Yet as she envisioned people wandering through the trees, looking for that perfect specimen, her dream was marred by the reality of the shaggy examples that stood before her. What if they couldn’t make them look just so?

  Standing, she tucked her plate and napkin into the trash bag Francie had brought, then stared out over the trees while clouds thickened overhead, offering a reprieve from the midday heat. “I think we should start in the back with some of the smaller trees until we get the hang of things.” Turning, she addressed the group. “I’d hate to butcher one of these large trees up front when they’ll be the first thing people see.”

  “Excellent idea.” Gloriana approached, plate in hand. “And by starting with the smaller ones, they’ll have plenty of time to recover from any flaws we might inflict.”

  “My thoughts exactly,” said Annalise.

  With shearing knives in the back of her utility vehicle, Annalise, Gloriana and Kyleigh made their way toward the back of the property while Justin, Hawkins and Bill followed in the vehicle Justin had trailered over from Prescott Farms. Since Olivia was rubbing her eyes, a sure sign she was tired, Francie had offered to stay with her at the house.

  “Annalise, you should go first.” Gloriana passed her a shearing knife a short time later, sending a wave of panic through Annalise.

  “Why me?”

  “Because this is your place. Your dream.” Gloriana smiled beneath the brim of her ball cap. “And you’ve done more research than the rest of us.”

  Drawing in a deep breath, Annalise gripped the handle of the lengthy razor-edged blade. “Okay, but I’d better not hear any laughing.”

  She approached a five-foot tree that looked as though it was having a bad-hair day with random limbs sticking out all over. “They said to top the tree first to create the point.” She pulled clippers from her back pocket and snipped off a couple of stray shoots. Then, taking a step back, she surveyed the entire tree, her gaze moving up and down as she tried to envision the perfect shape.

  “Here goes nothing, so y’all stand back.” Lifting the blade, she swung it like a sword, working from top to bottom, then paused to evaluate her work. Satisfied, she continued until she’d gone around the entire tree.

  “That looks great.” Gloriana clapped her hands. “Are you sure you haven’t done this before, Annalise?”

  “Never.” She rubbed her shoulder. If she thought her muscles were sore this morning, she’d probably be dying tomorrow. “That’s one down, thousands more to go.”

  Why had she said that? The mere thought sent a wave of panic racing through her. “Who’s next?”

  Gloriana eyed her brother. “Go for it, Hawk.”

  He moved alongside a similar-sized tree and repeated what Annalise had done without saying a word. Actually, he hadn’t said much to her all day, though he’d seemed to enjoy himself as he played with Olivia earlier. But then, Olivia was still a baby. She was cute and did funny things, while her mother’s forte seemed to be finding herself indebted to others.

  Hawkins had come over yesterday after his sister all but demanded he help Annalise start the riding mower and then ended up staying until after dark. Something she was fairly certain he was still kind of miffed about. Even if he had offered to help her with the mowing. Like he’d said, though, he had a vested interest.

  “Not bad.” Gloriana admired his work.

  After everyone had made an initial attempt without issue, they spread out, each practicing on a few more small trees.

  Satisfied they were getting the hang of things, Annalise said, “We may as well move on to the trees we plan to harvest this year. There are a lot of them, far more than we can do in a single day, but we’ll knock out what we can.” Hopefully it would be a noticeable amount.

  As they set to work, Annalise somehow managed to stay focused on what she was doing instead of watching the others. And after creating several handsome trees all by herself, she seemed to fall into a nice little groove. It felt good to finally make some progress. Yet as the clouds morphed from a pale gray to pewter a couple hours later, her stomach began to churn. No, it couldn’t rain. Not now. If they didn’t make some significant headway today with all of them working, they might not have enough inventory to open this year, and she was counting on that money to pay the taxes on the farm.

  Thunder rumbled in the distance as she finished yet another seven-footer. She straightened, her eyes burning. She’d been at this for over two hours and had only completed, maybe, fifty trees. If everyone else moved at the same pace, that would only be two hundred and fifty trees. That was barely a dent in the thousands that spread across the property.

