Essentially Autumn

Chapter 17

Seventeen

J ane

When I arrive at work the next morning, I can hardly believe my eyes. What I see improves my mood tenfold after a barrage of harassing texts from Carl all night long. He says he knows where we are, and he’s coming to take us back.

I decide to take Henry up on the offer to bring Sarah with me to the pumpkin patch today, just to be on the safe side. I can’t have Carl showing up at Rocket’s trailer and causing a scene.

The sooner I can get a spot at a real childcare center, the better. Not only will it be safer for Sarah because of the security protocols at those places, but it’ll also be a hell of a lot safer for Carl. Between Jet and Henry, Carl has no idea what he’s getting himself into.

Sarah squeals when she sees the pumpkin patch. Henry has installed a small playground that’s been painted Sarah’s and my favorite colors: purple and green.

There’s a sign that says, “Sarah Jane’s Pumpkin Patch.”

I kiss him harder than I’ve ever kissed anyone. Even harder than yesterday.

“You were right. The playground and picnic area was a great idea and I should have thought about it before. Now let’s just hope people show up.”

“They will,” I say.

I’m super proud of Henry.

Opening day is slow at first, which gives us time to play with Sarah and talk about the future.

“I still have a lot of high finance connections. They’ve been texting me to come back. But I have a better idea. I want to use their money to start a business incubator here.”

Henry looks puzzled as he pushes Sarah on the baby swing. “I would love to help, but I don’t know how to build an incubator. I have a friend who raises baby chicks to sell at the feed store, and she uses a little heat lamp incubator thing…”

I smile. “I’m sorry, I meant a business incubator, one that gets grants, up-front investments, and includes a workspace for small businesses started by people who can’t afford to pay rent to commercial building owners or can’t even afford a computer and a printer. We give them a little seed money. When they grow and branch out, such as break ground on a brick and mortar building, the loan is forgiven if they stay in town for five years or longer.”

Henry’s wheels are turning. “That’s cool.”

“Thanks.”

“No, that’s amazing. What a fantastic idea. You should do that. What are you doing here? You should go and do it right now.”

I laugh. “Henry, people are coming.”

“No. Go up to the house and use my computer to write out your business plan. I’ll watch Sarah.”

I laugh, but he’s dead serious.

I chew on my lip for a minute. Sarah looks happy. Henry looks content.

I’ve never taken any time while I’m wide awake to sit down and write all this down. I should do it while I have the chance.

“OK,” I say. “But please call or text if you need me. I shouldn’t be more than an hour.”