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I know it’ll take me a little time to complete the projects I have in mind, but I think the end result will be something to be proud of.
I head back to my truck and retrieve the pieces I’ve been working on in my garage late at night. After Max would go to sleep, I’d slip outside and work on the few touches I wanted to add to the pool house. Kate has no idea I’ve been working on them, which has me both excited and nervous. She may not like the changes I’m making at all, though I really believe she’ll love them.
Glancing at my watch, I see it’s just after four. I’ll have to head out and grab Max at five, but this gives me a solid hour to get started. Beginning with the changing rooms, I rip down the old shower curtains from the wall and scrub the wooden doorframe. It’s solid pine and still sealed well, so the dust and dirt from years of unuse clean off easily.
I take the new swinging doors and position them in the opening. My dad taught me carpentry when I was younger, one of the few things I took away from my childhood that I’m grateful for. Back when Harper and I were helping him build or refinish things in the garage was when our family was still happy. Before he tore it all apart for a few quick and easy lays.
The doors fit perfectly. I was always told to measure twice and cut once, so I was pretty sure I had the measurements right. The new doors fill about three quarters of the opening, leaving a foot of open space at the bottom, just in case. When you live along the ocean and the product you’re building is for a pool house, you learn to prepare for anything.
When the new door is secured into place, I give it a few tests to make sure it swings easily. The new latch fits perfectly, ensuring whoever is changing inside the small room has privacy. I can’t help but smile at myself, loving the way the pinewood matches the existing doorway. Latham helped me with that at his hardware store.
I glance at my watch, noting I still have thirty minutes. I run back out to my truck and grab the bench. My eyes dart to the house, but don’t see the woman I’m searching for. She went with Emma and Orval this afternoon to my mom’s house for a visit. Aunt Emma wouldn’t take no for an answer, at least according to my uncle. She insisted the best hangover cure was my mom’s home cooking, so off they went.
The bench is heavy, I’ll admit. I spent a lot of extra time on the details on this thing. After Latham built my sister a bench for shoppers to rest for their shop, I decided to try my hand at one too. This one should fit perfectly between the tile shower and the sink. It’ll give whoever is rinsing off the chlorine pool water the chance to set down their clean clothes or have a seat when changing. It’s painted a beautiful sea blue color that matches some of the shower tile.
With the bench now in place, I get to work cleaning up the rest of the tiny bathroom area. It still needs a good scrubbing, but I figured I can do that this weekend when I’m watering the plants. All of the trash and debris is removed, leaving a fresh palate of space for Kate to finish the building. All in all, I’m happy with the few changes I’ve made.
By the time I make my way to my truck, I’m the last one here. I punch in the code on my way out, making sure the gate closes and is secured behind me, then head toward my old neighborhood to pick up Max. He’s ready to go when I get to Mrs. Jergenson’s place. Besides my family and Ashley’s mom, Eileen Jergenson is the only person who has watched Max. She’s like his third grandma, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“Are we going to Kate’s house?” Max asks as soon as I get him buckled into his seat.
“Not tonight, Buddy. It’s just you and me,” I tell him as I climb into the driver’s seat.
“Awww, Daddy, I want to go see Kate!” Max bellows with disappointment.
My mind is whirling, because honestly, I want to see Kate too. I have nothing planned for Max and me, and since I’m spending tomorrow evening with Kate, I never got around to asking what her plans for tonight are either. I make my way to my house, driving past Ashley’s as I go, and pull out my phone. As soon as I’m parked, I fire off a text to Kate.
Me: Max wants to buy you chicken fingers from the café. Plans for dinner?
I slip my phone into my shirt pocket and get ready to head inside. I grab Max’s book bag and the kid himself, and before I have my key in the lock to open the house, my phone chimes with a response.
Kate: How did he know I have a weakness for chicken fingers?
Me: Pick you up at six?
I glance at my watch. That gives me just enough time to shower and pick her up.
Kate: That’s fine. I left your aunt and uncle at your mom’s house. They were staying for dinner. Mary Ann will take them back to my place after.
Me: See you soon.
Kate: I’ll be ready. :)
“Hey, Max,” I call as I enter the living room where he’s already watching cartoons. “Wanna go have chicken fingers with Kate at the café?”
“Yay!” Max hollers, throwing his arms up in the air. “I love chicken fingers! And Kate! I’m sitting by Kate in the boof this time!” he says.
“Booth, and I’m sure that can be arranged. I’m going to run through the shower, okay?” I ask before heading down the small hallway to the single bathroom we share.
I close the door and strip off my work clothes, recalling what Max said about Kate and loving her. It warms my heart that my son has fallen under the hypnotic spell that is Kathryn Elliott. The only thing that worries me is him getting in too deep. Max will be devastated if it doesn’t work out between Kate and me, and being the reason my son is in pain is the last thing I want to do.
I guess I’ll just have to make sure it all works out then, huh?
Max loving Kate?
It was bound to happen.
“That makes two of us, Buddy.”
