Weddings in the Family by Tessa McDermid

Author:Tessa McDermid
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2009-10-14T16:00:00+00:00

HE SPENT THE REST OF the afternoon in his work shed, measuring and cutting boards for the gazebo he planned to give Caroline as a surprise. They had talked until Caroline looked at the clock. With a cry of dismay, she’d grabbed her briefcase, given him a quick peck on the lips and rushed out the door to make her class. Her excitement had been hard to contain but now he needed time to think about the decision.

The thought of owning his own company had been in the back of his mind for years. But he’d always been an employee, letting someone else carry the risk while he put in his time. He knew he couldn’t get ahead as quickly working for someone else—he heard that enough times from his own father.

Now the opportunity had fallen into his lap. The terms of the loan were generous, with Claude and Joe willing to give him three years before he had to borrow from the bank. Their reputation and goodwill would help him get jobs and his own work in the area would stand him in good stead.

Caroline’s feelings had been the only unknown in the equation, and her response in the kitchen had made it clear she would support him. He’d been worried, after the way she’d reacted to his other career changes. Staying in Freeston had been her only criterion.

Corky nuzzled his leg, the Lab’s wet nose poking under his shorts. “Hey, boy.” He rubbed his hand over the dog’s head. “Come to keep me company?”

The dog moaned and bounced his head, as if he was answering Nick’s question. Nick gave him another pat and picked up a piece of shingle, notching it so it would slide into place with a minimum of effort. His plan was to have all the pieces cut and ready to put together for the next time she went to her parents’ house. She didn’t come out to the work shed very often and if she did, she’d just see a pile of wood in the corner.

She liked sitting on the back stoop, sipping a cup of tea, watching the seasons change and the animals that visited in spite of Corky’s presence. A gazebo would give her a comfortable place to observe and, when he was finished with the electrical, a place she could work on her writing.

He liked working with his hands. He’d enjoyed the challenge of the marketing he’d done with Abbott’s and he liked coming up with the bids for the JC Construction Company. Watching a project come together through his own hard labor was his passion. Once the transfer of the company was complete, he’d see about taking on some small renovation jobs that he could do himself.

A bird flew past and Corky ran out the door, barking and jumping at the intruder. “Good for you, old boy.” Caroline was sure the dog had latent couch-potato genes. He seemed to spend most of his time lounging in his doghouse. He’d have to tell her that the dog could chase birds.

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