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“Thank you so much, Allie. I know I haven’t exactly been the easiest… parent to work with.”
“Oh, you’re fine,” her voice squeaked again, causing her to clear her throat. “You’re fine. Just don’t let it happen again,” she teased.
Luke chuckled and pulled her in for an unexpected hug. His strong arms wrapped around her shoulders, pulling her close against him. He smelled of peppermint and coffee—a dangerous combination when mixed with the undertones of his pine aftershave.
She turned her head slightly, toward his neck and took in a deep breath. Her eyes fluttered closed and she allowed herself to hug him back. This was not the first time he’d hugged her, but it was the first time since he’d dated and then married Shellie.
His shoulder muscles flexed beneath her touch and just like that, he put a good two feet between them. The cool air washed over her, making her feel even more flushed if possible. Luke placed his hands on her shoulders, keeping her at arm’s length as he grinned at her. “Thanks again, Allie. You don’t know just how much this means to me.” He patted her shoulders once more then grabbed his coffee before giving her a little wave and escaping out the front door.
Yeah, she likely didn’t have a single clue about how much it had meant to him to spend time with her.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Luke was stillon a high by Sunday when he was seated with his family for supper. Talking with Allie had given him the surge of confidence he’d needed to tell Brent and Jackie about this new idea.
That talk had also made him realize just how encouraging she’d always been with him. She was the kind of person he knew he could count on for support. The more he’d thought about it, the more he’d realized that was how it had always been.
In fact, he couldn’t recall a single time of his life when Allie wasn’t there to cheer him on.
And he’d let that friendship fizzle out. He overlooked her as Pippa’s friend when she really was a friend of the family. A friend to all of them.
Guilt attempted to take over the buzz of excitement he had going for himself, and he had to push it away so he could tell his family what was going on.
Luke focused on his brother and sister-in-law as he clinked his knife against the glass in his other hand. They glanced toward him, but his brother was the only one with a smirk.
“You have an announcement to make or something?”
“Actually, I do.” Luke put his glass and the knife back on the table. “I wanted to let you guys know that I will be busy this holiday season with something new.”
The smile faded from Brent’s face but he didn’t look upset. That was a good sign.
Luke’s stomach twisted and churned. He’d been through a similar conversation with his dad when he’d told them about the farming idea. With his father passed, he didn’t have the same kind of nerves going on, but it was still difficult to find the words he was looking for.
“Christmas trees,” he finally blurted.
Brent squinted at him. “Christmas trees? What do you mean?”
“Yeah. I invested in an organic tree farm. It’s small, just north and almost to the state line. They were struggling, so I was able to help us both out. I’ve been thinking about this for a while… So, um, I’m going to sell them on the farm and donate the profits to the children’s hospital. If everything turns out the way I think it will, then I’ll do it next year, but turn it into a business venture with only a percentage going to charity.”
His brother and sister-in-law exchanged looks, but Luke had zero clue what they might be thinking.
“I know this might be a leap—”
“Organic trees?” Brent steepled his fingers. “Will you be planting some here as well? I can’t imagine getting them shipped in every year would be a viable option.”
“This tree farm is different. They plant them in pots so that the people who buy them can replant them. It’s really different. No cutting involved.” Luke’s nerves were already getting the better of him. He shifted in his seat and looked away.
“But is that sustainable?” Brent wouldn’t look away from him and Luke really wished he would.
Man, it would have been nice if Allie were here for this conversation.
Strange that his thoughts went immediately to her. He wasn’t wrong. Having Allie here probably would have helped the unease that continued to grow. She would have been able to explain it better than him.
“I think it’s very sustainable. And I guess I didn’t tell you that I planted several acres last year. In that area by the southeast fence that we never use. It’s on the side of my farm.” Luke grimaced as he shared more of his idea that was already set in motion.
“You did fail to mention that.”
“Anyway, the organic farm is also sending wreaths and fresh garland. I’m not sure how it will go, so this year will be all about the charity. If it doesn’t pan out, then…” He shrugged. If it didn’t work out, he was only out the money he’d invested. And he’d only invested his own money—none of the ranch funds were used for this venture. “Of course I’ll advertise a lot. I don’t want to soil our family name with an experiment that you didn’t know—”
