'Thanking' the Gardener

'I didn't realize pulling weeds would be so rewarding~'

Was also considering calling this 'paying' the gardener.... anyway. maybe their story should be garden of passion or something cheesy instead of beer garden lol... still thinking of a title that better combines brewing/pub and gardening.... hmmm

Edwin does not expect thanks nor payment for his services when it comes to Portia, and has been tending her actual garden far longer than he's been.... tending her 'garden', without payment as he said it was a 'favor to her dad' when in reality, it was an excuse to see her regularly. Portia sits outside her cramped caravan (designed for 1-2 people. typically housing 2-3+ depending), usually having tea or sunning, reading, texting, and he 'works' hoping to talk to her. he actually is working, and is concerned about the plants he put in, but more so hoping for her attention than anything. eventually it's revealed he does it for free, Portia p quickly surmises it is not for her dad since he does not live there currently.... Very cute. Later on she decides to 'pay him' which he's offended by because being his gf means he won't allow her to live with shoddy greenery as it's a slight to him personally.... eventually after a frank 'I'm flirting with you' he is quicker on the up take. now instead of the reward seeing Portia's pleased smile and a compliment, it's usually accompanied with some babying (oh you just work so hard), and lemonade with a cheeky smile and an accidental slip of the bathrobe as she asks for his 'help' inside. Combining business and pleasure isn't always wise, but Edwin's favorite spot to get down and dirty is... in the dirt. in his green house. in the woods. in a botanical garden 1 time. eventually when they have their own place, he has designed the garden to have a few more particular nooks and crannies that still need some 'fertilizing'. freaky but innovative.

Portia is willing to 'take an interest in her partners life' and joins him from time to time, learning quite a bit. She prefers the fruits of his labor, and is typically the taste tester for all things edible grown in the garden, which is almost everything they eat most likely, but it is fun to see Edwin in his element. he's happy and patient and very pleased to have her there. Getting a bit frisky is also an added bonus.