Page 30 of Everlasting Vows

I nod. “That we do. Nix didn’t want our neighbors breathing down our necks, so here we are.” I shrug. I hated the idea of having so much space around us, but the longer we’ve lived here, the more used to it I’ve become. I thought it would be isolating, but it’s actually nice to have space away from the busyness of the city. And now, with Nix finally prioritizing our backyard, it will be the perfect escape.

“I was just explaining what we would like done, and he has some great ideas to make things a little unique,” Nix tells me, his voice carrying his excitement. He must really like his ideas, or he thinks I’ll love them.

Theo explains his plans, showing me images of his previous work and telling me which parts he’ll use where. I’m blown away by the beautiful designs he creates from timber. He’ll definitely add a touch of class to our backyard. “I was just explaining to your husband that you don’t want anything closed in over the fire pit, or the smoke will get trapped and it won’t be comfortable.”

I nod. “That makes sense.”

“That’s why I think something like this would work best around the edge of the space rather than over the pit itself.” He flicks through some images and turns his phone back to me.

“Oh, I really like that, Theo. It’ll be perfect.”

He grins at me, almost knocking me on my ass. He’s a handsome man. Scrolling through his phone, he shows me a new image. “And maybe something like this for the area around the hot tub?”

I point at the screen showing a gorgeous multi-level deck with a sunken hot tub. “I don’t suppose you make those gorgeous rocking chairs?”

He smiles at me, his eyes twinkling. “I sure do. They’re a specialty of mine. The most comfortable rocking chairs available. Just ask my wife.” He leans in close as if to share a secret. “She often naps in hers,” he whispers loudly, and I chuckle.

“Show her your outdoor tables, Theo,” Nix tells the man, then looks at me. “They’re hexagonal.” He raises his eyebrows, smirking at me. He knows how much I love things that are simple in design, but a little different from the norm.

Theo flicks through the photos on his phone, then holds it out to me. “I can make any shape, but I have a special place in my heart for this particular design. My stepson often helps me build these tables and the rocking chairs.” He looks between me and Nix. “And if you don’t mind, he’ll probably come along and help if I need to work on the weekend.”

“Oh, wow, that’s amazing. How old is he?” I ask.

“Lachlan’s ten and only recently discovered he has a talent for working with timber,” Theo explains, a hint of pride pushing back his shoulders. “He’s a great kid. You won’t even know he’s here.”

I glance at Nix when he takes my hand in his. “We’d be happy to have Lachlan here.”

“Fantastic. I’ll probably begin work on the pergola over the fire pit first so you can start to grow a creeper over it. I have a contact for a landscape architect I’ve worked with on a few projects. She can help you access any advanced plants you’ll need. Her name’s Rose Phillips. Just let me know if you’d like her details.”

“Thanks, that would be helpful,” I say. “I’ve been worried about the garden looking too new for Prue’s wedding, so advanced plants would help to reduce that.”

“Great. I’ll text you her details.” He fidgets on his phone, then Nix’s phone beeps with an incoming message. “I’ll wait to hear from you, but I should be able to start late next week.”

I like the way this guy works. He’s efficient, friendly, and obviously does beautiful work without being pushy. He’d be perfect.

We walk him around to the front of our house and wave goodbye as he climbs into his truck.

“He seems like a great guy.”

Nix wraps his arm around my waist and turns us back toward our backyard. “He has been one of the most professional tradesmen I’ve dealt with so far. He responds quickly to my messages, and he even arrived early for our appointment today.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Wow. That’s rare.”

“Absolutely.” He leans down and presses a light kiss to my lips, sending tingles racing through my blood. “And his work is top-notch.”

“It’s breathtaking. I think he could make our backyard something truly special.” I look at our house and an image of Nix and me sitting on matching rocking chairs, watching our grandchildren investigate the various areas of our garden takes shape. It’s so real it almost steals my breath.

“I cooked us a barbecue for dinner tonight,” Nix tells me, pulling me from my vision.

I smile up at him. “I know. I could smell it as soon as I walked inside.” My stomach growls and Nix chuckles. “I may have peeked in the warmer.”

“Come on, let me feed you, and you can tell me about your day.” He tugs me inside and takes my coat, hanging it on the hook in the mudroom, then pulls out a chair and directs me to sit. This is the husband I missed so much. I never thought we’d have this again. That he’d put us first. That he’d even want to. After years of feeling abandoned, I’d forgotten what it was like to feel like a couple. He hands me a glass of wine and toasts his glass to mine. “To making our backyard the oasis we always wanted it to be.” We tap our glasses together and take a small drink, keeping our gaze on each other.

“Are you going to let Theo know we’d like him to complete the work out back?”

Nix nods. “If you’re happy with him, I’ll text him later. Give him plenty of time to order the materials so he can get started.”

“You do that, and I’ll get in touch with Rose.” I don’t want Nix to feel like he has to do everything, and it would be nice to work on the project together. I haven’t been able to help so far because I was avoiding him while he was digging the hole, and the stones he’s laying in the pit are too heavy for me. But I’d like to take some of the load. “Can you also ask Theo if he’ll make us some of those gorgeous rocking chairs? Maybe two for out front and two out the back.”