Losing Control: Starting Over, #3

By Erin Cristofoli

I'm going to win you over, Audrey, you just wait.

 

Unlike her corporate brothers, Audrey Hyde has known since she was a little girl that she was meant to stay on the family farm.

Now a grown woman, Audrey is ready to take over the family business. She just has to convince her father that despite his hesitation, she is the right woman for the job. When a medical emergency halts everyone in their tracks, the family pulls together and Audrey steps up to keep the farm running.

 

As a favour to his boss and friend, Blake Levington arrives at the farm to help. He is immediately drawn to Audrey's strength and determination. Audrey, on the other hand, is determined to show the city boy that he is in way over his head.

 

Much like the trees in the orchard, a friendship begins to bloom between the two. As Audrey teaches Blake about farm life, can she find a way to open her heart to new possibilities or will she let Blake walk away?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Cristofoli
• Release date: Jun 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201175634

Book preview

The early morning sun was peeking over the orchard in the distance, its rays streaking the sky in beautiful shades of pink and orange. I could feel the warmth in the light, the weather finally feeling like spring might be here to stay.

Standing on the back porch with a mug of steaming hot coffee in hand, I took in the family farm. Past the milk processing buildings, beams of morning light cut through breaks in the clouds as the sun climbed sleepily into the sky. In the distance, a large forest stretched out to the horizon. When I was eight, my family and I trekked out there in the snow to cut down a Christmas tree. When the spring came, we returned to plant a new tree and it had been tradition ever since.

The straight rows of our beautiful orchard stretched out across the land. When the trees blossomed, they were blanketed in white, and their aroma caught a ride on the spring breeze and filling the air with the sweetest perfume. In front of me, our weathered barns stood tall. It’s where I spent every morning. Around them, our pastures covered the land as far as the eye could see.

I’d known since I was a little girl that our family farm was magical. Before I was even old enough to help him, Dad would let me tag along with him as he carried out the chores of the day. He’d let me throw handfuls of seed to the chickens and made it seem like I had done the most important job there was. He instilled in me a love for the animals we had. I remember squealing each time he’d let the horses eat apples from my little hands.

As I grew, my two older brothers and I began to pull our weight, taking on various chores—from mucking stalls to moving hay bales. Dad was always so incredibly busy, but I’ll never forget the lessons he would take the time to teach us. He instructed us on the farm’s ins and outs, from animal care to the orchard. It was those lessons that stuck with me growing up. My brothers eventually left to go to university and ended up with successful corporate jobs in Montreal and Toronto. When the time came that my friends and I graduated high school, I knew that there was nowhere else I needed to be but on the farm.

I didn’t give up on school, though. While I helped on the farm during the day, I decided to take my courses in business and agriculture online.

Now, at twenty-nine, I worked alongside my dad every day. He worked harder than anyone I knew. Mom had been hinting for the past couple of years that maybe it would be nice for them to slow down a little, but Dad always laughed off the suggestion. Personally, I hoped that he would decide to retire. After all, with my education and my experience on the farm, I was sure that I could handle anything that came along and set my sights on taking over the reins of the farm entirely as soon as I could.

With a sigh, I took one last look at the rays of sunshine spreading across the sky. A sense of peace settled over me. Finishing my coffee, I returned my mug to the kitchen before heading to the front door to grab my boots. It was time to get to work.

The gravel path crunched beneath my feet as I headed toward the barn. I could hear the soft clucking sounds of the chickens in the distance as they waited to be let out from their coop.

The barn door creaked noisily as I pulled it open and stepped inside. One after another, the horses peeked their heads out from their stalls as I walked by.

Good morning, everyone, I murmured. I’ll be with you in a little bit.

A passageway at the back of the barn led to a secondary barn where we milked our cows and housed our calves until they were ready to join the herd. Ours wasn’t a large herd compared to many other farms around us, but they were such incredible animals. Mom had even started up a small cheese-making business several years ago with all of the milk we were able to produce.