  Her phone buzzed in her back pocket. She pulled it out, her vision blurring as she read the text from Hawkins.

  Storm’s rolling in. Time to get inside.

  It pained her to admit he was right. If it was just her, she’d keep working, but she couldn’t put other people at risk.

  She hurried toward the end of the row where she’d parked the utility vehicle, hollering for Gloriana and Kyleigh to follow as she passed. The mother–daughter team had been working together on an adjacent row. No sooner had they ducked under the vehicle’s roof than the rain let loose.

  Minutes later, Annalise pulled up to the front porch. “You two go on in while I put this is the garage.”

  They rushed up the steps as she made a U-turn and aimed for the garage.

  Hawkins had obviously beaten her back, because his vehicle was already there, beads of water dripping onto the concrete floor.

  She parked beside it and got out as rain pummeled the metal roof, drowning out every other sound. Pausing, she stared out the window that faced the Christmas trees. A gust of cool air swept into the space from the open roll-up doors opposite, and she wrapped her arms around herself. Why had she thought she could do this?

  For once in your life, use a little common sense, Annalise, her mother’s voice echoed in her mind. This is foolishness. What do you know about running a business, let alone a Christmas tree farm?

  Coming here had been a mistake. After all, reading about something wasn’t the same as doing it. She’d obviously underestimated the amount of work involved.

  Tears pricked her eyes before spilling onto her cheeks.

  “There you are.” Hawkins’ raised voice startled her.

  She quickly swiped at her tears as he stepped in front of her.

  “I wondered where you—” His gaze bore into her, his expression softening. “What’s wrong?”

  “I can’t do this.”

  He cupped her elbows in his palms, his warmth seeping into her. Confusion marred his handsome face. “Do what?”

  “I’m not capable of running a Christmas tree farm.”

  “What?” He took a step back. “Why would you think that?”

  “Oh, come on.” She shivered. “I didn’t even look to see if there was gas in the mower.”

  Hands now on his hips, he shook his head. “Have you forgotten about our collaboration? Our agreement?”

  “It doesn’t matter.” They hadn’t signed a formal agreement yet, anyway. “Even my two-thirds of the trees are still too much.”

  He dipped his head, urging her to look at him. “You do realize we’re playing catch-up right now? But we will catch up. Once we do that, the maintenance won’t be nearly as overwhelming.”

  “There were six of us working today, and we barely made a dent.” To her chagrin, tears fell again, and she turned away.

  After a moment, he moved in front of her. “Between Gary’s journals and preparation and your ideas to make this a real destination for families, I have no doubt that you can do this, Annalise. You’ve got my entire family excited about this endeavor. Including me.”

  His words washed over her like a healing balm, soothing her disbelieving heart. No one had ever spoken such encouraging words to her before. Though she couldn’t help wondering if Hawkins truly believed what he was saying or if he was simply placating her. Saying what he thought she wanted to hear.

  He momentarily removed his ball cap, just long enough to rake his fingers through his thick hair. “Look, I’ve got another week before I have to go back to work. Even then, I’ll be working from Prescott Farms. I can help you. We’ll focus on the sections that are ready to be harvested this year.”

  “But what about Olivia? She’s not scheduled to start day care for two more weeks when I go back to work.” Though she didn’t necessarily have a set schedule. Doing her computer work in the evening wasn’t uncommon.

  “We could check with my mother. I have a feeling she’d be thrilled to babysit. Gloriana might be willing to pitch in, too.” He smiled then. “Everyone’s smitten with Olivia.” Himself included, from what Annalise had witnessed. The way he interacted with her daughter never failed to make her smile.

