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Addy’s face fell.
“Why don’t you spend the day with me? You can see what I do and maybe even help.”
Addy’s eyes widened. “Really?”
“We wouldn’t want to be in the way. I know how busy it gets.”
“You wouldn’t be in the way. I promise.”
“Can I see the shop?” Addy asked.
“Of course. Mom would love to show you around.”
Sarah’s brow furrowed. “Are you sure?”
“My mom would love to have her there. Besides, there’s more for her to do at the shop. When you get bored of it, you can help me put trees on the cars.”
Addy’s eyes widened. “I don’t think I’m big enough to help with that.”
“You can tell us if the tree is centered on the roof.”
“I can do that,” Addy said eagerly. “Can we, Mom? Please?”
“I don’t know how I could say no to an offer like that.”
I shook my head. “You don’t. I get off a bit early tonight. Then I can help you with your chores.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“If you help out on the farm, it’s only fair I return the favor.”
Sarah’s shoulders lowered, and she said, “Okay. That sounds fun.”
Addy let out a scream of excitement, and we rushed to get ready. I offered Addy some extra clothes that Ember kept in the dresser, and Sarah wore one of my farm sweatshirts.
I texted Mom to let her know Sarah and Addy would be joining us today. She responded that she couldn’t wait to show Addy around. That’s what I loved about my family. They were quick to include anyone who was important to us.
It was too soon to have thoughts about a few months from now, much less things like forever. But I wanted to think that this was the real deal. That I’d have these two in my life for a long time to come. Only time would tell.
I drove my truck to the main house and parked. We kept our cars out of the barn lot because it was so crowded this time of the year.
The first customers were already trickling in, so we walked to the red barn, and I took them inside to get started.
Mom approached us. “There you are. I’m so excited to have a helper today.”
Addy’s eyes widened almost comically. I had a feeling she wasn’t used to being needed by anyone. Her father made her feel like she wasn’t wanted, and whether she realized it or not, that feeling would only intensify as she got older.
Mom talked to her about the register, the process for checking out, the packaging, and the gift wrap, telling her what she’d need to help with.
“It looks like you’ve got this. We’re going outside to help with the lot.”
“You two have fun,” Mom said, with barely a glance in our direction.
Mom was practically glowing as she guided Addy through a real checkout with a woman buying a lawn ornament.
“She’s good with kids,” Sarah said as we made our way outside.
“She said she’s been practicing her whole life for grandkids. I think she said that when we were kids, too. We just laughed because none of us could imagine having kids back then.”
