Chapter 16 I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here
I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here
Mara bounced all the way to Chick Inn Time. Everything about it made her smile, and that wasn’t just the relief that Ford and Seth appeared to have gotten through the big brother idiocy.
It wasn’t as if she were a teenager anymore. Not that she’d ever brought a high school boyfriend home. A dad and eight older brothers were too intimidating for any of the boys she’d met in school.
None of those relationships had lasted more than a few weeks, and none had progressed past a few kisses.
She’d never been lit on fire by any of the kisses. And she’d never lit any of those boys on fire either.
Had she been searching for Seth all along?
She’d had her share of relationships in her twenties, but while they’d lasted longer, they’d all fallen apart after a few months. Without drama, proving intense feelings had never been involved.
She hadn’t even slept with Seth yet, and she knew if they broke up, she’d be destroyed right down to her toes.
Which meant she wasn’t going to screw it up. And they certainly would never drift apart without a single protest. She would fight to keep him in her life. She hoped he’d do the same for her.
Which was heaping a lot of expectations on a relationship that hadn’t progressed to sex yet.
It was going to be fabulous.
Her body danced in response. She mostly kept the reaction inside, hoping anyone who noticed would attribute her joy to the chickens. That thought had her giggling.
Seth’s eyes locked on hers and flared with the intensity she loved to see. He wasn’t thinking about chickens either.
Kimi distracted her when she reacted to the coop. “This is perfect. The hardware cloth is so much better than chicken wire. It doesn’t obstruct the view at all, but it will keep the birds safe. Hens enjoy watching the world go by. I love how much space you’ve given them in addition to the run.”
The entire enclosure was twenty feet along each side. It gave these birds plenty of space and allowed them to easily double or triple their number without adding on.
Seth set the cages down by the coop and surveyed the area. “We should add a couple of benches nearby, maybe a table or two. Guests might enjoy having breakfast or lunch out here.”
Jolie grinned. “They could thank the hens for the eggs. I love that. Ford will make something up for you.”
Mara’s brother barked out a laugh. “I will, will I?”
Jolie framed his face and drew him down for a kiss.
He sighed dramatically. “I guess I will.”
Her brother would do anything for Jolie, but she figured he’d do it even without her prompting. He’d had as much fun as Mara and Seth putting the coop, the run, and the enclosed yard together.
A few weeks ago, she hadn’t a clue about anything chicken-related. Now, she’d helped with the coop and the enclosure, and built a set of chicken-sized monkey bars and a chicken swing.
The coop where the chickens would spend the night had multiple roosting bars inside, and a human-sized door for when they cleaned it.
An automatic, chicken-sized door would keep the hens safe from predators at night, and a couple of windows covered with hardware cloth would keep it ventilated.
There were also nesting boxes built along the outside wall, allowing people to gather the eggs without disturbing the birds.
That was locked with a carabiner so predators couldn’t access the eggs.
The entire design was ingenious. Painted yellow to match the No Phailed Apples Inn, it was also cute and fun. Guests would definitely enjoy some time watching the birds. “Maybe we could have a feed or treat dispenser, and the guests could feed them, too.”
Kimi nodded. “You’ll have to control the amounts, but that wouldn’t be difficult. People love feeding animals. Be sure to include a sign telling them to use only approved food, though.”
Seth picked up one cage, and Ford grabbed the other.
The chicken yard was large enough for all the humans to fit inside.
Once the door was closed behind them, Kimi looked around.
“This is amazing. Your birds are going to be happy. If you find they don’t head into the roost on their own at sunset, try removing all the play structures you’ve made for them. ”
Mara worried her lip. “Should we take them out? I thought they were good for them.” From what she’d read, chickens liked to roost, always aiming for the highest spots, so they’d included several structures with interesting angles and perching spots at various heights. She didn’t want bored chickens.
Kimi smiled. “They are. It’s always good to give animals options that make their lives interesting.
With this being a new home, it might take them a bit to learn to head to the coop.
They naturally head to high ground at night, but if they don’t, you can help them learn to walk up the ramp.
If that doesn’t work, remove the play structures for a few days until they have the routines down. ”
Seth nodded. “Got it. Let’s see how these ladies react.”
He opened the cage, and one hen immediately popped outside. The orangey-brown bird looked around while nodding her head, then she walked over to the monkey bars. After a couple of pecks, she flew herself up to perch on the top bar.
Mara laughed and blinked away the happy tears. “Well done, Maki. You’re leading the way.”
Kimi raised an eyebrow. “Maki?”
Mara nodded. “After someone on Seth’s military team. We wanted to name the first ones after Seth’s team, with the first one to be brave enough named after Maki.”
Seth moved over and wrapped his arm around her shoulder as the other chickens emerged from the cage. “Squid, Johnny, Brain, Clay.”
There was one more bird, so she named it. “Babs. You have to be there too.”
Jolie nodded. “Definitely. We’ll have to make a chart of who is who. The guests will love that. Maybe even put a brief explanation of the names.”
Seth shook his head. “I don’t want it to be personal.”
Mara squeezed him, knowing he didn’t want people asking him about the names, prying into his past. “How about a line saying the names are a tribute to an amazing military team?”
She felt him take a deep breath. With his eyes locked on hers, he nodded. “That would work.”
Ford opened the other cage, and the other six hens walked out. “You want to name these too, or get to know the six names first?”