  “I don’t know. I’d hate for them to feel like—”

  “Like you’re taking advantage of them, I know. And I assure you, they won’t.” He took her chilled fingers into his warm hands. “Look, we were only at this for a couple of hours today. Yeah, it’s going to take a lot more time, and yes, it’s going to be hard work, but I believe in you, Annalise. Just think of all the smiling faces that’ll be roaming this place weeks from now as they search for that perfect tree.” His confidence in her was as bolstering as it was attractive.

  The rain eased slightly as she cast another glance toward the trees. Almost two weeks ago she’d packed up her life and her daughter and moved to Hope Crossing, confident this was her home, her dream and her daughter’s legacy. Was she ready to throw all of that away and give up just because things were proving to be tougher than she’d imagined? Or did she want to be a role model for her daughter, instilling in Olivia that with determination and hard work she could do anything she set her mind to?

  She didn’t need to give it a second thought. “I hope you enjoy Christmas music, because you’re going to be hearing a lot of it in the coming weeks.”

  * * *

  Hawkins never could stand to see a girl cry. As a boy, it used to tear him apart to listen to Gloriana’s tearful pleas when their father wouldn’t allow her to accompany them whenever they’d head out to work cattle, hunt or fish. So much so that when they got back, Hawkins would try to make it up to his sister by inviting her to do something with him.

  Now that he was a man, a woman’s tears still seemed to be his kryptonite. First Bridget, now Annalise.

  He supposed that wasn’t a fair comparison, though. Aside from that first day at Plowman’s, Annalise hadn’t asked him for a thing. And the one time she had, it was only because she’d had no other choice.

  But since then, she hadn’t made one request of him. Even when his mother or sister had volunteered him to assist her, she’d seemed unhappy about it.

  Now as he stood amid rows of Virginia pines just before eight thirty Monday morning, waiting for her to return from his mother’s after dropping off Olivia, he knew he’d done the right thing in offering to help. Annalise wasn’t the only one looking forward to opening the tree farm to the public. Gloriana had been hard at work on a promotional campaign. She’d done wonders for Hope Crossing’s annual fair and rodeo this past spring, bringing in folks from all across the state. And while the scope for the tree farm was significantly smaller, she seemed confident that she could garner plenty of exposure that would create a lot of interest.

  Armed with a shearing knife, he attacked his fourth tree of the morning. Moving it this way and that, he felt a bit like a swashbuckler. When he took a step back to evaluate his latest conquest, notes of Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” carried on the gentle morning breeze.

  Turning, he saw Annalise coming toward him wearing a pair of skinny jeans and a Merry Christmas T-shirt, a shearing knife in one hand and an all-too enticing smile on her face.

  “I didn’t hear you drive up.”

  “That’s because I’m stealthy, like a ninja.” Stepping back, she struck a silly pose, wielding her makeshift sword.

  He couldn’t contain his laughter. He hadn’t seen this playful side of her before. And after all the struggles she’d faced since arriving in Hope Crossing, it did his heart good.

  “I don’t think ninjas play Christmas music on their phone.”

  Straightening, she stepped in front of him, close enough that he caught the aroma of what he was coming to think of as her trademark floral fragrance. “They do if they’re North Pole ninjas.” The mischief that sparkled in her blue eyes had him taking a step back.

  This fun, playful Annalise was way too captivating. He eyed the cloudless sky. Justin had been right about the front. It had moved in behind yesterday’s storm, leaving them with cooler, dryer air.

  Feeling composed once again, he dared a glance her way. “All right, my little ninja warrior, let’s get to work.”

  “Aye aye, Captain.” Smiling, she sent him a mock salute before moving to the trees on the opposite side of the row he’d been working.

  Meanwhile, he just stood there, dumbfounded, wondering what had gotten into her. He’d never seen her this animated before. So carefree. His little pep talk yesterday hadn’t been that good, had it?

  They completed their first row with little to no conversation. Annalise sang along with the holiday music that continued to spill from her back pocket, while he occasionally hummed, though not loud enough for her to hear. Though, it got him to thinking that they should have some music playing around the tree farm when it was open to the public. Something to add to the festive mood.

