His jaw dropped. “A lot of room.”

“As much parking as you want. You could probably run some grass-fed cattle on the rest of it. There’s eighty acres in total. I know all that farm-to-table stuff is popular here. Not sure how things are in your part of the world.”

“Farm-to-table is popular everywhere. Dad, I—”

“Don’t answer.” He raised his hand. “Good or bad, don’t say a word. I just wanted to plant the seed today before you leave. While you’re here in town and can really consider it.” He pointed down the road. “We’re sitting just a mile and a half from the new industrial park. Plenty of lunch traffic could come from there. And we’re only a short distance from just about anyone in Bailey’s Fork. It used to be out in the sticks, but now…it’s a pretty good location. You could probably turn this into something special.”

“I’m—”

“Nope. Not a word. Just keep it under your hat for a while. We’ll talk about it another time. There’s no expiration date on the offer. It’s sitting there. Ready if you ever want it.”

Andrew swallowed. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He turned and opened the door of the truck. “Are you ready to roll?”

He stopped and looked back out over the property and where the barn sat. The roll of the land against the clear blue sky seemed like a promise of a bountiful harvest. “Yeah, I’m coming.”

They rode back to Dad’s shop in silence.

Andrew was overwhelmed by the afternoon. By his whole trip home, in fact. Nothing had gone as he’d thought it would. Had he become so hardened and cynical in such a short time away that he’d lost the hope in his heart?

You reap what you sow. Don’t tire of doing good, because in time you’ll be rewarded. The words his mother had said so many times when they were young had been her answer to everything, and at the time he’d thought it silly. For the first time in his life he truly understood what she meant. Those words he could have recited now finally resonated with him.

This morning, after being up all night, he’d left to meet his father but hadn’t steadied himself for a battle. Instead, for the first time he’d come expecting, and hoping, for the best.

For the first time in nearly ten years, they’d had a pleasant day and both of them were giving a little to make it all work.

He’d hoped to dodge Kelly, but letting that opportunity happen when it was presented had turned out to be an incredible part of the visit too.

Today seemed like the best day of his life.