but when Grayson showed up, he’d agreed with Heather’s assessment. The cooler truck had come back without any extra buckets. That sent everyone scrambling. Olivia volunteered the empty buckets from her shop and Grayson gathered every empty bucket he had on the farm. Word got out, thanks to Agnes, and Mac from the grocery store arrived with a truckload of plastic buckets. They worked well after dark, gathering as many tulips as possible. When the truck pulled out, arrangements had been made for them to come back in two days to pick up another shipment.
Elizabeth handed out checks to the three high school boys. She tried paying the others, but they all refused to take any payment from her.
Heather turned off the garden hose and picked up an old towel to dry off all the hand shears that had been used.
“Make sure you hang them up in the barn so they’ll be dry for the next use. Oil them after the tulip harvest is done.”
“Thanks for the tip.” Heather bent to gather all the tools. “Elizabeth cooked dinner. You are welcome to stay.”
He gave her a surprised look. “Are you sure it wouldn’t be an inconvenience?”
“I have the feeling you know Elizabeth wouldn’t mind. You’ve probably eaten at her table many times. So I’m guessing that question is aimed at me personally.” She looked at him under her lashes.
He gave her a slow grin. She shifted her weight and looked away.
“Heather, I have a feeling you think I’m your enemy.”
“Maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe you think I’m the enemy.” She lifted her chin.
“Why would you say that?” He studied her.
“You watch over Elizabeth like a hawk when I’m around her. Like you think I’m going to hurt her.” She turned and gave him her full attention.
“I’ve learned the hard way that there are some people in this world that will hurt you. With her kids all living away, I feel like I need to watch out for her.”
“Your mother would be so proud.” She didn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
“I wouldn’t know. My mother died of cancer seven ye
ars ago.”
Guilt hit her in the chest like a baseball bat. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”
“How could you? You don’t know me.” He shrugged and gathered the hand shears. He started for the barn.
She waited a beat, unsure what to do. She hated that her words had been so callous.
She turned off the water hose and made her way to the barn.
She stepped through the door of the red barn. The scent of earth and fertilizer almost stung her nose in an odd way.
Grayson was busy hanging each shear up on individual hooks.
She swallowed her pride and walked over to him. She picked up a pair of shears and hung it up on the hooks.
“I didn’t know my mother. Or my father for that matter.” The words burned as they came out of her mouth. Not from fear of what he would think, but from allowing herself to be vulnerable for once in her life. It felt like jumping in the deep end of the ocean and not knowing if she remembered how to swim.
He turned and looked at her. “I’m sorry. That must have been hard.”
“It was.” She nodded and looked away.
“Are you an only child?”
“I… I don’t know.” She rubbed her dirty hands on her jeans. If she was going to make a home here, she was going to have to start making connections with people.
He blinked but didn’t push her to talk.
“Grayson, Heather!” Agnes stepped into the barn. “There you two are. Dinner is ready. I tried to help Elizabeth cook, but darn if that woman ain’t hardheaded.” She scowled. “She barely allowed me to make the sweet tea and cornbread. The rest she did herself.” She shook her head.
“I’m sorry. I should have done that.” Heather hung up the last shear.
“Don’t apologize. You helped more by helping with the harvest. I’m pretty sure you outworked everyone”—she pointedly looked at Grayson—“with the exception of Grayson.”
“She certainly held her own. And for someone who had never harvested flowers before,” Grayson agreed.
“Then come inside and eat. I’m headed home to get in the hot tub.”
“You and Gabriela are not eating with us?” Heather asked.
“No, honey. I got into an argument with Gabriela and she headed home.”