  As they neared the end of the second row, a pickup truck pulled alongside the garage.

  Hawkins stopped what he was doing. “Are you expecting someone?”

  She looked from the vehicle to him, her expression wary. “No.”

  Moments later, a gentleman emerged, stocky build with streaks of gray peppering his brown hair. And he seemed to have a keen interest in the Christmas trees.

  Hawkins stepped in front of Annalise. “You stay here while I find out what he wants.” She complied, but he could feel her gaze at his back every step of the way.

  Obviously sensing his approach, the man turned, and as Hawkins drew closer, he thought he recognized the man.

  “Hawkins Prescott! Don’t tell me you bought ol’ Gary’s place.”

  His eyes widened. “Mr. Ballard?”

  The man chuckled. “Son, you’re likely nearing forty by now. Go ahead and call me Tom.” His former teacher met Hawkins halfway and they shook hands.

  “What are you doing here?” Hawkins had heard the man had moved away from Hope Crossing after retiring.

  “I was just out for a drive. I live in Brenham now, but I used to come out here and help Gary with his trees on occasion.” The man shrugged. “Thought I’d pop by and see if anyone was livin’ here yet.” Tom cast a glance toward Annalise. “That the missus?”

  “Oh, no.” Hawkins shook his head. “I’m not married.”

  “That’s a shame. She’s a pretty one.”

  Nothing like stating the obvious. “That’s Annalise. Gary left the place to her and her daughter. Well, to his nephew anyway, but he’s also deceased. Hold on.” He turned toward Annalise, motioning for her to join them.

  “I’d like you to meet Tom Ballard,” he said as she reached his side. “He was my tenth-grade algebra teacher.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” She smiled.

  “Pleased to make your acquaintance.” The older man nodded.

  Addressing Annalise, Hawkins said, “Tom says he used to help Gary with the trees.”

  “Really?” Interest sparked in her eyes.

  “Yes, ma’am. My granddaddy grew Christmas trees back when I was growing up in North Carolina, so I’d had a fair amount of experience.” He pointed to the shearing knife in Annalise’s hand. “Looks like you’re doing some shearing.”

  “Yes, sir. I just moved in a couple of weeks ago, and things are a little overgrown.”

  “I’m sure they are. Haven’t been tended since early spring. The good news is that Gary kept on top of things right up to his passing.” He eyed Annalise. “I reckon the gas-powered trimmer is a little heavy for you to manage.”

  She shifted from one foot to the next. “I’ve seen them in some of the videos I’ve watched online but haven’t thought about purchasing one yet.”

  Tom looked at her strangely. “What do you mean? There’s one in the barn. Gary and I used it almost exclusively.”

  Hawkins was pretty sure his expression matched Annalise’s wide-eyed, mouth-agape one.

  “I’d be happy to show you,” said Tom.

  They moved briskly to the barn where he went straight to the spot where it hung on the wall.

  After adding some fresh gas, they returned to the trees where Tom zipped through several in the blink of an eye.

  “That’s amazing.” Annalise slid her hands into the pockets of her jeans. “It’s obvious you know what you’re doing.”

  Her phone rang then, and she excused herself to answer it.

  “Why don’t you give it a try?” Tom handed Hawkins the machine. “Use a light touch until you get a feel for it.”

  Hawkins raised the machine that wasn’t much more than a hedge trimmer on a pole. Starting at the top, he did his best to mimic Tom’s moves until he’d completed the tree. Though not nearly as quickly as Tom had done.

  “Not bad,” said the older man.

  Annalise approached, her smile gone. “That was your mom.” She looked at Hawkins, her brow puckering. “Olivia is sick.”

  “What’s wrong? Does she need to go to a doctor?”

  “She threw up and is running a fever. It’s probably just a bug. I’ll monitor her for a while.”

  He thought of the precious baby who was always ready with a smile. “Poor kid.”

  “I hate to leave, but I need to go get her.”

 

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