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Linnea tips her head. “Everything they see about you. The likes and comments on your posts are incredible.”
“Yes, as long as we’re holding hands or hugging or kissing. If we talk about the farms or anything more serious, everything plummets,” I say with a frown.
We’ve posted a few shots of our produce, even posted photos of things like the chocolate dipped strawberries, salads, even more complex recipes.
There is definitely less interest in those posts.
At least the rubber boots are popular.
Linnea nods. “Well, it’s true that those posts don’t get quite as much attention. But you’re here, newlyweds, hiding out on the ranch for your honeymoon. This is the only glimpse they’re getting of you. Plus, you guys look amazing together. Your chemistry is incredible even in photographs. Of course, they want to see you being all sexy and mushy and kissing.”
I understand that. And yes, our photos are great. Torin looks properly adoring in every photo. I have felt more free and relaxed and sexy in the past seven weeks than I have in my entire life.
“But we’re also doing work here. We’re planting these farms for the people. We want them to be at least slightly interested.”
“But we’re not really focusing on the farms on your social media right now,” Linnea says. “We’re just cultivating passive interest.”
I put my spoon down and brace my hands onto the countertop. I pin her with a look. “No, we’re not focusing on it, but we should start doing more of that. Maybe it’s time to work more.”
She smiles. “Exactly.” Her gaze shifts to Torin. “Honeymoon’s over.”
I look up at him.
He’s frowning. “What do you mean?”
“I mean the country has been very understanding, and actually enamored, with the idea that you’re here, holed up on this ranch with your new bride. They’ve loved the whole honeymoon thing. Giving them bits and pieces that show you together has been fabulous. But now you need to come to the palace. You have to be seen. You have to go to meetings.”
He sighs. “Meetings about what? The farm isn’t quite ready to go. I’m definitely not at the point where I can go have any economic talks or talks with our trade partners.”
“Of course not,” Linnea says. “But the first step is selling this to the people, right? When they love it, it will be harder for your grandfather to hate it.”
I look up at Torin. “Right. Definitely. And this is just the starter site. To give everyone a general idea of what’s possible. We need to build a real farm. More than one. I thought there was a new farm being built by one of the schools.”
“There is,” Linnea says. “And it’s finished. You need to come and make an appearance. You need to talk to the administrators, the teachers, and the parents. We need to get everybody on board and really explain what’s going on now. We’ve been putting them off with, ‘The Prince will come and make a statement when it’s all ready to go’, and now…it’s ready to go.”
Torin’s hand grips my hip. “I think maybe we need to get a secretary of education. Someone who can handle all of this.”
I turn to him. “What? No.”
He focuses on me. “Why not? We can put someone in charge of all of this. To make sure all of it is being handled well. Make sure that the teachers and administrators and parents are given the information they need and want. Someone who can be available to them.”
I push him back slightly and plant my hands on my hips. “We already have that. You. No one is going to explain this better than you. You understand these farms in and out. You’ve already sold this idea to people. Lauren and Mason. Everyone in Shreveport. You know how to do this. You’re the prince. People want to hear from you anyway. You need to get out there and sell them on this idea. Explain the farms to them. Tell them why they’re amazing.”
He steps in close to me again. “I just want to stay here with you.”
I lift a brow. “That’s very sweet. And I love being here with you too. But, we came here to do a job. These farms are important. And no one is going to sell them better than you.”
An interesting mix of emotions goes through his eyes. He looked pleased, then a little frustrated if I’m not mistaken. But that doesn’t make any sense.
We’ve been holed up here together for nearly two months. We’ve talked and laughed and had so much sex I can’t even believe it. Surely, he feels all right about leaving once in a while.
Finally, he nods. “You’re right. I need to get out there and talk about this.”
I smile up at him. “You’re definitely the best one. And soon, this farm will be ready for visitors as well.”
“And as soon as the farm at the school is up and running, and everybody is on board, then we can build more, and you can start having those talks with other countries, getting the scientists on board who you want to study the effects long-term, talking about job-training,” Linnea reminds him. “There are a lot of parts to this. The first farm at the first school is just the beginning.”
He pulls in a deep breath and finally looks away from me to Linnea. He nods. “When do you want me?”
