CHAPTER 256

“We’re planting flowers!” the mud-pie maker exclaimed, throwing her hands up, flinging mud everywhere.

“Cool. Can I watch?” He stepped inside, bracing himself for India’s reaction.

She didn’t growl or demand he leave, like he’d expected, she smiled the angelic smile that twisted his guts into a pretzel. “Sure.

Come on in. You can even help.”

The bespectacled boy asked, “What’s your name?”

“Colt. What’s yours?”

“Hayden.” He gave Colt a thorough once-over. “Hey, are you Buck’s cousin?”

“Yes. I am. Do you know him?”

“Uh-huh. He’s my big buddy.”

“Lucky for Buck. So, Hayden, think you can help me make one of these things?”

Hayden beamed. “Yes. It’s quite logical, really.”

The rest of the kids started talking all at once, offering suggestions. Crowding him, but he didn’t mind.

India clapped her hands. “Okay, munchkins, listen up. Once everyone has soil in their cup, we’ll move to the next step, the fun part; planting the seeds.”

“Carrot seeds?”

“Eww. Gross. I hate carrots.”

“No, Anton. Sunf