She nodded. “I think six is enough to remember for now. Maybe we can put their pictures and names on a sheet, then leave it on the hardware cloth near the door. That way, everyone will learn the names. The guests can get to know them, too.”
The others nodded, and she leaned into Seth as they watched the birds wander the space. None of them appeared stressed, and they quickly figured out the automatic feeder and watering system.
Kimi smiled. “Nicely done, everyone. I suggest Mara and Seth hand-feed them once or twice a day. That way, they’ll associate humans in general, and you in particular, with food and safety.
You’ve got the emails I’ve sent you with more information, but for the most part, you’re all set.
Call me if you need anything. Happy chicken farming. ”
Seth squeezed her. “Chick Inn Time is open for business.”
The next morning, Mara headed out to Chick Inn Time after she finished the day’s apple fritters.
The coop’s name made her smile every time.
Their team had gathered for a meal after the guests had eaten, and the name was a hit with everyone.
They also liked the idea of adding coordinating signs around the farm.
Having the farm’s family eat together after the guests finished continued the tradition started by Knox and Thea. Having everyone together for one meal kept them connected and up to date with what the others were doing.
The same way her dad had kept their family together.
It was early, but her dad had always been an early riser, and she wanted to talk with him.
As the owner of a large construction firm down in Miami, he started work most mornings no later than seven.
Still, he’d been there for all of his kids and ensured they were also there for each other.
Her dad answered the video call on the first ring. “Good morning, Mara. How’s my favorite daughter?”
“Your only daughter is happy. How are you, Dad?”
His eyes studied hers. “Seeing that you mean that, I’m even better. Hard to believe my youngest rug rats are loving farm life.”
“We are. It’s a wonderful place, filled with people who work hard and care for each other. You’ll love it here when you come to visit.”
His big booming laugh filled her soul and had her giggling as she had as a tiny girl, when all her daddy had to do was smile at her to make the world right itself again. “I’ll take a week soon and come for a visit.”
Tears flooded her eyes. “Tell me when, and I’ll book you into the Toy Room at the inn. It’s all about the machinery people have used in apple farming over the years. You’ll love it.”
He nodded. “Sounds like. You ready to tell me what happened back in New York?”
When she didn’t answer right away, her dad rolled his eyes. “Did you really think we didn’t know, that we didn’t notice? I’ve held off the troops from coming to kick the jerk’s ass, but barely. Knowing you landed with Ford and the others stopped our cavalry from rushing in.”
“A cavalry armed with hammers and power tools?”
He grinned. “You got it. Spill, sweetheart. Tell me what happened.”
So, she did. In the rising sun, she told her dad about Anson and his increasing pressure for her to sleep with him and then how he’d touched her. “He fired me, Dad.”
Her dad leaned in. “You quit at the same time, sunshine girl. That counts for more than the asshole’s words.”
“I should have quit earlier, when he was putting pressure on me to sleep with him. I thought telling him no was enough.”
“It should have been. Assholes like that deserve to rot in prison with cellmates built like dump trucks.”
She managed a laugh at that.
“You’re good, Mara? I know you handle life and yourself just fine, but I need to know you’re good. Need you to know I’m here for you anytime. I can be there on the next flight anytime you need me.”
She blinked away more tears. “Thanks, Dad. I’m sorry it took so long to talk about it. I was so mad and ashamed, but I’m okay now. Happy and safe.”
He studied her. “With that twinkle in your eye, I’m betting there’s a man involved. Who is he, and do I need to roust up the power tools?”
Her laugh was too loud for the early hour. “No power tools needed, Dad. Seth is a really good man. You’ll like him.”
A throat cleared behind her, and she turned to find Seth watching her from a dozen feet away, and keeping an eye on her in the early morning. He raised an eyebrow, and she nodded, holding out her hand.
“He’s here. Dad, this is Seth Walters. Seth, this is the best dad in the world, James Evans.”
Seth nodded at the phone. “Pleased to meet you, sir.”
Her dad nodded back. “You as well, son. Your name’s familiar. Babs? You worked a few times with Ford overseas?”
Seth smiled and nodded again. “Sure did. Your son’s one of the good ones. Your daughter’s one of the best.”
Mara’s cheeks heated as her dad smiled. “Good answer. You’ll keep her happy?”
“And safe.”
“Another good answer. My alarm’s ringing, and I’ve got to get to the site. We’ll talk soon, my sunshine girl. Give my number to your man here so we can do a getting-to-know-you call.”
Mara laughed. “So you can grill him and scare him away? Not a chance, Dad. Have fun at work. Love you.”
“Love you too, Mara. Talk soon. Call me, Seth.”
Mara shoved the phone into her pocket. “Sorry about that.”
Seth rubbed his hands down her arms. “Nothing to be sorry about. I like your dad. Straight shooter, like your brother.”
Mara sighed. “You don’t have to call him.”
“I sure as hell do.” He reached out and brushed his fingers down her face.
Mara shivered at the touch. The intensity of his gaze sent those shivers down to her toes.
Seth leaned in. “Your dad wants to know me. He’s important to you, and I’m betting he’s a good man. I want to get to know him. It’s not a problem.”
She nodded. They were both good men, and they’d probably get along well. She might be over thirty, but her dad would always be her daddy. Always looking out for her.
And Seth would handle it, would probably enjoy it.
She was falling in love with a very good man.
Seth took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Let’s check on our chickens.”
Our chickens. “We don’t want them to feel left out, so we should name the rest.”
Seth chuckled. “Of course we should.”