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Chapter 10
Kennedy
I was sweepingthe last remnants of my kitchen floor demolition when there was a knock at the door.
Liam hadn’t mentioned coming over this early.He was going to have a long talk with Grandma Gin and then take a hard look at his income and what jobs were available in the area.After the kids had gone to bed last night, we’d brainstormed all the places welders would work around Coal Haven and the surrounding towns.I gave him the information to register the kids at the school.And we’d made out.A lot.My body had wanted more.AndmaybeI was mentally ready, but it’d beena dayfor Liam and he hadn’t needed to deal with my reaction to sex with him, whatever it would be.
The knock sounded again.I kept my audiobook about managing money and investing running.I didn’t need to know about maintaining a budget.Me and a budget had become quite friendly.If I missed some of this chapter, that was fine.As I walked to the door, I admired the floor.It was cleared down to the subfloor and clean.I’d ripped out the laminate and hauled out the disgusting pad underneath.
I opened the door and smiled, managing to hold it in place when I saw it wasn’t Liam on the other side.I should’ve known.When he was bringing the kids, each boy had to have their turn knocking or ringing the doorbell.
“Bruce, hi.What brings you by?”
It was Saturday.Give Cameron one day to tattle to his brother that I was hanging around Liam, and here was Bruce.
“I talked to my brother, and we’re worried about you.”
I refrained from rolling my eyes, but anxiety burned in my gut.“Why?I’m doing really well.”I didn’t wake up every morning wondering how I was going to make it through the day.Even more, I was productive.I was hopeful.I was happier than I thought I would ever be again.
“We know how Liam can be.”
I cocked my head, confused that he couldn’t see his ignorance.“Do you?”
Bruce’s gaze flickered over my shoulder.“Can I come in?”
The fatherly concern in his eyes made it hard to say no.I knew my father’s name and that he wanted nothing to do with me beyond paying the child support he’d resented.Benji wasn’t exactly a father figure per se, but a guy who supported me because he loved my mother.
Bruce stepped inside, and I shut the door.He stared at my floor.How could I keep him from interfering with my remodeling?
I twisted my hands together.This was my current pride and joy.I went to bed sore and worn out, but with a sense of accomplishment.The new wood planking I planned to install was stacked in the garage.Installation seemed simple enough, and I planned to find out this weekend.
“What’s this?”he asked.
I went to where I’d set my phone on the counter and shut off the audiobook.“I’m making some updates.It’s brighter in here already, don’t you think?”
“You’re doing this?”The surprise wasn’t unexpected, but the dismay was.
I nodded and went to twist the spot where my wedding ring had been.I hadn’t put it back on, but I still looked at it sitting in its black velvet jewelry box every day.I covered the bare spot with my other hand.I didn’t want Bruce to notice while I was still getting used to going without.“It’s been fun.”More fun than messing with the plumbing.I didn’t have to worry about a flood.
His mouth tightened in a line.“This is what I’m talking about.That boy wants you to work for him—for free, but he can’t help you do this.”
“He helps when I need it.”I stressed the last part of that statement.
Bruce lifted his brows.A move Derek used to do when he wanted me to elaborate.I’d found it endearing with him.With his father, it bordered on maddening.Why did I have to explain?
But I did.“I call him with any questions.He’s happy to help.I want to do this.”
“You don’t need to do it alone though.”
“Well”—I kept a light tone—“I don’t want someone to come in and take over.”
His gaze softened with more than a touch of sadness.Oh, crap.I made him feel bad.“It’s supposed to rain tonight.Are you sure I can’t help you mow?”
The yearning in his voice sapped the willfulness out of me.Taking care of my lawn was his way of coping.“How about you mow, and I’ll keep going with the flooring?I’ve been watching videos, and I’m excited to try what I’ve learned.”
A beat of relief went through his expression.His gaze landed on the floor, and I wanted to shift to the side to block his view.It was just a floor, but I was high on the sense of accomplishment.I couldn’t wait to walk into the house, see a pristine floor, and know that I did it.
His expression hardened into resolve and I was afraid to know about what.“I can let Willow know that I won’t be home ’til later.”
