Rachel nodded slowly. “Well, you know I’m happy to help. I love being out here. I’m sure I could work more days into my schedule when the time comes.” She smiled sadly. “I only worry about you taking on more than you need to.”
“I appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Mommy? I’m hungry.” Jordan looked up at her, his face serious.
Bailey checked her watch. “I’ll get you some lunch in about twenty minutes.” She and the boys took the early lunch break. Then Rachel took the later one.
Fridays were busy, but nothing like Saturdays. To helpmanage the crowds on Saturdays, Bailey employed several teenagers.
Jordan wrapped his arms around his middle. “But I’m starving!”
“And you’ll live for twenty more minutes. Why don’t you finish your puzzle and then clean up your crayons? That way, you’ll be ready to go when it’s time to eat.”
The little boy clearly saw through the diversion but refocused on his puzzle anyway.
“Nate!” Seth’s excited voice drew Bailey’s attention to the door.
Nate had walked into the store, a large bag in one hand. He scooped Seth up with the other. “Hey, kiddo. You helping your mom?”
“Yep. Been handing baskets to customers and cleaning up.”
“Good man.” Nate set him down and turned to catch Jordan, who had run across the store and thrown himself at him. “Good to see you, too, buddy.”
Jordan’s arms tightened around Nate’s neck, their faces close together. “I’m hungry.”
Nate chuckled. “It’ll be time for lunch soon.” He gave the boy a wink.
With a sigh, Jordan scrambled down and went to pick up his crayons.
Bailey rested her hands on her hips. “I promise I fed them this morning.”
Rachel chuckled. “Not to mention all the snacks I’ve seen them eat.” She smiled at Nate. “Good to see you. It’s been a while.”
“Yeah, it has. I wanted to bring some sandwiches by. I have plenty if you’d like one, Rachel. Turkey and Swiss or ham and cheddar?”
Rachel’s eyes brightened at the thought. “You sure you have enough?”
“Absolutely.”
Nate set the bag on the counter and was digging through the sandwiches when someone came in through the main door. The man, who looked all business in a pair of slacks and a button-down shirt, took his sunglasses off and tucked them into a pocket on the front of his shirt.
Seth brightened and ran to hand the man a basket but was ignored completely.
Instead, the man took in the store with a critical eye. “I’m looking for Bailey Thompson.”
Chapter Five
Nate didn’t care for the man immediately, and it wasn’t like him to make snap opinions like that about people. Everything about the guy screamed greasy car salesman. It bothered Nate that his first impression was so negative. Then again, he had learned years ago to trust his instincts, and they were telling him that this guy was going to be trouble.
Rachel had asked for a ham and cheddar sandwich. Nate found one, handed it to her, then turned his attention to Bailey as she walked around the counter.
“I’m Bailey Thompson. What brings you to Thompson Family Farm?” She’d put a smile on her face, but it was clearly forced. Good, she’d gotten the same impression.
“Kyle Driver from Driver Real Estate.” Instead of shaking her hand or offering a smile of his own, he handed her a business card. “I’ve got a client who’s interested in this property of yours. Four hundred acres, from what I understand. He’s willing to offer you a fair price if you’d consider selling it.”
By the determined look on his face, Nate guessed Mr.Driver rarely got turned down. Nate ignored his instinct to walk over and stand beside Bailey. He was there if she needed help. Otherwise, he had no doubt she could handle this.
Bailey glanced at the business card and handed it right back. “Please let your client know that the property is not for sale. I’m sorry you wasted your time coming out.”
