27. Ethan

The farm is transforming slowlyand yet much more rapidly than I'd like. Six weeks pass without further incident–either from Baabara or Lia's immune system. I've been on edge about the strawberry harvest and distracting myself trying to read up about Lia's condition. She keeps telling me to keep my eyes on my own paper.

It's certainly easier for me to see to the soybean seeds than it is to fuss over the fickle berry crop, but Gran assures me the fruit is fine. All I can say is that it had better be. We're about to be open for business.

We transformed the pole barn from tractor storage facility to strawberry central, and today is what Lia calls our soft opening. From my perspective, there's nothing soft about it…it's hard making all these changes. But maybe that just means the reward will be sweeter, this time.

I left Lia in our bed before dawn and hurried to check the soybean crop before getting my marching orders from Colleen, Molly, and Gran. I crest the hill and see my girl up in the barn with my family, and I just know that everything is as it should be. Well, should is a strong word. Nobody will ever convince me we need strawberry-scented candles or -flavored milk, but Molly says these kinds of things sell like wild. Alex was definitely not consulted with the choice to market the strawberry-flavored milk, and he was steaming mad when Gran told him he had to shut up and try the idea.

Not gonna lie, I take comfort knowing I'm not the only Bedd sibling feeling the growing pains of this financial crisis. Before we officially open our gates, I string bistro lights along the eaves, and Molly directs vendors through their paces, ticking items off a lengthy list while Lia follows, obviously delighted.

I watch as Lia shakes hands with soap makers and jam purveyors, conveying infectious excitement. My chest puffs proudly at the results of Lia's vision. Even as I begin to suspect the barn is a little tight for all the things we're trying to do here to turn a profit.

Molly is clearly thriving and capable, although for some reason my brother keeps watching her from where he leans against the doorframe like he thinks she's gonna make a run for it. I meet his eye and climb down the ladder, making my way over to him.

I haven't called Alex yet. I said I would, but things have been too busy. "I owe you a phone call. We should talk."

Alex heaves a sigh, hands in his pockets. "Sure."

He says it in the tone of voice that tells me he doesn't believe me. "What is that supposed to mean?"

He shrugs, the muscle in his jaw popping. "It's been months since you said that.."

If I didn't know any better, I'd think my brother was offended. I gesture around. "Well, we've got shit going on right now."

Alex looks away, and we're both quiet for a moment. I glance in the direction he's looking and see Lia, who is again wearing my shirt, but she has it knotted at her waist over a pair of form-hugging jeans. She looks right at home here with my family, and I intend to keep it that way. "She staying, then?" He gestures at Lia with one thumb, I nod. His lips tip up briefly in a ghost of a smile. "Good. Always thought you two were good together."

Molly walks toward us. Alex stiffens even more than normal, a frown sliding back in place. She taps a clipboard and says, "We are as ready as we'll ever be, boss."

I wave a hand at her. "I told you not to call me that. I think Lia's the one really in charge. Or maybe Gran, since she's the one who hired you."

She shakes her head. "Well, if we're going by who is actually paying me…" Molly grins at Alex and pokes at the Udderly Creamy Farm polo my brother wears. He frowns even deeper. "Boss," she says with a lilting tease.

Technically, we're bartering with Molly, giving her a place to park her van in exchange for work. Since we aren't going to have as much for Molly to do on weekdays, Gran sent her over to interview with Alex, who had no idea she was also working here with us. He's been short someone to run his own farm stand since the last cashier left a few weeks ago. Let's just say my brother isn't the best person to work directly with customers. I can say that because I'm not, either.

Alex tips his chin at Molly, then glances over at me. "I've got work to do back at the farm. Good luck today."

My brother spins on his heel and leaves, his dog emerging from Baabara's house and following him into his truck.

"You excited for your first day at the farm stand next Thursday?" Lia asks Molly.

Our temp squeals and claps her hands together, bouncing on her toes. "So excited."

Molly practically skips away, and Lia and I watch her go.

"Oil and water, those two." I comment.

Lia wraps an arm around my waist and fits herself against my side. "You think it's going to be a problem?"

"Not sure." I plant a kiss on top of her head. "But we'll worry about it after the weekend, right?"