Heading outside, I approached the pasture where the milking cows grazed. Butterscotch waited for me near the fence, mooing as I approached. We had a special bond. Good morning, old girl.

She rested her chin on top of the fence, waiting. She knew I would sneak a little chunk of carrot just for her. It was our daily routine. Tilting her head just a little, she leaned into my hand as I gave her ears and neck a good scratch.

I’d picked Butterscotch out at the auction when I’d tagged along with Dad years ago. We’d always had a special bond since that day. I’d even gotten myself into trouble in the days that followed, skipping out on chores so I could spend nearly the entire day sitting outside of her pen.

I returned to the barn to grab a bucket of treats for the rest of the cows and noticed Matt walking into the barn.

Morning, Audrey, he called out with a smile.

Morning, Matt, I’m about to get the girls moving. Are you ready to get started?

He nodded. Ready when you are.

As I returned to the pasture to open the gate, I couldn’t help the contented smile on my face. The work was hard sometimes, that was true, but the rewards of being here outweighed all of that. I loved every minute of being here, from the animals to the orchard. I would take the fresh, clean air and the animals over anything else. With a shake of my bucket, the cows headed toward me and onward to the barn. It was milking time.

It had been a busy morning, but then again, every morning usually was. After grabbing some toast and a bowl of fruit along with my usual coffee, I headed out to the barn to start feeding the animals. Dad was already there.

Morning, Dad, what are you doing in here? I asked. I thought you were working in the pasture this morning, fixing that fence.

I will be shortly. I thought I would come in a give you a hand in here first.

Dad, you know I can do this on my own. Besides, one of the farm hands will be here any minute to help.

He nodded with a smile. I know Dee, but you can’t blame your old dad for wanting to spend a little extra time with his daughter, can you?

Laughing, I raised an eyebrow at him. If I thought that was the real reason, I would think that is very sweet, but I saw you standing at Pilsner’s stall. Admit it, you really came in to see him, didn’t you?

How did you know? His eyes wrinkled at the corners.

He thought he was sneaky, but everyone knew that his horse was the love of his life, next to Mom.

You know, it wouldn’t kill you to take a day off. I bet Mom would love it if you took a day to take her riding around the property.

He nodded with a sigh.

There’s much to be done today still, so, unfortunately, that will have to wait. Maybe one day soon if I can ever get done early enough.

I can pick up the slack, Dad. Just think about it.

He pointed to the door. I hear a truck outside. That’ll be Charlie and Matt. I’ll send Charlie in to help with the stalls. I’m heading inside; I need to order a part for the tractor. See you later, kiddo.

I turned to get started on feeding the horses when Dad called out.

Oh, I forgot to mention that we are running a bit low on oats. Maybe you can head into town this morning and grab some more for us?

I nodded. Sure thing, Dad.

Going into town was not exactly what I considered a good time. Time after time, it was inevitable that I would run into folks who I could do without ever seeing. However, duty called, and whatever Dad asked of me, I would make sure I showed him that I could handle it.

It’s not like I didn’t like the town we lived near; I did. It was quaint and had everything you could need. The problem I had with it soon reared its ugly head when I pulled up in front of the general store a couple of hours later.

I’d remembered that I needed a few things at the grocery store, and being that it was a nice day, I decided to walk the block to get there. Much to my regret, that decision opened me up to trouble that I really didn’t need.

Where are you off to today? a slow, nasally voice called.

I turned toward Mike, recognizing that jackass’s voice. He slouched sloppily in a bistro chair outside of the bakery, the bakery that my best friend Lily owned and operated.

None of your business, I snapped, not bothering to hide my irritation.

No doubt you’re running around for something to do with your daddy’s farm. I don’t understand why you waste your time.

Mike was a local who I had gone to school with. He, like several of the guys my age, was set to follow in their family’s footsteps of running their family farms. Those jerks seemed to think that because I was female, that meant that I was inferior and couldn’t handle the work.

