“I’m going to be busy. We’re expanding. Opening a year-round Christmas store. I’ve got so much to do. I want to have a grand opening in two weeks.” She bounced on her backside like a kid, shaking the picnic table.
“That’s a short time frame for a store reno.” Plus, carpenters were hard to come by this time of year. Everyone wanted renos done. Wanted their houses sparkling like new for the holidays. Being in construction, the pre-holiday rush was a mixed blessing. The income was great, but the rush could be stressful.
“I think I can do it. I’ve got sketches, plans, layouts. I ordered new supply catalogues last night. I’m so excited.”
“Don’t get me wrong, but how are you going to pay for it all?” Half the town knew the store was on its last legs.
She stared at him. “I have some savings; I’m buying in. becoming a partner.” Her eyes glowed with excitement. Her enthusiasm was contagious.
“An influx of cash is a good thing. So, you’re back in Silver Creek for good then?” The idea pleased him. He liked her, she was nice to him, despite her inability to see beyond his scruffy appearance.
“I’m here to stay. Running the store was my dream as a kid. I lost sight of the goal for a while, but I’m back now and here to stay.” She tipped her head back, eyes closed, smiling broadly. The sun glinted off the tiny silver stars dangling from her ears. It was like she sparkled with happiness. His heart tipped. He’d heard the expression someone stole your breath away; this was the first time he’d experienced it.
“I’ll tell you what. If you have any carpentry or reno questions, you can bounce them off me. I’m here most mornings, enjoying the sunrise.”
“That would be incredible. Thank you.” She flung her arms around him, sloshing creamy coffee on his jacket. “Oh no. I’ve spilled on you.”
He laughed aloud, delighted by her concern. “Don’t fret. This old coat’s absorbed dozens of spills. It’s a work jacket, a stain or two, or twelve, won’t hurt it.”
“I’ll have it cleaned.” Her earnest appeal touched him.
“Really. It’s fine. I will let you buy me a coffee.” He winked to let her know he was teasing. She returned the gesture with a shy smile that tickled his heart. He looked at the sky and then at his watch. “Unfortunately, I have to go. You’re welcome to keep the blanket.”
“No, but thanks. I have to go as well. A million things to do. Besides, the wind is cold and I’m walking.”
“Me, too. I’ll walk you back.” It would be faster to go right to work because the store was ninety degrees in the wrong direction from the mayor’s house, but he didn’t care. He wanted a few more minutes with her. They stood and he wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.
“Wait. Doesn’t the mayor live over there?” Hailey said, pointing.
“Yup. But the wind cuts like a knife and your jacket is thin. Wear the blanket back. I’ll walk you. The mayor will forgive me for being late and I’ll make up the time.” Mayor Chaudry was in Mexico and would never know. Plus, he kept his own hours, and was being paid by the job. He wrapped the blanket around Hailey’s shoulders.
“It is colder now, isn’t it?” She hugged the blanket tight. “My coffee is ice cold.”
“I’ll buy you a new one.” He’d like to spend a bit of money on her. Show his appreciation for her company.
“Or, I’ll buy you the one I owe you,” she countered, gesturing at his jacket. “And I’ll get myself one at the same time.”
He really should tell her he had no money worries, but he liked the way she fretted over him. Even if it was mildly annoying and condescending at times. She had a generous heart.
* * *
“Can you believe it,”she complained as they walked up the hill to watch the sunrise the next morning, Rover at their side. “Every single carpenter and reno firm in this town is booked solid. At least those I talked to. JP Construction doesn’t even return calls. Who does business that way?”
He did. She’d called yesterday, while he was in the office. Call display told him it was her. He wasn’t ready to confess he was a highly successful businessman. He’d instructed his staff to ignore her calls. They were puzzled, but agreed. “Maybe they are busy.” She’d called seven times yesterday and left three messages.
“Maybe. What do I do now? I need to get started. Time’s short if I want to open on the first.”
“I’ve got some time. I could step in until you find someone else. I am qualified.” And he’d like to spend more time with her. He could have just taken the call and accepted the job. Honestly, he wasn’t sure why he hadn’t, beyond his need to keep his success a secret.
“That’s right. I forgot you’re a carpenter. You wouldn’t mind?” She grasped his elbow, halting their progress up the hill.
“Not at all. I finished up at Mayor Chaudry’s last night.” More accurately, half an hour ago. He’d gone all in knowing she might need him. He was booked for some minor repairs at the crisis center, but there wasn’t anything that wouldn’t wait a day or two. He could send one of his guys over if need be. Or, he could complete the small jobs while he firmed up ideas with Hailey. He spread the blanket and they sat, side by side, legs covered by the ends.
“No,” she said dejectedly. “My mother would have a fit if she knew I hired you. She already blew a gasket because you helped me move.”
“Mine, too.” He pointed to the sky. “A shooting star. Make a wish. It’s a good omen.”
“Beautiful.” Her eyes closed for a moment and reopened. He wondered if she’d made a wish.
