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Still, everyone watched Ella Mae as they picked up their own spoons.

Ella looked between their bowls and picked up her spoon. “Oop, Lee.”

Charlie grinned. “You’re right, Ella. We’ve got soup for lunch. Three new soups to try.”

Ella used her other hand to show two fingers. “Twee oops.”

“Three yummy soups. Which one are you going to try first?”

Ella dunked her spoon into the carrot soup and splashed some over the edge. But she filled her spoon and brought it to her mouth. She swallowed the mouthful, then dipped her spoon for more. Her mouth was soon rimmed with remnants of the orange soup.

Seth grinned. “Atta girl, Ella. I knew you were a lady of fine taste.”

Rissa laughed with everyone else as they devoured the delicious soups along with the homemade crackers and croutons Mara had baked. Rissa hadn’t even known a person could make soup crackers.

After they finished lunch and cleaned up, Marcus and Levi headed back to Phail.

Burke checked his phone. “We should probably grab what you need and head down to the pond. That’ll give you time to prep for your duck lesson.”

She grinned. “It’s going to be so much fun.” A school in Utah had sent her an email, asking if she could give a talk about animal adaptations. She figured the ducks would be a great hands-on example. She’d taught several lessons at this primary school and the kids were enthusiastic about anything to do with animals. The teachers had been thrilled with the idea of the kids seeing ducks in the snow.

Soon, she’d grabbed her equipment and they headed to the pond at the back of the orchard with Ford, Jolie, Nash, Olivia, Charlie, and Ella. With the threat still out there, they didn’t travel solo, even on the farm. It was impossible to secure all four hundred acres. The land was pretty isolated, but there was always a way for a determined person to infiltrate the property.

She contained the shudder, not wanting Burke to worry. He and the other men were armed and highly trained.

Soon, they were set up at the pond. When they were ready to go online, she removed her thin windbreaker. She’d picked up the thick sweater at a thrift store on her way up to Vermont. The sweater was several sizes too big, but it let her wear layers beneath it and stay warm. She hadn’t been able to resist the ducks that walked along the collar.

Charlie grinned. “I love your shirt. The kids are going to love that you dressed to match the ducks.”

She laughed. “I’m glad I listened to my instincts and picked it up that day.”

Burked grinned. “That’s why you dressed in so many layers for the lesson.”

It wasn’t long before they were ready to go. None of the people in their group were shy, so she didn’t have to worry about any of them not wanting to be on camera. They would help showcase the ducks. Charlie was a natural, and Ella loved the birds.

When they signed on, Rissa waved at the camera Burke held toward her. “Hi everyone. Welcome to the No Phailed Apples Farm in Vermont. We’re going to have a blast today. Did you know ducks love snow? Until I arrived here, I didn’t have a clue. Today, we’re going to find out why. If you have questions, ask away; you know I love questions.”

The kids loved seeing the ducks play in the snow. Hemsworth, Jolie and Ford’s Australian Shepherd was a huge hit when he showed he could round up the birds and keep them safe.

They talked about webbed feet, finding food in the snow, and the importance of daily fresh water. Ford and Jolie showcased Duckington Palace and answered all kinds of questions.

Quackerjack lost her friends several times, and soon the kids were calling out to her, telling her to turn around to find her flock.

By the time they signed off, Rissa’s cheeks hurt from smiling. “Thanks, everyone. That was one of my favorite lessons of all time.”

Burke hugged her. “You’re amazing. I’m so impressed with the job you've created for yourself. You have so much fun with the kids.”

Charlie nodded. “You’re officially my favorite teacher.”

Joy flushed her cheeks, but she shook her head. “I’m not a real teacher.”

The entire group finished her sentence with her, then all broke into laughter. She had to join in.

Burke brushed his hand over her cheek. “You’re a teacher. Paperwork or no paperwork, you engage kids in the lessons and make them excited to learn more. Everyone knows you’re a teacher. Time for you to believe it yourself.”

Maybe he was right.

She smiled all the way back to the farmhouse.