"This isn't all out," he assured her with a grin. "I'm not baking. Hells, I didn't even make sandwiches."

Then he gestured to the grove around them, encompassing the garden, his greenhouse, the clearing, everything. "I'm very pleased with how it's going," he said. "I'm scrambling a bit to make sure everything's done before the frost, but things are settling in nicely. I should at least get a few more holes dug, but if you want a tour, I'd be happy to show you around. And, of course, you're free to wander the grove itself. He smiled warmly. "It likes you. Wary, but it likes you."