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Yet,even God said it wasn't good for man to be alone. That's why He created Eve for Adam. So where was Kaleb's Eve?
"What're you doing out here?" Scarlet and Shane neared where he stood.
"Thought I'd get some air. You about ready to tell our guests what to expect today?" Kaleb changed the subject. The last person he wanted to discuss his love life with was his baby sister. Nothing needed to get in the way of her happiness, including his loneliness.
"Sure am. Shane's going into town. He'll be back in time to let the kids pet the sheep and make sure the other animals are ready for visitors." Scarlet cast a loving look in her fiancé’s direction.
"Good. I'll help out with the dishes when they're done eating. Once I get that squared away, Grady and I can check on the sheep further out." Kaleb shoved his hands in his back pockets. "Have you figured out if we can rent enough paddle boats for this crowd?"
Scarlet nodded. "Got it all taken care of. I did find out that they're staying until Sunday." She bit her lip. "I promised Cinnamon Sunday and Monday off. I'd hate to ask her to help out for one more day."
"I'll ask her," Kaleb offered. "You hired her. I can ask her if she wouldn't mind changing her days off. Where are the dogs?"
"I took them to town last night for the week. Harper said she'd keep an eye on them since the Inn isn't too terribly busy. She and Noel have that fenced-in portion of their yard where the dogs can run free." Shane laced his fingers through Scarlet's. "They'll miss the freedom up here, though. But it's only for a short time, until the next group comes along."
Kaleb nodded. "I really need to build a dog park or something. That way, people can bring their pets, knowing they'll be safe here."
"That's a good idea." Shane's eyes lit. "Let me know when you want to do that, and I can help you."
"I appreciate that." The screen door slammed behind Kaleb.
"Thegroup'sabout ready for today’s adventure," Grady said as he joined them. "Scarlet, you're up. Kaleb, I'll help wash the dishes."
"Thanks." Kaleb squeezed Grady's shoulder. "Dad was brilliant when he added the small kitchen to the lodge with the dishwasher."
"Too bad we couldn't make the kitchen bigger. It'd be great to be able to have Cinnamon cook here instead of having to bring the food in from our house." Grady's lips formed a straight line.
"That'll be on the agenda for improvements over the next two years." Kaleb headed toward the lodge. "In the meantime, we make do with what we have."
"Agreed." Grady scanned the area. "We've done a lot I think Mom and Dad would be proud of."
"I think so, too." Kaleb entered the lodge and donned a dish washing apron.
At Linden Farms, guests cleared their own tables and left the dishes on the counter separating the large room from the kitchen.
Grady wiped off the food from the plates and set them on the tray. Kaleb pulled the handle and sprayed the dishes, pushing the full crate through the washer. He closed the lid and hit the button. He continued to spray down the dirty dishes until a beep sounded.
With the plates now dry, he put them away, then started the routine all over again. Within an hour's time, the place sparkled from top to bottom, including the tables in the lounge area.
"Thanks for your help, Cinnamon." Kaleb wiped his brow with his arm. "It made the work go by a lot faster."
"No problem." She put the cleaning supplies under the sink and straightened. "I have to run to town for some groceries. I'll be back before lunch."
"Wait." Kaleb withdrew his credit card. "Use this. Bring me back the receipt, please."
"You sure? I don't mind paying for now."
Kaleb shook his head. "All expenses need to go on this credit card please."
"Okay." Cinnamon tucked it into the back pocket of her shorts. "I'll be back soon."
Kaleb peeled his eyes away from the woman before Grady caught him staring. The last thing he needed was his little brother pestering him about Cinnamon Jordon. He had enough trouble as is keeping his mind from thoughts of her.
"You about ready to head out to the field?" Grady punched him in the arm.
"Yep."
While riding horses wasn't the best option to get out to the field, Kaleb didn't want to modernize their farm too much by getting rid of the animals he'd grown up with. His father loved taking them riding in the early morning to check on their sheep. It was a ritual he wasn't about to give up. Neither of his siblings wanted to, either. Even if upkeep on the horses was expensive.