I looked over his head for just a moment and locked eyes with Lily, who frowned when she saw Mike and quickly walked away from the window. I should have known better than to reply, but I couldn’t help myself.

I don’t see how helping run the farm is a waste in any way.

Shouldn’t you be busy trying to find yourself a man? You aren’t getting any younger, you know. It would do you some good to trade those overalls for a dress or something. How are you going to attract anyone, looking like that?

You and the rest of the guys are just jealous that Audrey is way too good of a woman to even consider wanting a low life like you, Mike. Tell me, how is your love life treating you? Lily snapped at him, retaining a level of sweetness in her voice over the insults. I loved that about her.

Dee, why don’t you come inside and grab a coffee. She smacked Mike in the arm. Don’t you have somewhere else you need to be, instead of loitering in front of my shop?

Once we were both inside and watching Mike stagger away, I laughed humourlessly. Lily could see my frustration as I paced the floor.

Do you want to talk about it?

I shook my head.

It’s just that I can’t believe the crap that I have to deal with from these guys. Who do they think they are? I mean I am a damn good farmer! Better than some of them! Why can’t people just leave me alone? Just because I am almost thirty, why should my first thought be about getting married? I have much more important things to think about, like proving to my dad I can run the farm. Because if I don’t, who will?

Lily leaned up against the counter.

I guess you did want to talk about it after all.

I could feel my body relax.

I’m sorry. I needed to get that off my chest. And it’s always the same. Every time I come into town, someone has to have an opinion on my life.

I held up a hand and let out a breath. Okay, I’m done now, honestly.

Do you want a coffee? my friend asked, laughing lightly at me with a smile.

I nodded, returning the gesture.

Thank you.

You’d better take one of my butter tarts to eat in the truck.

Ooh, my favourite.

She grinned. I know.

I guess I had better go. I still have to grab some feed for the horses.

Oh, fun. Lily frowned.

I shrugged. It’s okay. Old Mr. Walker is one of the few who like me just as I am. Speaking of, do you think I could have an oatmeal cookie for him? He loves them.

You spoil him.

I figured that since his wife died, someone should go out of their way to be extra nice to him.

She smiled and handed me a paper bag. You are too sweet, Dee. Enjoy the sweets. Do you have plans for the weekend? Maybe we can have a girls’ night?

I nodded and reached for the door. Sounds good. I’ll see you.

A short time later, I arrived back at the general store.

Audrey, honey, how are you?

I’m doing fine, Mr. Walker. How are you doing today?

He sighed. I can’t lie to you; I’m feeling a little low today, but seeing your face brightens my day right up.

Holding up the paper bag, I replied. Well, let’s see if I can’t make your day just a bit sweeter.

Oh, you shouldn’t have, Audrey! Thank you very much.

You’re welcome.

He straightened up behind the counter. Goodness me, here I am going on, and you probably don’t have time to yammer on with an old goat like me. What is it that you came in here for in the first place?

You know I enjoy our chats, Mr. Walker, but today I am here to grab some feed for the horses.

Of course, young lady. I’ll get my son to bring it out to the truck.

Once I had paid for my purchase, I replied, Thank, you, Mr. Walker, for your help today.

Anything for you, Audrey. You warmed this old man’s heart today. I hope you have a wonderful day. Say hello to your folks for me.

I certainly will. See you next time.

Returning to my truck, I found the bed being filled with sacks. Calling out my thanks, I hopped into the cab and headed for home.

It was Easter in the Hyde household, and Mom had been busy in the kitchen since dawn, baking pies and other treats in one oven while a turkey was roasting in the other. Just like every holiday for as long as I could remember, once the baking was finished, she would slip a ham into the oven to cook, just for my dad, who loved that the most.

After transferring the fresh milk to the processing barn, I popped into the kitchen to say good morning to Mom and to swipe one of her freshly baked banana oat muffins.

Audrey, aren’t you done out there?

I shook my head. Not just yet. I have a few more things to take care of. I’ll be back in a bit.

Once back outside, I checked the