Page 13 of Her Hidden Smile

But it’d sure be nice if we could use both pickers. I ran my fingers through my hair and thought about the men I’d met since landing in this town. I still wasn’t sure if I wanted to do anything as drastic as putting down roots, so I was renting Simon Clark’s drafty cabin way the fuck out of town. I could always call Simon to help out, but he was busy repairing the house he was sharing with Trenda Avery.

Still, he should know someone.

I pulled out my phone.

By the fourth ring, I was about to hang up and text him instead. I hated leaving voicemails; personally I never listened to them, but I always read my texts. Then I heard Simon answer.

“Yeah?”

“Simon, it’s Renzo.”

“I know. How you doing?”

“Pretty good.”

“You staying in touch with your mother?” Simon chuckled.

Bastard.

“Yes, I just talked to her and Dad last week.”

“Good man.”

“How about you? Everything going well with Trenda and Bella?”

“Except for a little damage to the roof, we’re doing fine. How did the cabin fare?”

“Really well. I was surprised. I’m over at Millie Randolph’s orchard. She has a lot of trees that need tending to. Broken branches. I don’t think any of the trees were uprooted. She got off easy that way, but still if the branches aren’t handled now, it’s going to be an issue come harvest time.”

“How do you know so much about orchards?”

“I’ve kicked around a lot. Worked more than just construction in my travels,” I laughed. “It’s been fun.”

“Huh.”

I could almost hear the former SEAL commander’s wheels turning. “How can I help?”

“I don’t want to take you away from what you’re doing, but do you have any idea who might be up for driving a cherry picker?”

“It’s the truck with the basket up top, right?”

“Yep. I’ve got a bunch of college students who are getting credit in the horticulture class to help out, but I don’t trust any of them to operate the picker.”

“I wouldn’t either. Trenda’s brother and sister-in-law are in town. Probably just landed a couple of hours ago and are settling in at Evie and Aiden’s place. Bella always loves to ride herd over her little cousins. I’ll send Trenda over there. That way, Drake can head your way.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

I hadn’t met Drake Avery, but I had heard many stories. I had no doubt that the SEAL could operate the cherry picker, but he might end up being just one more kid I’d have to supervise. Then again, he could surprise me.

“I’ll call you when I’ve got it all sorted.”

“Thanks, Simon. Say hello to Trenda and Bella for me.”

“Hold up. Bella heard me talking to you. She wants to say hi.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Hi Mr. Renzo!” Bella chirped. “Mom’s going to bake homemade lasagna this week. You should come eat some. You know you like it.”