Organically Yours: Sanctuary, Book Five by Abbie Zanders (classic books for 11 year olds .TXT) 📗

told her how impressed she was with Tina’s management of the orchards as well as how much she enjoyed the products—especially the peach tea in summer, adding that it was a favorite among those at Sanctuary.

For her part, Kate told her that she now ran the Sanctuary kitchen.

“Must be a lot of work,” Tina commented.

“It’s not work if you love what you do, and I love what I do.”

Tina understood because she felt the same way. She liked being out in the fresh air every day, getting her hands dirty, and providing the best produce around. Unfortunately, her health issues prevented her from taking as physical a role as she would like, so she’d turned some of her passion into the food-science aspect. It was the best of both worlds.

The coffee and conversation were Tina’s first purely social interaction outside the family in a long time, and she thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. It felt good, talking to someone who got it and wasn’t questioning her judgment at every turn. Kate was definitely a kindred spirit.

“I believe congratulations are in order, too,” Tina said. “You got married, right?”

“I did.” Kate beamed and extended her left hand to show off the stunning diamond and wedding band set. “Chris is, well, he’s everything I ever hoped for. He’s so kind, loving, supportive, and smart. He designed our hydroponic greenhouses ...” Kate’s eyes grew huge. “Oh! I should show you the greenhouses! Do you have time?”

Tina checked her watch, surprised to see how much time had gone by. “I wish I did, but I don’t. I’m sorry. I’ve got to pick up my grandmother in less than an hour. I would like to see them sometime though.”

“I guess you’ll just have to come back next Sunday.”

A warm feeling spread through Tina’s chest. “I’d like that.”

“Great!”

“Thanks for the coffee and the pastries. They were really good.”

“They should be. Sam made them with your peach preserves. I’ll let her know you enjoyed them and the coffee.”

“Maybe she can join us next time? I’d love to say hi.”

“I’m sure she’d like that, too. Next week then. Same time?”

“Sounds good.”

Kate looked at someone over Tina’s shoulder and gave a wave. “Hey, Doc. Got a sec?”

Tina’s heart sped up at the name. She turned around, and sure enough, it was the same guy she’d seen in the parking lot at Ziegler’s. Heat crept into her cheeks when she remembered that the last time she’d seen him, she’d been stuffing her face with Zook’s.

“Sure,” he said, changing course to join them. “What’s up?”

He looked just as good as he had last time, dressed in a flannel shirt, jeans, and work boots. In the daylight, his hazel eyes were even more striking. Rimmed in an almost-vibrant green, the centers were a glowing amber with gold and dark mahogany flecks scattered throughout. For a moment, Tina felt like she was falling into them.

“This is Tina Obermacher. Tina, this is Doc, one of the partners here.”

“Nice to meet you, Tina,” he said, his lips curling into an easy smile that made him even more attractive.

She wondered if he was remembering the last time they’d met, while at the same time hoping he wasn’t.

“You, too,” she replied.

“Kate tells me you’re responsible for the peach tea I’m now addicted to.”

He liked her tea? “Thanks. It’s based on my great-grandmother’s recipe.”

“Tina is also the source of all the jams, jellies, and preserves we have every morning,” Kate said proudly.

“Then, I am doubly glad to meet you,” he said smoothly. His eyes crinkled at the corners, leading her to believe he wasn’t quite as young as his boyish features suggested.

Tina felt another wave of warmth wash over her. That was twice in the same afternoon.

“Are you staying for dinner?” he asked.

“I can’t,” she told him, wishing she could. “I’ve got other plans.”

Was that a flicker of disappointment in his eyes?

“That’s too bad. Kate’s a phenomenal cook.”

“Oh, I know. Fire hall fundraisers aren’t the same without her.”

Kate blushed at the praise, but it was true. From what Tina had heard, ticket sales had gone way down after people figured out Kate wasn’t cooking.

“Tina’s promised to come back next Sunday,” Kate told Doc.

He smiled, and she felt it right behind her breastbone. “Excellent.”

“Speaking of dinner, I’d better get back to it. Doc, would you mind walking Tina out?”

Before Tina could tell them that she could find her own way, his eyes met hers, and he said, “It would be my pleasure.”

Chapter Six

Doc

Doc felt Tina’s surreptitious side-eye glances and guessed she was thinking about the chicken incident, wondering if he’d connected that woman with the one now walking beside him. It was the slight hint of color suffusing those lovely high cheekbones that clued him in.

Of course, he knew it was her. But he was too gentlemanly to bring it up and possibly embarrass her even if the rosy-golden hue did make her light-blue eyes sparkle.

“So, you run Obermacher’s, huh?” he said instead.

“Just the orchards.” Her reply was accompanied by a shrug, as if it were some small task instead of a major operation.

They reached the foyer. She lifted a sleeveless vest and slim fleece jacket from the hook. He smoothly relieved her of both and held them out for her. She seemed surprised and for a moment, she looked as if she was going to snatch it right back. Then she realized what he was doing and slipped her arms into the sleeves.

“What about you?” she asked. “What do you do?”

“Nothing quite as impressive.”

Her slight smile resembled a smirk. “Somehow, I don’t believe you.”

It was his turn to shrug. “I do whatever needs to be done.”

“Why do they call you Doc?”

“It’s a nickname I picked up in the service,” he admitted. “My last name’s Watson, so ...”

“Ah, a Sherlock Holmes reference. Here I thought, you were an actual doctor.”

Her tone was light, the gleam in her eyes suggesting that she might have been teasing him.

“Not quite. But I am a medic and a huge Holmes fan.”

They stepped