Single!
And maybe that meant she finally, after all these years, had a chance with him.
Chapter 4
“Em and I are working on some ideas for the orchard’s hundredth anniversary celebration, Dad. I think you’re going to like them.”
Jake glanced around the kitchen table. It was suppertime, and Mom had made her famous (to the Hughes family, anyway) pork chops, along with baked potatoes and green beans. He hoped Mom’s delicious meal would soften his father’s stubborn streak. He peered across the table at Emily, who nodded, encouraging him to continue, while Mom watched him with interest from the other end of the table. Dad pressed his lips together before eating a forkful of pork chop.
Jake cleared his throat. “We stopped by the McClains’ old orchard. Lancaster’s opening it in a couple of weeks and doing a fall festival theme.”
“Figures,” Dad grunted.
“Em and I were throwing around ideas, and she came up with something I’d never thought of. What if we restored the old barn and turned it into a market?” When Dad’s expression turned tostone, Jake continued talking at a fast clip. “Think about it, Dad. It’s a whole new revenue stream. We could have a variety of vendors, like food and collectibles, and we’ll invite members of the community to join us for—”
“No.” Dad’s response was swift and firm. “This is one of your impulsive ideas like you had in high school. Remember when you tried to convince me to have a demolition derby out in the west field? I said no to that lousy idea too.”
The room fell silent. While Dad continued eating, Mom and Emily shared an awkward expression.
Jake set his fork down and took a deep breath, trying to curb his frustration. His father refused to let go of the mistakes he had made in high school—the parties, the stupid pranks, the mediocre grades. Dad acted as if Jake were still that same immature kid, but he wasn’t. He’d grown up and matured. Although Jake respected his father too much to contradict him, he couldn’t allow Dad’s bullheadedness to destroy their livelihood. He studied his baked potato and tried to think of something that would make his father entertain their idea.
“Leon, could I please show you what we had in mind?”
Jake’s eyes flickered to Emily, who had spread out her diagram in front of his father. Dad eyed it with cautious curiosity.
“Since the new McClains’ is going with a fall festival theme, I was trying to think of something different to make this orchard stand out. I’ve always loved the abandoned barn.” She chuckled. “I have so many memories of playing in it when we were kids, and when I saw the painting I sent Jake for Christmas, the ideas clicked together.” She tapped the barn drawing. “I think it could be really neat if we restored the barn and turned it into a market featuring local fare. We’d draw so many locals, especially if we highlight all the vendors who make Splendid Lake so special.”She began listing names of local folks who might want to have a booth there, and the most incredible thing happened—Dad’s scowl warmed ever so slightly. “You could charge a fee for the booth, so it would be a win-win for the vendors and for you. What do you think?”
Dad studied her diagram with his lips pursed.
“I think it’s a wonderful idea, dear,” Mom said.
Silence drifted over the dining room for a moment, and Jake held his breath. He felt Emily watching him, and when he turned toward her, she gave him a sweet smile.
Dad pushed the drawing away from him. “This isn’t what my parents and grandparents wanted for their orchard. They always said that the apples would sell themselves. We don’t need this nonsense to get customers here.”
Jake opened his mouth to protest, but Emily cut him off.
“I know this is different from what people expect from Hughes, but I think asking the community to participate will drive new customers here.” Emily’s voice was calm. “Everyone loves a fun market with different booths to visit. And utilizing the barn is a way to keep the Hughes legacy alive. Didn’t your grandfather build that barn?”
Dad’s blue eyes lit up. “He did. I was about five years old, and I helped paint it.”
He’s actually smiling!
Jake settled back in his chair and grinned. Em was brilliant!
“I think he’d be happy to know that his great-grandson was bringing the barn back to life,” Emily declared.
Dad nodded, but then his smile flattened as his stare settled on Jake. “How are we going to pay for this? You know funds are low since our trees didn’t produce as many apples after last year’s storm, and with Ally’s tuition...”
“Dad, we have to spend money to make money.”
The older man frowned. “But you have tohavethe money to spend it, Jake.”
Emily held her hand up. “I’ll pay for it.”
All eyes in the room settled on Emily.
“Why on earth would you pay to renovate my family’s barn?” Jake asked.
