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“Do you ever plan a half birthday?” I asked Sarah.
“We did once. We had a pool party in July. That was nice. But Addy said she preferred to celebrate it on the day.”
“Will you have a party this year?” I asked her.
“The problem with a winter birthday is that you have to have it inside. And some of the options are expensive if she wants to invite her whole class.”
“Why don’t you have it here? We could put up the lights and have a bonfire. It could be fun. We could also use the barn by Emmett’s house if you want to be indoors.”
Sarah tipped her head to the side. “Are you serious? You’d want twenty-some six-year-olds on the property for a party?”
“We’ve been talking about hosting school field trips. Besides, this is for Addy. I’m not opening the farm to parties for other kids. Just her.”
“What do you think about that, Addy?” Sarah asked her.
Addy looked up at me. “Could we have a holiday-themed birthday party?”
“I don’t see why not.” Maybe the lights would be ready, and we could take the kids to see that, too.
“That’s incredibly generous of you. Let me know what you’d charge for that.” There was a tremor of concern or anxiety in her voice that I couldn’t quite place.
“It’s our pleasure to have her party here. You’re practically family now.” I flashed her a wide grin.
Her brow furrowed. “We’re not, though.”
“Tell my mom that.” She was ecstatic when I said I was borrowing the horses and carriage for our night together. She’d said it was romantic, and she must have raised me right. “She would love to host her party.”
“Can we have it here, Mommy?”
“I don’t see why not. If your friends don’t mind driving out here.”
“It will be so fun.”
We’d rounded the pond and were heading back toward Emmett’s house and the barn.
“When we arrived at the main house again, it felt like it was too soon, but I sensed that Addy was getting a little bored being cooped up.
“Why don’t you go inside and grab a snack while we get the horses to the neighbors?”
Once they went inside, Heath said, “I’ll take them over. You go with Addy and Sarah.”
“Are you sure?” I asked him.
“You did this so you could spend time with them. So go spend time with them.”
I clasped his shoulder. “I appreciate it. I’m happy to return the favor when you’re seeing someone.”
He laughed without any humor. “I have no plans for that.”
“You’re not seeing anyone?” Heath wasn’t the type to pick up women at a bar, and I hadn’t heard about him seeing anyone seriously. If he was, he was keeping it quiet.
“Haven’t for a while. I’m busy, between working for Morrison and the side jobs I’ve been picking up.”
“Don’t work so much that you miss out on something or someone under your nose.”
Heath shook his head. “When you have a chance, we should talk about the inn. Go over a number with Seb that we’re willing to offer for it should it come on the market. I want to be prepared.”
“If you want the inn, we’ll make it happen. It would only enhance our offerings. Doesn’t it have a stable?”
