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Bracelets on her wrist clattered together as she swept her arm out to tell us about a couch and loveseat set.The bracelets probably had a story too, and if Hattie were telling it, I wanted to hear it.
“These are factory built but are still quality construction with a simple design.I supply across the board.If someone in Coal Haven needs to outfit their bedroom, they can come here for a nice, boring headboard and dresser set.Or they can choose a handcrafted headboard.”She waved for us to follow her.“Like this one here.”
We reached a bed with a gorgeously simple headboard.Planks of wood were stacked on each other, much like shiplap, and each plank was a different shade of wood grain.From light gray to a rich cherrywood.
“That’s beautiful.”I ran my hand along the headboard.It looked rough, like I should pick up no less than five slivers, like someone had found these planks in the trees and hammered them together.Only smooth, cool wood ran under my hand.
“I get these from a man in Fort Berthold.He and his grandson do this as a side gig; it makes the pieces seem rare to the buyers.The guys have no interest in dealing with packing and shipping and sales.So I do that—arrange pickup and delivery—and we’ve gotten buyers all over the nation.”She bobbed her head.“I think that’s what your work can do, Liam.I think you’re good enough to attract people from all over the country.I’d say internationally too, but I haven’t wanted to deal with the increased cost and time.”She let out a contented sigh.“I have enough work to keep me busy.”
Despite Cameron and Naomi Barron.My hopes continued to soar.This would be so good for Liam.
He squatted down to get a closer look at an end table that matched the headboard.“This place is really something, Hattie.”
She nodded like it was a simple fact, but she beamed.“Come here.”She took us through the living room section to a corner that had an eclectic home decor vibe.Less staged and more displayed.“This is where I’d put your pieces.”She spread out her hands to encompass most of the corner.“Locals can come in and shop, but I have a room in the back where I can keep props for photo shoots.I’ll still put your work online.”
I pictured the firepit and the chain-link cross that Liam had made on display.It wouldn’t take much to add to their appeal.A few cute chairs.A couple of skewers for marshmallows and hot dogs.I’d want a firepit after I’d seen that display too.
They chatted about a few pieces that Liam had on hand and his ideas for the rest of the tractor seats that I’d found in my garage.She wanted a firepit, two preferably, with different designs than what he’d made for Charlotte.
Liam pushed a hand through his hair.“My grandpa had a lot of collections.Old bikes.Record players.I still have them.I’ve got some ideas.”
Warmth spread through me.He hadn’t wanted to touch his grandpa’s junk, but then he hadn’t thought any of it was junk.He couldn’t throw it out, but changing it and selling it to take care of Grandma Gin was exactly something Liam would do.He was one of a kind.
And he was mine.
Hattie’s gaze lit up.“Anything for the gardens or outside sells better in the spring and summer, so get me those first.”
I wandered around while Liam and Hattie talked shop and contracts.The information was interesting, but the store was full of eye candy.A treasure in our small town.
When they were done, Liam wore the same smile his kids did when we told them we were going fishing or to the lake.My body warmed, and I was tempted to throw myself at him for a big hug.He was happy with himself, and I didn’t get to see that expression on him nearly enough.
I’d congratulate him later.We could lie in bed and talk about his projects and the store until he had to get home.
Or tomorrow, after we wore the kids out at the parade and the lake, then lit fireworks.It didn’t get dark enough for fireworks until after ten.Closer to eleven was better.So, we’d concluded it was better for me to sleep over.A legitimate excuse to tell the boys.
I couldn’t wait for tomorrow—or tomorrow night.
“Ready?”Liam held a few papers.The contracts.He was a contracted artist.
Never mind stealing him for myself.This was too momentous to keep to ourselves.“We need to celebrate.How about I treat for pizza this time?Tell Grandma Gin she’s welcome too.”
His grin widened, and he held the door open for me.I stepped out and blinked in the sun, wishing I had my sunglasses.
“Kennedy?”
I stiffened and spun.The man I faced was an older version of Liam, his expression nowhere near as friendly.Cameron Barron, in his standard black suit with cowboy boots.It was his schtick.A big oil guy who was still a small-town rancher.His graying hair was combed to the side, and the lines on his face only added to the aura of power he carried.
Bruce came to a stop next to Cameron.The perfect damper to my jubilant mood.
Liam stepped out.“I’ll message—” He ground to a stop next to me.
I kept my smile as sunny as the sky.I was an adult, and I was out with a friend.I was not some kid busted with a forbidden boyfriend.“Hi, Bruce.Cameron.How are you?”
Bruce’s scowl etched into his face until he looked twenty years older.Seeing me with Liam wasn’t as much of a shock to him.“Good.Say, did Deano get a hold of you?”
“Yes.”I wasn’t getting into my finances around Cameron.Or had Bruce already talked to him?I was tempted to cower, but I cleared my throat and forced the words out of my mouth.“I told him that everything was fine as it was.Thank you for the offer, though.”
Bruce frowned, his brow furrowing so deeply I could hide in the creases, but he didn’t say anything.Damn, that shouldn’t have been so hard.I’d wait to ask for the keys back when Cameron wasn’t around.
